A long-time secret of foodies in Dubai, Dampa Seafood Grill is a low-key and budget-friendly option for seafood lovers. Now less of a secret thanks to the long lines it commands, this upbeat, fun and friendly restaurant has become one of the city’s most treasured cheap and cheerful dining options with a slew of awards to its name. In fact, the restaurant is so popular it has since welcomed a sibling site in nearby Abu Dhabi that is just as busy with guests keep to get a taste of the mini group's grub.
With a unique Filipino seafood menu, the star of the show here is the signature ‘seafood dump’ dish which comes theatrically piled high on paper and loaded straight onto your table for informal, hands-on dining. Included you’ll find freshly steamed, fluffy white rice topped with wonderfully marinated seafood that spans from lobster and crab through to prawns, crabs and mussels. Sweetcorn is thrown in too, for an extra hit of veg. Should you be squeamish, you can ask for disposable gloves to keep your hands nice and clean while you tuck in. The choice of five sauces finish things off. Cajun is the most popular, while alternatives include lemon and herb, Mexican, Thai curry or chipotle.
If you don’t fancy the full feast above, choices include a far-reaching range of fish dishes from stuffed squid and baked mussels through to fish cooked to your liking – fried, steamed or grilled.
Expect a busy, bustling atmosphere with a speedy turnover on tables (ie, this isn’t the place to head for a leisurely date or important business meeting). The hustle of the dining room adds to the buzz though and the upbeat staff keep things feeling like a party any night of the week.
Interiors are cool in that stripped-back utilitarian way with art adorned concrete walls, wooden tables, large floor-to-ceiling windows and simple pendant lighting.