Shimmers on the Beach is one of the best places to enjoy Mediterranean food by the sea in Dubai. It’s located on the soft white sands of Jumeirah Mina A’Salam, part of the beautiful Madinat Jumeirah resort. This restaurant offers more than just a meal — it’s a peaceful and relaxing experience by the water.
If you’re looking for a mix of delicious food, casual beach vibes, and amazing views of the Burj Al Arab, Shimmers is the place to be. Whether you’re visiting for a quiet lunch or a sunset dinner, the setting is perfect for both.
In this guide, I’ll take you through everything you need to know about Shimmers. We’ll look at the Mediterranean-style menu, price range, atmosphere, service quality, and other important details that make it one of the top beachfront restaurants in Dubai. I’ll also share why so many people — including myself — keep coming back to this hidden gem.
The Story Behind Shimmers Dubai
Shimmers began with a clear and simple idea — to create a place where people could enjoy fresh Mediterranean food right by the beach in a relaxed setting. The goal was to offer a calm escape with great taste, without losing the charm or style of Dubai’s luxury dining scene.
Located on one of the most beautiful beaches in Jumeirah, and part of the well-known Jumeirah Group, Shimmers quickly became a favorite. People loved the mix of casual beachside comfort with a touch of elegance. It didn’t need a long or complex history — just good food, stunning views, and a peaceful vibe by the sea.
Today, Shimmers is one of the most iconic beachfront restaurants in Dubai, known for its beautiful location, warm service, and relaxing atmosphere.
Ambiance and Dining Experience at Shimmers Dubai
More than just the food, the atmosphere at Shimmers is a big part of what makes it special. It’s one of the few places in Dubai where you can truly dine right on the beach.
The design is simple yet elegant, using natural materials that match the beach setting. You’ll see light wood, soft blue colors, and cozy seating. When the sun sets, the place transforms with warm, soft lighting that makes the tables glow with a romantic and peaceful feel.
Your senses stay active — you hear the gentle waves, smell the fresh sea breeze, and enjoy soft background music. This creates a calm, stylish beach escape where you can relax and enjoy every moment.
The staff at Shimmers offer friendly and professional service. They pay attention to your needs without being pushy. They know the menu well and gladly help with recommendations to make your visit easy and enjoyable.
Dining at Shimmers feels like relaxed luxury. It’s a quiet, special place perfect for a romantic dinner, a celebration, or a slow, peaceful lunch by the sea. It combines a touch of class with a warm and welcoming vibe, making every visit memorable.
Shimmers Dubai Menu with Prices
Now, let’s talk about the best part of any restaurant — the food. At Shimmers Dubai, the menu brings you the fresh and bold flavors of Mediterranean cuisine, with a special focus on authentic Greek dishes.
The chefs use fresh, high-quality ingredients to let the natural taste of every dish shine. This simple and clean style of cooking pairs perfectly with the peaceful, beachfront dining atmosphere.
Whether you’re in the mood for a light salad, grilled seafood, or a classic Greek favorite, Shimmers offers something for everyone. The dishes are tasty, satisfying, and perfect for enjoying by the sea.
We’ve shared the full Shimmers menu below, so you can see exactly what’s on offer before you visit.
| Category | Dish | Price (AED) | Dietary Indicators |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salads | Spinach and Artichoke Salad | 80 | D, V, GF |
| Greek Salad | 95 | D, V, GF | |
| Watermelon Salad | 85 | D, V, N, GF | |
| Beetroot Tabbouleh | 70 | D, E, LS, CS, V | |
| Octopus Salad | 105 | GF, SF, LF | |
| King Crab Salad | 185 | D, E, SF, GF | |
| Spreads | Tzatziki | 45 | D, V |
| Htipiti | 45 | D, V, N, CS | |
| Melitzanosalata | 45 | GF, VG, LF | |
| Taramosalata | 45 | F, D, SF | |
| Hummus | 45 | VG, GF, LF | |
| Raw | Yellowtail Carpaccio | 120 | F, LF |
| Tuna Carpaccio | 120 | F, GF, LF | |
| Sea Bass Carpaccio | 120 | F, GF, LF | |
| Bluefin Tuna Tartare | 295 | D, F, GF | |
| Oysters Gillardeau (6 Pieces) | 248 | SF | |
| Wagyu Beef Tartare | 150 | E, D, F | |
| Red Prawns Ceviche | 185 | LF, SF | |
| Seafood Experience | 850 | SF, E, F | |
| Add Lobster to Seafood Experience | 450 | SF | |
| Starters | Crispy Fried Calamari | 85 | E, F, LF |
| Sardines Toast | 75 | F, LS, CS, LF | |
| Soutzoukakia | 75 | D, LS, E | |
| Moussaka | 130 | D, LS | |
| Vegetable Moussaka | 90 | VG, GF, LF, LS | |
| Baked Feta | 85 | D, N, V | |
| Spanakopita | 70 | D, E, V | |
| Heirloom Tomato Tart | 110 | D, N | |
| Roasted Prawns Saganaki | 165 | D, SF, GF | |
| Grilled Halloumi | 85 | D | |
| Grilled Octopus | 150 | SF, GF | |
| Seafood & Meat | Baked Sea Bass | 230 | F, GF |
| Mediterranean Turbot | 265 | GF, F, N | |
| Grilled Prawns | 180 | SF, GF, LF | |
| Spaghetti Clams | 130 | SF, LS, LF | |
| Harissa Style Lobster | 550 | SF, GF, LF | |
| Lemon Baby Chicken | 185 | D, GF, LS, CS | |
| Black Angus Rib Eye | 385 | D | |
| Grilled Chicken Souvlaki | 170 | D, GF, LS | |
| Lamb Chops | 295 | D | |
| Sides | Crushed Potatoes with Truffle | 75 | E, D, LS |
| Green Salad | 45 | VG, LF, GF | |
| Datterino Tomato Salad | 45 | VG, GF, LF, LS | |
| Green Asparagus Salad | 60 | VG, GF, LF | |
| French Fries | 45 | VG | |
| Steamed Rice | 30 | VG, GF, LF | |
| Grilled Corn | 60 | D, V, GF | |
| Pan-Roasted Vegetables | 60 | VG, LF, GF | |
| Signature Orzo | Lobster Orzo | 220 | D, SF, CS |
| Chicken Orzo | 130 | D, LS | |
| Basil Orzo | 115 | D, N, V | |
| Sharing | Butterfly Grilled Sea Bass | 490 | F, LF, GF |
| Seafood Calamarata Pasta | 430 | F, SF, LS, D | |
| Seafood Mixed Grill | 1200 | F, SF, GF, LF | |
| Slow-Cooked Lamb Shoulder | 490 | D, LS, GF | |
| Wagyu Tomahawk MB 8-9 | 120/100g | D, E | |
| Catch of the Day | Salt Crust | Market Price | F, LF |
| Harissa Style | Market Price | F, GF, LF |
Dietary Key:
- SIGNATURE: Signature Dish
- N: Nuts
- GF: Gluten-Free
- V: Vegetarian
- SF: Shellfish
- VG: Vegan
- D: Dairy
- F: Fish
- E: Egg
- LF: Lactose-Free
- CS: Certified Sustainable
- LS: Locally Sourced
Notes:
- All prices are in UAE dirhams and include 7% municipality fees, 10% service charge, and 5% VAT.
- Please inform the restaurant of any allergies or dietary requirements before ordering for assistance with suitable dishes.
Shimmers often offers daily specials, especially featuring the freshest seafood available that day. These dishes change based on what’s in season, giving you something new to try each time you visit.
If you have dietary restrictions or food allergies, just let your server know. The staff is friendly and helpful, and the kitchen is usually happy to make adjustments or recommend suitable options from the menu.
The entire menu at Shimmers reflects what the restaurant is all about — fresh ingredients, welcoming flavors, and a style that fits perfectly with the relaxed beachfront dining experience.
What keeps Shimmers popular and loved by many in Dubai?
It comes down to a few simple reasons:
- Amazing Beachfront Location: The top reason is the chance to dine right on a beautiful beach with the iconic Burj Al Arab as your view. This setting is rare and unforgettable.
- Delicious Mediterranean Food: Shimmers serves high-quality, authentic Greek-inspired dishes. They prepare classic recipes with great care and fresh ingredients.
- Relaxed Yet Stylish Atmosphere: You can enjoy a chic, elegant experience without feeling formal or uncomfortable. The feeling of having your toes in the sand adds to the easy, luxury beach vibe.
- Friendly and Professional Service: The staff provide warm, helpful service that makes guests feel welcome and well taken care of.
- Good Value for a Special Experience: While the menu prices are on the higher side, most visitors agree the combination of food, location, atmosphere, and service makes it worth it for special occasions.
- Perfect for Special Moments: Shimmers is a favorite for romantic dinners, proposals, anniversaries, or when you want to impress visitors with an authentic Dubai dining experience.
My Experience at Shimmers Dubai
Every time I visit Shimmers, it feels like a little holiday. On my last visit, everything was just right. We arrived just before sunset, and watching the sky change colors over the Arabian Gulf from our table on the sand was truly special.
We started with the Feta Psiti — baked feta cheese with honey and sesame seeds. It was warm, salty, and sweet all at once. I also ordered the classic Greek Salad, which was fresh, colorful, and exactly what you want when dining by the sea.
For the main course, I chose the Grilled Sea Bream, similar to sea bass, as recommended by our friendly server. They served it whole, perfectly cooked — flaky and moist with a nice smoky grill flavor. The dish was simple, fresh, and absolutely delicious.
The atmosphere made the meal even better. Sitting on the soft sand, listening to the waves, and enjoying the view created a relaxed and peaceful dining experience. The staff were attentive but never in your way, making us feel comfortable and well cared for.
What impressed me most was how Shimmers combines a stunning beachfront view with excellent, honest food. It’s a rare balance, and they do it perfectly.
My Top 4 Must-Try Dishes at Shimmers
Based on my visits, these are my favorite dishes you shouldn’t miss:
- Grilled Sea Bass or Sea Bream – simple, fresh, and cooked just right to highlight the fish’s natural flavor.
- Tzatziki with Pita Bread – creamy, cool, and addictive.
- Greek Salad – fresh and authentic, a great palate cleanser between richer dishes.
- Loukoumades – warm, sweet honey dough balls, a perfect way to end your meal.
Shimmers restaurant location in Dubai
| Restaurant | Location | Operating Hours | Phone Number |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shimmers | Jumeirah Mina A’Salam, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, UAE | Daily: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM Last food order: 10:00 PM Last beverage/shisha order: 10:00 PM | +971 4 432 3232 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Shimmers Dubai
Here are some common questions people ask before visiting Shimmers:
Do I need a reservation?
Yes, you should definitely book ahead. Reservations are very important, especially if you want a table on the sand or plan to visit at sunset or dinner time. You can usually reserve online or by calling the restaurant.
Can Shimmers handle dietary restrictions?
Yes, they can help with most common dietary needs and allergies. Just tell your server if you need gluten-free, vegetarian, or have any allergies. They will guide you to the right menu options or suggest changes.
Is parking available?
Yes, valet parking is offered for guests at Jumeirah Mina A’ Salam, where Shimmers is located.
What is the dress code?
The dress code is smart casual. During the day, elegant beachwear works well. In the evening, guests usually wear smart resort clothes. Since you’ll be sitting on the sand, it’s a good idea to wear comfortable shoes or be ready to go barefoot.
Is Shimmers kid-friendly?
Yes, children are welcome, especially during lunch and early dinner hours. The sandy beach setting makes it fun for families. But in the later evenings, the place is more suited for couples and adult groups.
Final Thoughts
Shimmers offers more than just a meal — it creates a special experience. It combines fresh, simple Mediterranean food with one of the most beautiful beachfront views you can find in Dubai or anywhere else.
The menu prices match its premium location and high quality, but the whole experience gives real value, especially when you want to celebrate or treat yourself.
If you want a romantic dinner, a perfect place for a special occasion, or just a relaxed meal with your toes in the sand, Shimmers on the Beach is the best choice in Dubai.
I’m passionate about food and the rich culture of the UAE. I’ve spent years exploring authentic Emirati dishes and diverse cuisines from across the region. Through Habibi Menus, I want to make it easy for everyone to discover real restaurant menus, learn about traditional flavors, and enjoy the best food the UAE has to offer. I focus on sharing clear, simple, and helpful information so everyone can understand and enjoy the local food culture. When I’m not working on the site, I love visiting new restaurants and trying different dishes with my family and friends.