Discover 8 unique floating restaurants in Dubai that offer an unforgettable dining
experience. From gourmet meals to BBQ on the water, explore the best of Dubai’s floating dining scene.
Dubai is known for its luxurious dining experiences, but nothing compares to enjoying a
delicious meal while floating on the city’s tranquil waters. From elegant dhow cruises to BBQ boats, the
city offers a variety of floating restaurants that provide a unique blend of scenic views and culinary
delights. Here are eight must-try floating restaurants in Dubai that will take your dining experience to the next level.
1 : JA Bateaux Dubai: A Five-Star Floating Feast
For an unmatched fine-dining experience, JA Bateaux Dubai offers a luxurious, glass-enclosed setting that glides through the serene waters of Dubai Creek. Since launching in 2004, this five-star floating restaurant has been a favorite for special occasions, business lunches, and romantic dinners. With stunning views of Dubai’s historic landmarks, guests can indulge in a gourmet four-course meal featuring delights like braised beef short ribs, parsley and lobster risotto, and a decadent blackberry panna cotta. Vegetarian options are also available, making this an inclusive experience for all diners.
● Location: Al Seef, Bur Dubai
● Best for: Fine dining with panoramic views
● Cuisine: Gourmet International
2 : Dream Boats: Serenity on the Jaddaf Waterfront
Escape the city’s hustle at Dream Boats, a scenic floating café located at Jaddaf Waterfront. This hidden gem offers a tranquil dining experience with stunning views of Dubai’s skyline and waterways. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or a romantic evening, Dream Boats delivers a cozy ambiance with wooden decks and a delicious menu. You can join their daily cruises or even book a private voyage for an exclusive outing with friends or family.
● Location: Jaddaf Waterfront, Dubai
● Best for: Relaxing cruises with scenic views
● Cuisine: Café-style menu
3 : The Lotus Mega Yacht: Ultimate Luxury on the Water
If you’re looking for the ultimate luxury floating dining experience, look no further than The Lotus Mega Yacht. This impressive vessel combines fine dining with lavish entertainment as it cruises through the waters of Dubai Marina. Onboard, you’ll find gourmet dining options, a swimming pool, and even acinema, making this more than just a meal—it’s an all-inclusive experience. The yacht can host up to 500 guests, making it perfect for large gatherings or exclusive events.
● Location: Dubai Marina
● Best for: Lavish dining and events on the water
● Cuisine: Gourmet International
From traditional dhows to high-tech floating food trucks, Dubai offers an array of floating dining experiences that cater to all tastes and occasions. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a romantic evening on Dubai Creek or grill with friends on a BBQ boat, these floating restaurants provide the perfect blend of scenic views and exceptional cuisine. So the next time you’re in Dubai, don’t just dine—float and dine in style!
4 : BBQ Donut: Grill and Chill on the Water
Ever wanted to grill your meal while floating on water? BBQ Donut brings that dream to life with donut-shaped boats where you can barbecue as you sail through Dubai’s picturesque waterways. Ideal for groups of up to 10 people, this floating BBQ experience takes you past landmarks like Dubai Creek Harbour and Palazzo Versace while you cook up premium meats and sides. Though it’s primarily meat-centric, the unique setting makes it an unforgettable way to dine. Expert trainers are on hand to guide you through steering your private vessel, so all you need to do is enjoy the ride.
● Location: Dubai Creek Harbour
● Best for: Group BBQ outings
● Cuisine: Meat-based BBQ menu
5 : The Aqua Pod: Dubai’s Floating Food Truck
Dubai’s innovative dining scene takes a futuristic turn with The Aqua Pod, a floating food truck serving delicious burgers, pizzas, and desserts. The Aqua Pod travels along Jumeirah, Al Sufouh Beach, and Kite Beach, allowing guests on smaller boats or jet skis to pull up and place their orders directly. Not on a boat? No problem—raise a flag on your yacht, and a delivery jet ski will zip over with your meal. It’s a quirky, fun way to enjoy your favorite fast food on the water!
● Location: Jumeirah, Al Sufouh Beach, Palm Lagoon, Kite Beach
● Best for: Casual dining on the go
● Cuisine: Burgers, pizzas, and desserts
6 : Rustar Floating Restaurant: Traditional Elegance on the Water
Step aboard the world’s largest wooden floating restaurant, Rustar, for an elegant dining experience steeped in Arabian tradition. This 155-foot-long dhow offers three levels of luxury, from the cozy lower deck to the open-air upper deck, where you can enjoy Dubai’s stunning skyline. Guests are treated to a lavish buffet featuring Arabic, Continental, and Asian cuisines alongside live performances by Tanoura dancers and singers. With space for 400 passengers, Rustar is perfect for group gatherings and special celebrations.
● Location: Dubai Creek
● Best for: Traditional Arabian dining with live entertainment
● Cuisine: Arabic, Continental, Asian buffet
7 : Rayna Floating Restaurant: A Dhow Cruise with a Twist
Rayna Floating Restaurant offers a classic dhow cruise experience with a modern twist. Available at various cruise locations, this floating restaurant lets you enjoy a buffet dinner while taking in the stunning views of Dubai’s skyline. Whether you choose the air-conditioned lower deck or the open upper deck, you’ll be treated to a delightful three-course meal featuring a blend of local and international dishes. The cruise is also packed with entertainment, including live performances by Tanoura dancers, making it an unforgettable night out.
● Location: Various locations in Dubai
● Best for: Scenic dhow cruises with live entertainment
● Cuisine: International buffet
8 : Jameela Floating Restaurant: A Scenic Dhow Adventure
For a mix of great food and stunning sights, the Jameela Floating Restaurant offers a memorable dining experience aboard a traditional Arabic dhow. As you sail past landmarks like the Al Maktoum Bridge and Rolex Tower, you’ll be treated to an international buffet featuring dishes like grilled beef in BBQ sauce, pasta carbonara, and a variety of Middle Eastern salads. The open upper deck provides the perfect setting to enjoy the breeze and views, while live performances add to the lively atmosphere.
● Location: Dubai Creek
● Best for: Dinner cruises with live performances
● Cuisine: International and Middle Eastern buffet
