Leave your Louboutins at home
It’s the time of year when we want to be outside as much as possible, with as little effort as possible. Which is why we need these flip flop friendly bars for lazy weekends.
There are restaurants, beach clubs and bars in this list, but they are all flip flop friendly places to chill out in Dubai.
From oldies-but-goodies to some new kids on the block, add these laid back beach bars to your weekend wish-list
Surf Club
Another West Beach hotspot, enter Surf Club – the former Aprons and Hammers Beach House which has just reopened after a full facelift last year. By day, take the weight off in a private beach cabana, sofa set or sun lounger with exclusive access to the beach and at night, check out the two bars or dine under the stars. There’s a raw bar, sushi counter and fresh fish, as well as pizza, pasta and steak if the fishies don’t take your fancy.
West Beach, Palm Jumeirah, surfclubdubai.com.
Barasti
A Dubai institution, Barasti is your quintessential toes-in-the-sand beach bar complete with big screens, daily drinks deals and live music that’s guaranteed to draw in the crowds. On weekends arrive early to bag a daybed down on the beach, while its tiki-style bar is a relaxed (yet sometimes rowdy) spot for sundowners.
Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, Al Sufouh, barastibeach.com (04 318 1313).
Breeze Beach Grill
While you’re pretty much guaranteed flip-flop friendly drinking at any of the bars down at Club Vista Mare, Breeze Beach Grill hits the spot every time. Come sundown on Friday and revellers spill out from the expansive terrace down to the beach, so be sure to arrive early to grab a seat and enjoy some well-priced drinks alongside a menu of fresh salads, sandwiches, grilled meats, maki, sushi and lots more.
Club Vista Mare, Palm Jumeirah (04 568 3000).
Bla Bla
With a whopping twenty bars, three restaurants and a mammoth beach club, Bla Bla revolutionised the Dubai beach club scene when it opened its doors at the start of 2021. Sitting directly opposite Bluewaters Island and Ain Dubai, relax on one of its in-water loungers, have a snooze in a cabana or simply nab a table and enjoy a cold one alongside picture-perfect views of the Arabian Gulf.
The Beach opposite JBR, blabladubai.ae (058 606 3535).
February 30
Born in Beirut, the newest addition to the Palm’s West Beach is a jack of all trades, and we mean that in the best way possible. Great for families, date nights, raucous Friday afternoons or relaxed Saturday sundowners, drinks can be enjoyed from the beachfront tables, sun loungers or at one of February 30’s three bars, all designed to be paired with the chic beach backdrop.
West Beach, Palm Jumeirah (04 244 7200).
Fish Beach Taverna
A must-visit spot for one of those pinch-me Dubai moments, dine on an Aegean menu of Greek mezze, Turkish casseroles and freshly-plucked catch of the day at Fish Beach Taverna as fairy lights twinkle above you. All cobbled pathways, turquoise accents and cute white picnic tables, if you can’t get to Santorini anytime soon, this is the next best thing.
Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, fish-dubai.com (04 511 7373).
Koko Bay
Stylishly-designed to transport you direct to the serene beaches of Bali, Koko Bay occupies prime position on the Palm’s West Beach. Inside you’ll find rustic finishes, a neutral colour palette and plenty of rattan that was made for the ‘gram, but the expansive terrace and private beach is where you want to be in the cooler months, dining on an Asian-inspired menu and sipping creatively-crafted cocktails.
West Beach, Palm Jumeirah, www.kokobay.co (800 5656229).
Lucky Fish
Quick to win over the city’s more discerning crowds, Lucky Fish is the epitome of relaxed Balearic scenes with a serving of understated glamour. Providing a tranquil on-the-beach spot for dining, cocktails and sunbathing, take a seat under the sun-dappled white canopy complete with elegant chandeliers hanging from the ceiling and see in (or out) the weekend in true Dubai style.
West Beach, Palm Jumeirah, luckyfishdubai.com (04 569 3447).
Ula
Boasting some of the most Instagrammable décor in Dubai, Ula offers seriously chic vibes and incredible Palm and Marina skyline views that are hard to beat. Grab a pool and beach pass for Dhs200 on weekends, with Dhs100 redeemable on its moreish F&B. Don’t mind if we do.
Palm Jumeirah, uladubai.com (04 566 3041).
Wavebreaker
It’s good vibes all round down at this Dubai stalwart at Hilton Dubai Jumeirah, where live sports and regular drinks deals are par for the course. Weekends promise ocean views, cold pints and proper holiday vibes, plus comfy patio chairs and plenty of tables under a series of parasols.
Hilton Dubai Jumeirah, The Walk (04 318 2582).
