Best Seafood in Dubai: Top Spots, Fresh Catches, and Local Favorites

When it comes to best seafood in Dubai, a vibrant mix of coastal tradition and global influence that turns every meal into an experience. Also known as Dubai’s ocean-to-table dining, it’s not just about eating fish—it’s about how it’s caught, cooked, and shared. This city sits between the Arabian Gulf and a global food scene, so the seafood here doesn’t come from just one place. You’ll find Persian Gulf prawns, red snapper from Oman, lobster from India, and crab flown in from Southeast Asia—all prepared with Emirati spices, garlic butter, or traditional Arabic herbs.

What makes Dubai’s seafood stand out isn’t just the freshness—it’s the variety of ways you can enjoy it. Head to Dubai fish market, a bustling hub where locals buy their daily catch straight off the boats. Also known as Al Mina Fish Market, it’s where chefs and home cooks pick out live lobsters, octopus still moving, and whole fish glistening in the sun. You can buy it there and take it to one of the nearby grills to cook it on the spot for a small fee. Or, if you’d rather sit down, try Arabic seafood dishes, flavor-packed meals like machboos al samak or shuwa fish, slow-cooked with cardamom, saffron, and lime. Also known as Emirati fish curry, these dishes are the soul of coastal heritage. Many restaurants along the Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Beach, and Al Sufouh serve these same dishes with ocean views and no tourist markup.

The Dubai seafood restaurants, ranging from casual shacks to Michelin-starred spots. Also known as waterfront dining destinations, are where you’ll find the most memorable meals. Places like The Lobster House, Pier 7, and Al Nafoorah don’t just serve fish—they serve stories. The grilled hammour with tahini sauce? That’s what locals eat on Friday mornings after mosque. The king crab with chili garlic? That’s what expats order when they miss home but want something new. You won’t find fake "luxury" here. What you’ll find is real: fish that was in the water the day before, herbs picked in the desert, and chefs who’ve been doing this for generations.

If you’re wondering where to start, skip the hotel buffets. Go where the workers eat. Try the fish stalls near Al Ghubaiba. Ask for the daily special—usually written in Arabic, but the chef will point to what’s fresh. Bring cash. Be ready to wait. And don’t be afraid to try something you can’t name. That’s how you find the best seafood in Dubai—not by reading reviews, but by tasting what’s real.