Jumeirah Beach Residence, better known as JBR, is one of the most popular areas in Dubai for food, leisure, and entertainment. The long promenade called The Walk runs parallel to the sea and is lined with cafés, restaurants, and boutique shops. Across the road is The Beach, a lifestyle destination with even more dining spots, retail, and entertainment. Together, these make JBR a prime location for visitors who want to enjoy good food with sea views.
What makes JBR special is the range of dining experiences available. You can grab a quick shawarma at a casual stall, settle into a Greek meal by the water, or enjoy premium steaks at an international chain. Locals love it for the variety, and tourists enjoy the views and lively atmosphere.
List of the Best Restaurants in JBR
Below is a list of restaurants that define the JBR dining experience. Each has its own style, cuisine, and following.
1. Operation Falafel – Arabic & Lebanese
This spot keeps the spirit of authentic Arabic street food alive with fresh falafel and shawarma, served around the clock, making it a go-to place for late-night cravings at JBR.
Cuisine: Classic Arabic street food with a modern setup.
Specialties: Falafel platters, shawarma, hummus.
Price for two: Around AED 120.
Zomato rating: 4.1.
Hours: 24 hours.
Address: The Beach, JBR.
Contact: +971 4 424 3098.
2. Awani Restaurant – Levantine
Awani captures the heart of Levantine cuisine with warm hospitality and generous platters. The atmosphere is relaxed, offering groups and families a perfect setting for sharing mezze and grills.
Cuisine: Inspired by dishes from Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, and Palestine.
Specialties: Cold mezze, mixed grills, kibbeh.
Price for two: Around AED 250.
Zomato rating: 4.0.
Hours: 10:00 am – 12:00 am.
Address: The Beach, JBR.
Contact: +971 4 424 4033.
3. Al-Shorfa Restaurant & Café – Middle Eastern
With a mix of Middle Eastern flavors and traditional pastries, Al-Shorfa delivers comfort food in a simple setting. It’s a reliable choice for casual meals while strolling along The Walk.
Cuisine: Middle Eastern mains, pastries, and coffee.
Specialties: Manakish, mixed grills, Arabic sweets.
Price for two: Around AED 200.
Zomato rating: 3.9.
Hours: 9:00 am – 1:00 am.
Address: The Walk, JBR.
Contact: +971 4 457 7889.
4. Bosporus Restaurant – Turkish
Bosporus is a favorite for Turkish dining, blending rich flavors with a lively vibe. The freshly baked pide and classic baklava ensure every meal feels hearty and memorable by the sea.
Cuisine: Authentic Turkish food served in a fine casual space.
Specialties: Kebabs, pide, baklava.
Price for two: Around AED 300.
Zomato rating: 4.2.
Hours: 10:00 am – 1:00 am.
Address: The Beach, JBR.
Contact: +971 4 380 8090.
5. Catch 22 – Seafood & International
Catch 22 is playful, mixing seafood with international favorites in creative ways. From sushi rolls to burgers, the colorful interiors and upbeat service make it popular among groups and families.
Cuisine: Fusion of seafood and international comfort food.
Specialties: Sushi, burgers, fish tacos.
Price for two: Around AED 350.
Zomato rating: 4.3.
Hours: 8:00 am – 1:00 am.
Address: The Beach, JBR.
Contact: +971 4 424 3057.
6. Eat Greek Kouzina – Greek
Eat Greek Kouzina brings a slice of Greece to Dubai with traditional recipes and rustic interiors. The view of Ain Dubai adds charm, making every dining experience fresh and uplifting.
Cuisine: Traditional Greek food with a modern touch.
Specialties: Grilled octopus, moussaka, souvlaki.
Price for two: Around AED 320.
Zomato rating: 4.4.
Hours: 12:00 pm – 12:00 am.
Address: The Beach, JBR.
Contact: +971 4 430 5249.
7. Smoky Beach – Nightlife Dining
Smoky Beach is known for its vibrant nightlife and relaxed beachfront setting. Sushi, burgers, and pizzas are paired with music and shisha, creating a lively place to spend long evenings.
Cuisine: Mix of sushi, pizza, burgers, shisha.
Specialties: Casual bites with beachfront views.
Price for two: Around AED 260.
Zomato rating: 3.8.
Hours: 10:00 am – 3:00 am.
Address: The Beach, JBR.
Contact: +971 4 434 0600.
8. The Butcher Shop & Grill – Steakhouse
A classic steakhouse experience, The Butcher Shop & Grill focuses on premium cuts and bold flavors. Its South African influence makes it stand out for serious meat lovers at JBR.
Cuisine: Premium meats and South African steakhouse traditions.
Specialties: Ribeye, tomahawk steak, lamb chops.
Price for two: Around AED 400.
Zomato rating: 4.1.
Hours: 12:00 pm – 11:30 pm.
Address: The Walk, JBR.
Contact: +971 4 428 1375.
Dining Experience in JBR
The variety in JBR is unmatched. One evening you may sit at a Turkish restaurant with hot bread fresh from the oven, and the next night you may be enjoying sushi and cocktails by the beach. Fine dining exists at steakhouses and upscale seafood restaurants, while casual meals can be found at places like Operation Falafel.
Families will find comfort in restaurants that serve Middle Eastern or Greek platters made for sharing. Nightlife seekers often head to Smoky Beach for music, shisha, and late hours. The promenade atmosphere ties it all together with open spaces, lights, and the constant sound of waves.
Prices & Ratings
Restaurant
Avg Cost for Two
Zomato Rating
Operation Falafel
AED 120
4.1
Awani Restaurant
AED 250
4
Al-Shorfa Restaurant & Café
AED 200
3.9
Bosporus Restaurant
AED 300
4.2
Catch 22
AED 350
4.3
Eat Greek Kouzina
AED 320
4.4
Smoky Beach
AED 260
3.8
The Butcher Shop & Grill
AED 400
4.1
The spread shows options for different budgets. While casual diners like Operation Falafel stay light on the wallet, steakhouses such as The Butcher Shop & Grill lean on the premium side. Ratings are generally above 4.0, with Eat Greek Kouzina standing out.
Working Hours
Most restaurants in JBR open around mid-morning and close after midnight. Weekend hours can extend later, especially for nightlife venues like Smoky Beach. Catch 22 opens early at 8:00 am, making it suitable for breakfast by the sea.
Facilities & Atmosphere
JBR restaurants are designed for both indoor comfort and outdoor terrace dining. Many have direct views of the Gulf or Bluewaters Island with Ain Dubai in the background. Delivery and takeaway services are common, though the best way to enjoy JBR is still to sit outdoors and feel the sea breeze. Some places are family-focused, while others serve as lively evening spots with music and entertainment.
Conclusion
Dining at JBR is about more than food. It is about the setting, the crowd, and the rhythm of Dubai’s coastal lifestyle. From a simple falafel wrap to a full steakhouse dinner, the choices are wide. Whether you go with family for a casual night or plan a late evening with friends, JBR has a restaurant ready for you.
FAQs
1. What types of cuisines are available at JBR?
JBR hosts a wide range of cuisines including Arabic, Turkish, Levantine, Greek, seafood, Indian, and international options. Diners can find casual bites, fine dining, and family-friendly menus all in one lively destination.
2. Are vegetarian and vegan options available?
Yes, many restaurants in JBR offer vegetarian and vegan meals. From fresh mezze and Greek salads to plant-based burgers and creative vegan dishes, visitors can easily enjoy healthy, meat-free dining options with scenic sea views.
3. What are the usual working hours?
Most JBR restaurants open around 9:00 am and close after midnight. Some like Catch 22 serve breakfast early, while nightlife spots such as Smoky Beach extend service until 2:00 or 3:00 am.
4. Can you reserve a table in advance?
Yes, reservations are widely accepted in JBR restaurants, especially for evenings and weekends when the promenade is busiest. Families and groups are encouraged to book ahead to secure seating, particularly for sea-view tables.
5. Are there family-friendly restaurants?
JBR is home to many family-oriented spots like Operation Falafel, Eat Greek Kouzina, and Bosporus. These restaurants serve shareable platters, offer spacious seating, and provide a relaxed beachfront atmosphere suitable for children and adults.
