The beachfront destination is home to 13 dining venues.
J1 Beach in Dubai looks set to be a dining destination. Located in Jumeirah, it looks set to transform the beachfront. The area will boast 13 licensed venues, from internationally acclaimed restaurants to new concepts. Now, the first restaurant, Gigi Rigolatto, is set to open on 14 October, and the rest will follow throughout October and November.
J1 Beach will be home to world-class restaurants from cities including London, Miami, New York, Paris and Tulum. At its heart will be Sirene by GAIA, which is curated by Dubai’s own Chef Izu Ani. Upon completion, it will be the world’s largest beach club.
Shahram Shamsaee, CEO at Merex Investment, explained: “J1 Beach is set to become the crowning jewel of Dubai’s stunning coastline, offering guests an elevated experience of elegance and excellence with culinary innovation. We look forward to welcoming diners to enjoy the rejuvenating energy and panoramic views of the city at our day-to-night seaside venue.” Here are all of the places opening at J1 Beach.
African Queen
African Queen will be a must-visit for those seeking a fusion of French and African flavours. This unique culinary destination, born in the South of France in 1969, has been tantalising palates with dishes like Artichoke with vinaigrette, Filet au Poivre, and Salade Nicoise. Now, under the guidance of Chef Thierry Paludetto, it brings its fine dining experience to J1 Beach Dubai, promising a gastronomic journey in a casual, yet chic atmosphere.
Almayass by the Sea
Originating in Beirut, Almayass by the Sea showcases Lebanese-Armenian cuisine. With Chefs Mardeg Barsomian and Jad Abou Zeid at the helm, expect signature dishes like Kebab Karaz and Manti. Having garnered the Michelin Guide’s Bib Gourmand award in Abu Dhabi, Almayass is a cherished institution. The new outpost promises a seafood menu filled with mezze-style creations, fresh ingredients, and a welcoming atmosphere that’s perfect for a memorable beachfront meal.
Bâoli Dubai
If you’re in the mood for contemporary Japanese cuisine with a touch of new Asian flavours, Bâoli is your destination. With its lush jungle-inspired ambience, this hotspot has already made waves in Miami and Cannes, and now it’s about to captivate Dubai. Bâoli offers an extraordinary experience for those seeking something out of the ordinary. The sanctuary style aesthetic means you’ll be dining in style.
Chouchou
Chouchou, an exclusive beach house member’s club, is a slice of French paradise on the Dubai shoreline. While the beach house is exclusive to members, the restaurant will be open to the public. It features a relaxing beach and pool lounge, a restaurant serving upscale French cuisine, and a contemporary feel. With a living room, rooftop terrace, and a signature Rose pool, Chouchou offers an inviting atmosphere for members and visitors alike.
Gigi Rigolatto
Gigi Rigolatto will be the first venue to open at J1 Beach Dubai, bringing the charm of the Italian way of life to Dubai’s shores on 14 October. Covering 5,000 square meters, this venue offers an exquisite Italian menu, served indoors or on two scenic terraces. The interior is designed to evoke timeless charm, featuring lush greenery, a serene Mediterranean garden, a private beach, and a pool. Adding to its allure are a Bellini bar, a pétanque court, and a concept store showcasing a carefully curated selection of items.
Gitano
Born in the tropical jungle of Mexico and travelling the world with locations in Miami, New York, Tulum, and now Dubai, Gitano promises elevated dinner and dancing experiences with signature mezcal cocktails and a modern Mexican menu. The spirit of “gitano” or gypsy infuses this place, making it a diverse, eclectic, and creative destination for those seeking a beautiful beachside experience.
INÁ
Dubai’s dining scene is heating up. INÁ, which means fire and flame in Nigerian Yoruba, is coming to the city. The African-inspired restaurant will go from dining to dancing, and host a lively party scene. At the heart of the restaurant is open-fire cooking. The concept aims to showcase African hospitality and the values of warmth and unity. The menu will bring together diverse flavours and the cultural richness of the continent. The concept comes to Dubai from Chef Izu Ani and Evgeny Kuzin, the dynamic duo behind the FACT Award-winning GAIA.
Kaimana Beach
Kaimana Beach, which means ‘spirit of the ocean’ in Polynesian culture, offers a 360-degree immersive dining experience with Asian-Polynesian flavours. Relax by the private pool and beach, savouring exquisite cuisine and signature cocktails from Kai Bar.
La Baia by The Beach
Hailing from New York, La Baia by The Beach invites guests to indulge in the art of la dolce vita. Guests can expect Southern Italian-inspired food, alongside entertainment and Insta-worthy views. The menu is a celebration of the flavours and traditions of the region. Dishes are given opulent additions with black caviar and truffle, which are incorporated on the likes of burrata and pizzas. The Sgroppino show at La Baia turns cocktail-making into a theatrical event. This display combines tradition with Instagram-worthy showmanship. The drinks menu will feature a curated selection of wine from Tuscany, Maremma, and Montalcino
Lúnico
Lúnico is where Spanish-Mediterranean cuisine meets culinary excellence. The venue draws its inspiration from the phases of the moon. The name itself comes from the Spanish words luna and único, which refer to elements of the moon. Lúnico is open for lunch and dinner, and it transforms from day to night. The culinary team serves fine-dining Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine. The menu includes tapas, mains, and desserts, and dishes include Ceviche Gallego, Galician Octopus, Green Apple Oyster, Vieiras with Caviar, and Purple Potato Mille-Feuille. Plus, the dishes showcase biodynamic products that are harvested optimally during the moon’s cycle. The concept aims to blend together food, drinks and music.
Ninive Beach
Ninive Beach aims to blend together cultural heritage with contemporary elegance. The concept from RIKAS Hospitality Group can already be found in Dubai at Jumeirah Emirates Towers and Bab Al Shams Desert Resort. The Jumeirah Emirates Towers venue is inspired by a majlis and the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, while the Bab Al Shams Desert Resort venue is located in the depths of the desert. The menu at J1 Beach Dubai is expected to combine flavours from across the Middle East and North Africa. Diners can expect influences from Iran, Iraq, Morocco and Turkey.
Sakhalin Dubai
Sakhalin is where local and Far Eastern products combine with Mediterranean and Asian recipes to create MediterrAsian cuisine. Inspired by Sakhalin Island, Russia, the location acts as a crossroads for two cultures. Sakhalin is an island in the Pacific Ocean, north of Japan. The brand can already be found around the world in cities including Bodrum, Moscow, and Istanbul. If the existing venues are anything to go by, Dubai is in for a terrific treat. Spanning indoors and outdoors, the images show a venue with a bright and breezy aesthetic. The terrace boasts light blue and white seats on the terrace. The interior space includes a classy, contemporary look with a bar, countertop dining and plush sofas. Plus, a generous wine cellar and even a fish tank. The restaurant is a creative collaboration between restaurateur Boris Zarkov, chef Alexey Kogay and White Rabbit Family’s brand chef, Vladimir Mukhin.
Sirene by Gaia
Developed by Evgeny Kuzin and Chef Izu Ani, Sirene by Gaia offers a laid-back coastal experience in Dubai. It transports guests to a picturesque beachside setting, embodying the beauty of a summer in Greece with its authentic Greek Mediterranean flavours. Sirene Beach by GAIA is an expansion of the GAIA brand. The world's biggest beach club will offer a gourmet dining experience, and the menu will boast Greek Mediterranean flavours. If Chef Izu’s previous restaurants are anything to go by, Dubai diners are in for a treat. GAIA is one of the most critically acclaimed restaurants in Dubai and a multiple FACT Dining Award Dubai winner.
GO: Visit www.j1beach.com for more information.
