Near+Far’s best restaurants explores the very best culinary options in the Middle East and the world. The series offers top restaurant tips and reviews for those looking for the best restaurants in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia and further afield. Here we visit Nuska Beach, a front-row view to the iconic Burj Al Arab serving Mediterranean-Levantine cuicine

Nuska Beach review: 9/10

Why book Nuska Beach

Dubai has plenty of beach-front restaurants, with more seemingly opening every day. But one of its most impressive openings in recent years is arguably Nuska Beach. Located on the white sand of Madinat Jumeirah, officially part of Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Nuska Beach is as close as you can get to the iconic Burj Al Arab, making it the spot for a scenic lunch or sundowner with a view in the city.

This is as waterfront as it gets, with tables on decking and right in the sand (no indoor option). Guests sit on comfortable tables shaded by rope-tasselled umbrellas and enjoy Mediterranean-Levantine cuisine, which is headed up by José Cacciavillani – whose passion is as fiery as his fire-cooked flavours. This is the spot for a guaranteed good time, beautiful view, vibes and exceptional food – and the place we’d go to wow visiting guests or embrace the beauty of the Dubai coast. Outside of the restaurant, Nuska offers cabanas and sunloungers to rent.

Nuska Beach interiors: 10/10

Exteriors, as Nuska Beach is all outdoors, are typically boho and beachy, with a soothing neutral colour palette and lots of exposed wood and textures; complementing the brilliant blue of the sky and ocean are colourful scatter cushions and blue and white tiles – added by tasselled umbrellas. There’s both seating on a covered terrace or on the beach, the latter to get within touching distance of one of Dubai’s most famous hotels and a real elevated, casual feel permeates the space – chameleonic to fit each occasion and desire, be it lunch, drinks, dinner or shisha.

The food

Chef José Cacciavillani has created a beach club that offers style, substance and fantastic food – and it’s worth coming for the latter alone. Inspired by fire cooking, his menu fuses classic Mediterranean dishes with Levantine flavours and pizazz. We enjoy spritzes with hummus and tzatziki, simple and done to perfection, before enjoying the chargrilled clams (AED120) – an unmissable signature dish served with leopard-charred bread in a parsley and garlic sauce perfect for dipping. We’re tempted by delights like sardines on toast (AED80) and spinach and feta borek, but move on to a refreshing king crab salad (AED120), laden with crab meat and avocado.

We order the grilled sea bass ‘Kelebek Style’ to share, butterflied with a fresh tomato and salad, but have to cancel the order after starters – testament to the generosity and deliciousness of its appetisers and small plates. All of which should be shared, enjoyed with a great drink and great company.

The vibe

Visiting on a Friday, the vibe is full vacation mode – with great music, a good-looking crowd and the Dubai sunshine creating a golden ethereal glow. The views of the Burj Al Arab are breathtaking; you’ll want to take photo after photo, and the sound of the lapping waves can be heard from the beach seating – where shisha is served.

The verdict

Nuska Beach is one of the absolute best options for a stunning beach lunch, drink or dinner in the city. For Dubains, it’s a chance to feel lucky to live in the emirate; for visiting guests, it’s a showstopper. This is a true gem which you can count on time and time again.

Jumeirah Beach Hotel, jumeirah.com, @nuskadubai

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