Top Dubai Creek Restaurants: Little Italy, BBQ Nation & more

Separating two major districts in the emirate,the Creek in Dubai has had a major impact in transforming Dubai to the metropolis it is today. Located between Deira and Bur Dubai, the iconic Dubai Creek is a saltwater inlet and a popular landmark in the city. And it’s also a draw for foodies. Fortunately, Dubai Creek restaurants are aplenty.

Dampa Seafood Grill

Considered one of the best seafood restaurants near the Creek, Dampa Seafood Grill offers a range of seafood boils

What better way to start a review of the best restaurants near Dubai Creek than with a seafood place? First on our list, this restaurant is renowned for its seafood. All about abundance, a typical seafood boil in Dampa— served right at the table — contains a myriad of shellfish, fish and other types of the freshest catch of the day for an eat-with-your-fingers feasting extravaganza. Order the Mardi Gras dump with lemon and herbs, the Salty EGGSPERIENCE with eggs and white sauce amongst others. Available for AED 145, the Dump@Seafeast is enough to satisfy a party of 2 to 3 diners and comes with unlimited rice. Of course, if your tastes are a bit specific, you can always order something from the Chef’s Special.

Cuisine: Seafood
Price for two: AED 145 (approx.)
Location: Ground Floor, Centurion Star Hotel, Deira Dubai
Contact: +971-4-299-0884
Opening hours: 12:30 pm to 11:00 pm

Boardwalk

Calzone — One of many good restaurants near the Creek, Boardwalk offers a spectacular waterfront dining experience and a Mediterranean-inspired menu

A spectacular seafront location, the Boardwalk earns a place in our review of reputable Dubai Creek restaurants. Located at the Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club, the award-winning establishment features a Mediterranean inspired menu. Enjoy freshly oven-baked calzones and pizzas as well as an impressive selection of fresh seafood made to order. The open-air restaurant also has a Make Your Own Pizza option for kids where younger patrons can try their hand in crafting their own pizzas. Open for lunch and dinner on a daily basis, Boardwalk is an ideal retreat for families and friends to get together.

Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean
Price for two: AED 320 (approx.)
Location: Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club, opposite Deira City Centre, Al Garhoud
Contact: +971-4-295-6000
Opening hours: 12:00 pm to 12:00 am | 01:00 pm to 12:00 am (Friday)

Manhattan Grill

Located at the Grand Hyatt, the Manhattan Grill steakhouse is a restaurant near the Creek that is worth a visit. The city of New York is a melting pot of cultures, a fact that is reflected in the cuisine here with its fusion of flavours and Latin traits. Going for the first time? Try any of their signature steaks like the T-Bone or Tenderloin. For a Peruvian touch to the dining experience, we recommend the Panka Lamb Chops, made with cherry vinegar, honey and avocado. From the seafood section, be a little adventurous and order the Whole Seabass. Meant for sharing, the seabass is the perfect addition to a seafront dining experience.

Cuisine: American, Peruvian
Price for two: AED 570 (approx.)
Location: Grand Hyatt Dubai, Sheikh Rashid Road, Oud Metha, Umm Hurair 2 – UAE
Contact: +971-4-526-0626
Opening hours: 07:00 pm to 11:30 pm | 07:00 pm to 04:00 am (Thursday to Saturday)

Barbecue Nation

The second entry on our list of best Dubai Creek restaurants earns props for having the best Indian barbecue this side of the emirate. Customers here are also given the option of choosing from the Veg Grill menu, with selections like BBQ Schezwan Mushroom, Skewered Pepper and Cheese Broccoli and Italian Chargrilled Vegetables. For meat lovers, there are options of Saffron Malai Tikka, Rosemary Grilled Drumsticks and more. Other options include an assortment of biryanis, gravies and even a home-made Gulab Jamun dessert.

Cuisine: Indian, Continental

Price for two: AED 120 (approx.)
Location: Shop No S6 to S11, 3B Street, behind Dubai Printing Press, Al Karama
Contact: +971-4-526-9018
Opening hours: 12:00 pm to 03:30 pm, 06:30 pm to 11:30 pm | 12:00 pm to 03:30 pm, 06:30 pm to 11:55 pm (Thursday and Friday)

La Tablita

With several awards to its name, La Tablita is next on our list of best restaurants near Dubai Creek. Specialising in Mexican cuisine, everything on the menu here is exquisite from starters like Atun or Tuna with spicy Habanero Chili to the delectable mains like Molcajete — beef tenderloin with king prawns, chorizo, cactus and Morita chili salsa. For a refreshing start to your meal, order the Sopa De Tortilla, a tomato tortilla soup or the Crema Conde black bean soup with avocado and chorizo.

Cuisine: Mexican
Price for two: AED 385 (approx.)
Location: Hyatt Regency Dubai Creek Heights
Contact: +971-4-553-1212
Opening hours: 06:00 pm to 12:00 am | 06:00 pm to 01:00 am (Thursday) | 01:00 pm to 01:00 pm (Friday)

Little Italy

Hankering for some pizza? Try authentic Italian pizza from Little Italy? From pizzas to sourdough, pasta and more, this restaurant near Dubai Creek is a haven for anyone looking for Italian cuisine at its finest. From the Classic Woodburn Pizza menu, we recommend the Mediterranean, made from fresh tomato sauce, olives, artichokes and mozzarella. The Pizza Bianca E Nero is also a commendable choice, made from chili tossed vegetables, cheddar, mozzarella, ricotta, parmesan and Alfredo sauce on a black pizza base. The best in Dubai Creek food, customers at this eatery can also add more toppings for a few extra dirhams.

Cuisine: Italian
Price for two: AED 165 (approx.)
Location: Shop 2, Ground Floor, Al Hubbai Building, Al Karama
Contact: +971-04-385-2445
Opening hours: 12:00 pm to 12:00 am | 12:00 pm to 01:00 am (Thursday and Friday)

Fujiya Japanese Restaurant

yakitori — Choose from 5 types of Yakitoru at Fujiya, one of the best restaurants near Dubai Creek

A restaurant that feels like you have stepped into a regular eatery in Japan, Fujiya is next on our picks for best restaurants near the Creek. Start your meal with a selection of 5 yakitoris, with a choice of chicken breast, thigh, gizzard and more. And if you are up for it, try the Takoshashi or octopus sashimi. For a more wholesome experience, order the Curry and Rice or a delectable Karage bowl. We also recommend the Spicy Tuna Roll, accompanied by rice, seaweed, sesame seeds, and Furikake.

Cuisine: Japanese
Price for two: AED 220 (approx.)
Location: Millennium Airport Hotel, Al Garhoud
Contact: +971-04-702-8846
Opening hours: 12:00 pm to 02:00 am

Golden Dragon Restaurant

Manchow Soup — A notable restaurant near Dubai Creek, Golden Dragon is famed for Chinese cuisine

Wrapping up our picks for notable Dubai Creek restaurants is Golden Dragon. Established in 1976, this restaurant has been the best place for Chinese cuisine for loyal diners and continues to be so today. If you plan to go there for the first time, order the Manchow Soup — a savoury thick broth made with soy, garlic, and bamboo shoots served with crispy fried noodles. Next, go for veg or on-veg starter and follow it up with a choice of mains like any wok-tossed seafood or chicken dishes.

Cuisine: Chinese
Price for two: AED 160 (approx.)
Location: Shop 2 and 3, Oud Metha Building, 13th Street, Oud Metha
Contact: +971-04-357-7022
Opening hours: 12:00 pm to 04:00 pm, 07:00 pm to 11:00 pm

We hope our recommendations for the best restaurants near Dubai Creek will encourage you to visit these places and tour the area. Of course, variety is the spice of life, in which case you can also visit eateries in other areas in the emirate. We recommend our picks for restaurants in International City. For eateries with a waterfront setting, our list of beachfront restaurants in Dubai will help you refine your dining experience. For a one-stop review of the best of the best, check out our comprehensive list of the best restaurants in Dubai.