Shimmers Dubai

The Best Burj Al Arab View in Dubai

Shimmers at Jumeirah Mina A'Salam is the most unobstructed beachside view of the Burj Al Arab in Dubai. Period. The Greek-Mediterranean restaurant sits directly on the Madinat Jumeirah's private beach with the sail-shaped landmark filling the horizon — so perfectly framed that the whole terrace, pergola and pebble-strewn deck feel purpose-built to capture it.

The aesthetic is deliberately calm and coastal: whitewashed timber, sun-bleached linens, driftwood ceiling beams, and deep-cushioned banquettes that invite long lunches that bleed into sunset cocktails. Unlike the high-energy party-pool venues elsewhere in Dubai, Shimmers trades in something quieter and, for many guests, more memorable: a Greek island atmosphere, Aegean ingredients, and the single most photographed landmark in the Middle East as a permanent backdrop.

The menu is Greek at its core — grilled octopus, whole fish, tzatziki, spanakopita, mezze spreads designed for sharing — with well-judged detours into Italian and Emirati flavours. The sea bass in salt crust, the lamb chops, and the seafood platters are what regulars order again and again. Wine is a Mediterranean selection-led affair with a proper Greek section. Cocktails lean into Aegean herbs and citrus.

Shimmers is consistently rated among Dubai's top 10 restaurants on Tripadvisor, and remains one of only a handful of places in the city where the view is genuinely reason enough on its own. Come for sunset. Stay for the stars. Explore Madinat Jumeirah beach →

Dining at Shimmers

Shimmers is a Greek-Mediterranean restaurant at heart, with seafood as its defining strength. The grilled whole fish (sea bass, sea bream, red mullet depending on the season) comes with nothing more elaborate than lemon, olive oil and coarse salt — the Aegean way. The grilled octopus, salt-baked sea bream, and seafood platter are regulars' orders.

The mezze selection is serious — tzatziki, taramasalata, spanakopita, grilled halloumi — and designed to be shared across long tables. The menu also features Italian homemade pasta dishes and a short section of Emirati classics for those looking for local flavours. Desserts include loukoumades (Greek honey doughnuts) and a phenomenal baklava.

The beverage programme leans Mediterranean: Greek wines (Assyrtiko, Xinomavro, Agiorgitiko), Provençal rosés, classic spritzes, Aegean-herb cocktails, and a concise but well-curated champagne list. Shisha is available on the beach in the evenings.

Menu Highlights