Dubai terraces: 14 best outdoor restaurants for alfresco dining

On the hunt for the best outdoor restaurants in Dubai? These gorgeous places are a great way to make the most of the city’s balmy temperatures and epic views. Whether you want a seat as close as possible to the sea, or are looking to appreciate the city’s skyline from one of its soaring rooftops, Dubai’s best outdoor restaurants offer a wealth of beautiful alfresco spaces that mean you can do just that.

It doesn’t matter if you’re in central Dubai or further out near the coast, this unrivalled city offers breath-taking views in almost every direction. Venture upwards to the top floors of some of its tallest skyscrapers to discover a cohort of restaurants with outdoor seating, where you can truly make the most of the staggering skyline below. Or, if you’re staying at The Palm Jumeirah, for example, a stunning manmade island stretching out into the Persian Gulf, you’re going to want a restaurant with outdoor seating to admire those sprawling waterside views.

Lots of these spots will make a happy to addition to your Instagram feed, but we’ve also made sure to include a handful of more casual and affordable outdoor restaurants in Dubai that allow you to enjoy some fresh air without having to break the bank. Believe it or not, they do also exist in this glamorous capital.

To help aid you in your search, we’ve rounded up the best outdoor restaurants in Dubai to satisfy all your alfresco dining needs. From beautiful courtyards to stunning terraces, the city certainly isn’t short of places to eat without a roof. Have a scroll to discover a restaurant that’s right for you, then go ahead and click ‘book now’ to making that dinner reservation a reality.

Amazonico

What: Amazonico’s tropical décor is a sight to behold both inside and out, but if we had to choose a favourite, then its immersive rooftop cocktail bar would take the winning spot. It's a dreamy oasis of leafy palms, yellow umbrellas, tassled canopies and a vibrant Copcabana tiled floor, transporting guests to the tropical sunsets of Brazil. Soak up the views while sipping on a cocktail and chilling to electro beats by its resident DJs.
Where: DIFC Pavilion, Al Satwa
Book now: Amazonico

Basko

What: Step back in time at 60s-inspired Mediterrean restaurant Basko, where its alfresco terrace is practically dripping in vintage glamour. In the centre lies a crimson-coloured circular bar where guests can perch with a cocktail on warm evenings, while turquoise seating and verdant foliage adds to the vibrance of this luxurious space. Low-level lamp lighting omits a dusky glow over the terrace in the evenings – making it all the better to enjoy views of the Burj Khalifa lit up at night.
Where: Ground Floor, Opus Tower, Al A'amal Street, Business Bay
Book now: Basko

folly

What: The best thing about the folly’s outdoor terrace and lounge is its secret garden feel, thanks in large to tiled flooring and a large wooden gazebo-like structure laced with trailing foliage. Open daily from 6pm, nip up for a quick tipple in the evening throughout the week. Or, if you head to the floor above, you’ll discover its rooftop terrace which offers uninterrupted views of the Arabian Gulf.
Where: Unit 27, Souk Madinat Jumeriah, Dubai
Book now: folly

Inti

What: Offering Peruvian-Japanese dining with a focus on seafood, one of Inti’s major selling points is its alfresco terrace which features a retractable roof and unrivalled views of Downtown Dubai. Continuing the style of the interiors in the main restaurant, this luxurious space offers comfortable seating throughout, while small table lamps subtly illuminate the area to offer a seductive and cosy setting. Enjoy ceviches, salads, sushi and other exciting sharing dishes from the a la carte menu.
Where: Dubai Fountain Street, Downtown Dubai
Book now: Inti

Isola

What: Be transported to the coast of southern Italy at this beautiful Italian restaurant, located in the Jumeirah Islands Clubhouse complex. The outdoor terrace is just as big, if not bigger, than the main dining room, with cream umbrellas, wicker seating and wooden decking offering a summery, holiday feel. Make sure to catch an early evening sunset along with one of its signature cocktails.
Where: Jumeirah Islands Clubhouse, 7th Street, Emirate
Book now: Isola

French Riviera

What: The outdoor terrace at French Riviera is as close as you can get to dining on the beach. This chic French Mediterranean restaurant brings a small slice of the Cote D’Azur to Jumeirah’s private beach, where you can dig your toes into the sand while feasting on the likes of fresh seafood, vibrant salads and a wealth of classic French dishes.
Where: Jumeirah Al Qasr Hotel, French Riviera, Beachside Deck
Book now: French Riviera

Piatti by The Beach

What: Piatti specialises in sharing plates inspired by the Amalfi coast, from ultra-fresh seafood to homemade pasta and gelato. You can find it located in the iconic Raffles on The Palm hotel, where chef Batuhan Piatti turns out a menu of elegant dishes. We reckon they taste even better when enjoyed with a sea view, which you can experience by booking a seat on its waterside terrace. Here, white umbrellas, colourful flowers and cushion-lined seating make for a luxurious, holiday-inspired spot.
Where: Raffles The Palm Dubai, Palm Jumeirah
Book now: Piatti by The Beach

SoBe Rooftop Bar

What: SoBe is the only rooftop bar on the Palm Jumeirah, making it a popular spot with guests looking to soak up 360-degree views of the Dubai skyline. Sofas and stools offer a variety of relaxed seating, while huge palm trees decorated with fairy lights are a sight to behold once the sun goes down. Delve into Chino-Latino dishes and killer cocktails while watching the sun set over the sea.
Where: W Dubai - The Palm, West Crescent, Palm Jumeirah
Book now: SoBe Rooftop Bar

Tamoka

What: This beachside dining destination brings a taste of Latin America to the shores of Dubai with a menu inspired by the flavours of the Antilles and Caribbean coasts. We can’t think of a better place to enjoy said dishes than its Cana, or beach bar, where the pristine sands of Dubai’s Jumeirah Beach meets the clear waters of the Arabian Gulf. Wicker seats and lampshades, a sprawling wooden gazebo and tasseled sun umbrellas offer luxurious beach chic vibes in spades.
Where: Al Mamsha Street, The Walk, Jumeirah Beach Residence
Book now: Tamoka

URLA

What: Located on the fountain level at the Address Downtown Dubai Hotel, this glamorous spot offers a small piece of Aegan paradise in the heart of the city. As such, guests can expect a blend of Greek, Spanish and Turkish flavours, from Iberian cured beef to Greek salads and patatas bravas. Its central location means it’s surrounded by some of Dubai’s greatest landmarks, including the Burj Khalifa, which you can enjoy from its mosaic-floored terazzo. In the centre, a circular marble bar with a sprawling tree at the helm takes centre stage, but there’s plenty of surrounding seating to enjoy a relaxed lunch or exquisite dinner too.
Where: Fountain Level, Address Downtown Hotel
Book now: URLA

Fish Beach Taverna

What: Family-run spot Fish Beach Taverna is a relaxed seafood restaurant serving Aegan cuisine – think salads, tzatziki, vine leaves, seafood, pasta dishes and more. Its blue and white outdoor garden is guaranteed to transports guests to a Greek island, while hanging lanterns suspended from palm trees make this place extra magical come night time.
Where: Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina
Book now: Fish Beach Taverna

Ninive

What: Dine amongst leafy palms and breath-taking views at Middle-Eastern restaurant Ninive. Dining outside at this Instagram-friendly spot is a must, where glowing lanterns, cushioned sofas, green plants and large gazebos either side of the terrace offer a luxurious oasis surrounded by soaring skyscrapers. The food, meanwhile, is inspired by dishes from all over the Middle East and North Africa and are designed to be shared by the table. Think chicken pastilla, pumpkin and spinach kibbeh, grilled octopus skewers and minted feta cheese.
Where: Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Jumeirah
Book now: Ninive

Bar du Port

What: Located on the Dubai Marina, Bar Du Port promises 'a little luxury, a lot of fun' at this stylish waterside restaurant and bar. Naturally, views of the harbour are one of the main draws of booking a table here, along with an extensive drinks list, elegant dinner menu and a three-course brunch offering with various drinks options available at weekends. Enjoy a cocktail at the Tiki-inspired bar, or get comfy on a sofa seat for an evening of lounging in luxury.
Where: Dubai Harbour Pier Club, Dubai Marina
Book now: Bar Du Port

Roberto's

What: This slick modern Italian restaurant is a reliable option for all types of occasions thanks to a wealth of dining-specific menus. From business lunches to late-night dining and a vegan offering, everyone is taken care of at Roberto's. For an extra special dining experience, book a seat on its terrace to enjoy views of the city. 
Where: Roberto's Gate Village Building No. 1, Podium Level, DIFC
Book now: Roberto's

Looking for a place to enjoy drinks with a view? Check out our guide to the best rooftop bars in Dubai.