Dubai is a city full of wonderful, picturesque locations, but Shimmers might just have one of the best stretches of beach in the whole city, sitting smack bang on Madinat Jumeirah’s private beach. Golden sands extend in both directions, and in front you’ll find incredible views over to the Burj Al Arab.
Head into the beach restaurant’s dining room and you’ll find a relaxed, elegant spot to eat in. The colour palette mirrors the sea outside, mixing shades of blue and turquoise with blonde wood, white wash and relaxed, comfortable seating. Shimmers is a perfect spot for a relaxed lunch or dinner by the sea, and on sunny days there’s also an extensive terrace covered by a mixture of parasols and a large pergola.
The menu is overseen by Italian chef Roberto Rispoli, and he brings some Mediterranean and European flair to the food at Shimmers, having worked in France, Switzerland and his native Italy for some two decades. There’s a particular focus on Greek cuisine at Shimmers, though the menu could be broadly described as Mediterranean. Kick things off with mezze plates like tzatziki, fresh calamari, grilled halloumi, spanakopita and moussaka, before diving into salads, fish and seafood carpaccio, oysters,and seafood platters. Mains include dishes like grilled lobster with spicy tomato sauce, spaghetti with clams, Black Angus steak with mashed potato, and chicken souvlaki. There’s plenty for vegetarians to go on too, including dishes like vegetarian moussaka and baked artichoke with feta.
Aside from an extensive wine list, why not try one of Shimmers’ signature cocktails as you drink in the beautiful view over the Arabian Gulf? Try the Mykonos Breeze (rum, roots mastic, lemon, syrup and basil) or Elafonisi (strawberry infused gin, Martini Bianco, rose wine and tonic water) for size.