Sip a sundowner at these amazing places to eat and drink
By Time Out EditorsSeptember 20, 2022
Autumn is finally here, and with it the perfect excuse for a sundowner (or five) at one of Dubai’s best bars, restaurants or beach clubs.
All boasting incredible sunset views of Dubai, you can spy some of the city’s most iconic landmarks from these sumptuous watering holes, perched atop luxury hotels or directly on the beach. What better way to spend a lazy afternoon with friends or watch the sun go down on a romantic date?
Read on to discover the best hotspots for sundowners in Dubai.
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Best bars for sundowners in Dubai
Located in one of Dubai’s most exclusive hotels, 101 One&Only The Palm is considered one of the best places in the world to chill out and watch the sunset. Jutting out from the southernmost arc of the Palm, it is accessible by buggy, but if you’re looking to impress then we suggest hopping on a boat from the mainland Royal Mirage hotel. Internationally-influenced tapas is the order of the day (think not only Spanish, but Middle Eastern, Japanese, South American and Korean, too), all to be enjoyed against the view of the neon-lined skyscrapers of Dubai Marina.
Open daily 12pm-1am. One&Only The Palm, Palm Jumeirah. www.oneandonlyresorts.com/the-palm/dining/101-dining-lounge-and-marina (04 440 1030).
During the day, Aura Skypool is the perfect place to catch some rays as Dubai’s iconic skyline unravels beyond the venue’s 360-degree infinity pool. Come 4pm and it’s time to grab a crisp glass of pink grape, park yourself opposite Atlantis The Palm and enjoy one of the best sunset views in town. We recommend treating yourself to some food, too – the sushi, bao and other Asian bites and meals are plated in a way that eating from your lounger is actually a comfortable and classy experience. 10/10.
Open Tue-Sat 10am-7pm, Sun-Mon 10am-11pm. The Palm Tower, Palm Jumeirah. www.auraskypool.com (04 566 2121).
Barasti is certainly Dubai’s most famous beach bar – open since 1995, it’s managed to remain one of the city’s busiest bars for sundowners thanks to its sprawling beachside location and the promise of a fun night to remember (or most likely forget). The definition of an oldie but goodie, while it’s not everybody’s cup of tea, it’s a solid spot to grab a table with friends and enjoy reasonably-priced drinks as the sun goes down. Trust us, you could do much worse.
Open Sun-Thur 9am-1am, Fri-Sat 9am-2am. Le Méridien Mina Seyahi, Al Sufouh, Dubai Marina. www.barastibeach.com (04 318 1313).
Perched in a prime position overlooking Souk Madinat Jumeriah, not only does Folly promise a picture-perfect vista of the sparkling Madinat waterways below and the Arabian Gulf beyond, you’ll also get a cheeky glimpse of the majestic Burj al Arab. With its extensive cocktail list – you can’t leave without trying the famous folly pop (an ice lolly-cocktail mashup that comes in different fruity flavours) – it’s one of the best bars in Dubai for sundowners. We recommend heading there between 5-7pm for Happy Hour, which they generously throw every night of the week.
Open Mon-Fri 5pm-12am, Sat-Sun 1pm-12am. Souk Madinat Jumeirah. www.folly.ae (04 430 8538).
Got the in-laws in town? You’ll want to take them to Jetty Lounge. Perhaps the prettiest spot in the whole of Dubai for sundowners, the classy lounge on the beachfront of the One&Only Royal Mirage serves up Mediterranean bites, classic cocktails and a Balearic soundtrack in a super chilled out setting. Gazing out over the JBR waters, cosy up on a plush white sofa in one of the dimly lit booths, dip your toes in the sand and simply wait for the sun to set.
Open daily 3pm-1am. One&Only Royal Mirage, Dubai Marina. www.oneandonlyresorts.com/royal-mirage/dining/the-jetty-lounge (04 399 9999).
While most of the best bars for sundowners in Dubai tend to base themselves by the beach, Noépe at the Park Hyatt bucks the trend with a sophisticated setting by the Creek. With its New England-inspired interiors and delicious menu serving up American east coast classics with a contemporary twist, you could easily be in Cape Cod as you sip on a refreshing beverage overlooking the yachts bobbing lazily in the marina. Simply divine.
Open Sun-Fri 12pm-12am, Sat 5pm-12am. Park Hyatt Dubai, Dubai Creek. www.hyattrestaurants.com/en/dining/uae/dubai/seafood-restaurant-in-dubai-creek-noepe (04 602 1814).
Taking inspiration from the Greek island of the same name, you’ll find Paros on top of the 46th floor of the Taj in JLT. That means that instead of looking out over the Mediterranean, you’ll be treated to glorious vistas of the Marina and close-by Emirates Golf Club from its huge terrace, which tends to be packed most nights of the week. If you want to be in prime position to watch the sky turn from blue to yellow to golden orange we recommend heading there early and enjoying some of Paros’ cracking bar food while you wait.
Open Sat-Wed 12pm-1am, Thur-Fri 12pm-2am. Taj JLT. www.parosdubai.com (04 574 1111).
With its huge roof space and super glamourous crowd, this Time Out Dubai award winner is one of our favourite bars for sundowners in Dubai. Located in the swanky W Dubai hotel, the atmosphere is always electric, and you can’t beat its unobstructed views of Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina and the Arabian Gulf. Come for the sunset and stay for the party, which really kicks off on the weekend. You can find us at the bar.
Open Mon 5pm-1am, Tues-Fri 5pm-3am, Sat 4pm-3am, Sun 3pm-1am. W Dubai – The Palm, West Crescent Palm Jumeirah. www.sobedubai.com (04 245 5577).
A staple of Dubai’s sundowner (and party) scene, The Penthouse is the place to head if you’re in the mood for a big night out. Sitting on the 16th floor of FIVE Palm Jumeirah, while you’ll have already seen its picture-perfect views of Dubai Marina all over your Instagram feed, be sure to reserve a low-level table lining the glass wall that faces directly onto the Arabian Gulf to enjoy them to their fullest IRL. Don’t get too comfy – its resident DJs will have you on your feet before you know it.
Open daily 4pm-3am. FIVE Palm Jumeirah. www.thepenthouse.co (052 900 4868).
Best restaurants for sundowners in Dubai
One of Dubai’s longest-standing beach restaurants, the Beach Bar & Grill was given a sparkling new makeover at the end of 2021, with fantastic new views to boot. There’s Bluewaters to your left, the new Dubai Harbour right in front and Palm Jumeirah to your right, with lots of swanky yachts to admire. While there are four stunning teakwood terraces outside on which to dine, we recommend booking a table on the one on the sand from which you can indulge in quality Latin American fare courtesy of Chef Mauro Colagreco as the sun dips behind the horizon in the distance.
Open 12-11pm daily. The Palace at One&Only Royal Mirage, Dubai Marina. www.oneandonlyresorts.com/royal-mirage/dining/the-beach-bar-and-grill (04 399 9999).
Picture the scene. You’re on a beach in Dubai, eating endless fresh seafood, listening to the gentle lapping of the waves while watching the sun set in the distance, sundowner in hand. Does life get much better than that? That’s a rhetorical question, by the way. From its paved flooring to the blue and white hues of the open-air restaurant, everything about this picture-perfect restaurant screams Santorini, including its Aegean menu of Greek cuisine. There’s nothing left to do but grab a white table on the beach and stare out at the sea as fairy lights twinkle above you.
Open daily 12-4pm, 6-11pm. Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina. www.fish-dubai.com (04 511 7373).
One of the newer restaurants for sundowners in Dubai – Ginger Moon opened this April at the trendy (and also new) W Dubai – Mina Seyahi. This Mexican-inspired eatery looks out onto the hotel’s azure infinity pool, and it’s here you’ll want to place yourself for those killer sunset views that look out over the Palm Jumeirah skyline. The food is equally as delicious as the vistas, with everything from burrata to lobster gracing the menu. Definitely one to add to the list.
Open daily 7am-2am. W Dubai – Mina Seyahi, Dubai Marina. www.marriot.com (04 350 9998).
If you hadn’t already guessed, fresh seafood is the name of the game at this popular Palm Jumeirah spot – but that’s not the only thing it serves up in spades. With Dubai Marina skyline views that are second to none and a Mediterranean-inspired menu sprinkled with Italian, French and Spanish flair, a flattering glow is painted over patrons as they eat while the sunsets, transporting you directly to a chic European beachside resort. And if all else fails, its expertly-crafted sundowners will definitely put you in the holiday mood.
Open daily 11am-3am. West Palm, Palm Jumeirah. www.luckyfishdubai.com (04 569 3447).
If shisha and sundowners by the beach are high on your list of priorities after a long week of work, hot foot it down to Shimmers. Located within the exquisite Mina A’ Salam hotel and nestled directly under the sail of the Burj Al Arab, you’ll have sweeping views of the Arabian Gulf from every direction. While more formal dining areas are available, for sunset we recommend basing yourself in one of the low-lying sofas and watching the magical sorbet hues fill the sky with drink in hand.
Open 12.30pm-12am daily. Mina A’ Salam, Madinat Jumeirah. www.jumeirah.com/en/dine/dubai/mina-a-salam-shimmers (800 323 232).
There’s something truly magical about watching the sun set over the water, and there’s no place to do it quite like Piatti by the Beach. Drawing inspiration from Italy’s Amalfi Coast, this relaxed yet sophisticated restaurant comes complete with a sprawling terrace that provides panoramic sea views and hanging planters loom overhead with cascading magenta blooms. If you didn’t make it to Italy this year, this place is definitely the next best thing.
Open daily 12.30pm-11.30pm. Raffles The Palm Dubai, West Crescent Palm Jumeirah. www.rafflesthepalmdubai.com/restaurant/piatti-by-the-beach (04 248 8889).
Pristine white sands? Tick. Fiery Latin American dishes? Tick. Unparalleled views of the Arabian Gulf and Ain Dubai? Tick, tick, tick. Taking pride of place on JBR beach, Tamoka holds one of Dubai’s prime waterfront spots for sundowners, with fancy mixed drinks crafted by expert mixologists. This place garners a well-heeled crowd, so you might want to throw on a frock if you’re staying for dinner.
Open daily 12pm-1am. The Walk, JBR. www.tamokadubai.com (04 318 6099).
Best beach clubs for sundowners in Dubai
Whether you choose to grab a plush lounger by the pool, bury your toes in the cool white sand or kick back on its manicured lawns, Azure makes for a dreamy beach club for sundowners. Sitting pretty in the Rixos Premium Dubai, as the evening sets in, be sure to lounge in the sunlit bar on comfortable sofas, sipping iced drinks against those unbelievable sunset views. Get your cameras at the ready for this one. Open daily 10am-8pm (pool and beach access until 7pm). Rixos Dubai Premium, The Walk JBR. www.azure-beach.com (052 777 9472).
With its multiple swimming pools, elegant cabanas, excellent food and beautiful golden beachfront location, it’s no surprise Cove Beach is often recognised as one of the best beach clubs in Dubai. It also happens to be one of the best beach clubs for sundowners in the city too thanks to its breezy Mediterranean feel that wouldn’t look out of place on the European party islands. From ladies’ nights to sunset DJ sessions, there’s always something going on at Cove too, so prepare to be in it for the long haul.
Open daily 10am-1pm. Caesars Palace, Bluewaters Island. www.covebeach.com (050 454 6920).
Arguably one of the most Instagrammable spots in Dubai, Drift Beach is the place to see and be seen. Boasting sublime sunset views of Dubai Marina, the pool and beach are well desired for their achingly-chic vibe, while the food just so happens to be top notch, too. Rosé is a must here – clink glasses under blue umbrellas while taking in the ocean air or, if you’re feeling really flush, grab your friends and rent out its private cabana to enjoy the sunset in ultimate privacy.
Open Mon-Thu 9am-8pm, Fri-Sun 9am-9pm; the pool and beach are open daily from 10am-7pm. One&Only Royal Mirage Dubai Marina. www.driftbeachdubai.com (04 315 2200).
It’s no easy feat to distinguish yourself from the plethora of beach clubs that line West Beach on the Palm Jumeirah, but then again February 30 isn’t your average beach club. During the day, grab a sun lounger and top up your tan to the soundtrack of tropical house beats, but come 5pm and we recommend perching yourself at the huge circular bar to drink in both the pristine sunset views and moreish mixed drinks.
Open daily 12pm-2am. West Beach, Palm Jumeirah. www.february30dubai.com (04 244 7200).
Fluid Beach Club
If you like your sundowners with a side of city skyline vistas, then look no further than Fluid Beach – a hip spot directly on the beach at the trendy The8 Palm. A sleek, streamlined infinity pool area complete with chic white sunbeds and pops of colours courtesy of bright red parasols, it offers up views of the Ain Dubai, Marina skyline and the Palm itself, making it a lovely spot for sunset views. Stay on afterwards as the music gets louder and the atmosphere more hedonistic, as early evening transitions into night.
Open daily 9am-12am. The8 Palm, Palm Jumeirah. www.th8palmdubai.com/fluid-beach-club (04 525 8888).
If you’re looking to toast to the sunset in style then you’ve come to the right place – the al fresco terrace dotted with soft nautical furnishings, whitewashed furniture and plenty of flora of WHITE Beach give Ibiza’s more hedonistic hotspots a run for their money. The best bit? You don’t even have to leave the infinity pool as you wait for the sun to set. One of the most luxurious beach clubs for sundowners, no question.
Open daily 10am-8pm. Atlantis The Palm, Palm Jumeirah. www.atlantis.com/dubai/entertainment/white-beach-club (04 426 0000).
Whilst Zero Gravity might not be the first place you’d think of for romantic sundowners by the beach – you’ll find us there every Saturday enjoying its raucous brunch – it’s still one of the most popular, and it’s most definitely back in swing for winter 2022. Make a day of it by heading down early to soak up the sun alongside its Dubai Marina skyline, and stay until the sun sets to toast the evening before it gets messy
