At the Burj Al Arab, dinner is never just dinner. It’s a performance. And nowhere is this truer than at Al Mahara.
The name means “The Oyster Shell.” This isn’t just a restaurant with a fish tank; the entire dining room is built around a massive, floor-to-ceiling aquarium. It holds over 990,000 liters of water and is filled with hundreds of tropical fish, rays, and even small sharks.
But is it a gimmick? As a Dubai expert, I’ve seen many “themed” restaurants. I went to Al Mahara to see if the food is as good as the incredible view.
The Experience: The “Submarine” Journey
Your journey starts in the lobby. You are escorted into a small, gold-plated chamber. The doors close, the lights dim, and you feel a gentle vibration. It’s a “simulated submarine” ride.
Is it a bit cheesy? Yes. Is it fun? Absolutely.
It sets the stage. You “arrive” at the restaurant, and the golden doors open to reveal the dining room. The first thing you see is the glow of the giant aquarium. It’s breathtaking. The tables are arranged in a circle around the tank, so every single seat has a perfect view.
The lighting is low, and the room is quiet. The only sound is soft music and the gentle hum of the water. It’s one of the most romantic and “exclusive” feelings you can get in Dubai.
The Food: Luxury Seafood
The menu is, as you’d expect, focused on high-end seafood.
I chose the “Chef’s Tasting Menu,” which is the best way to experience the kitchen’s full potential.
- King Crab: The meal started with a delicate King Crab salad. It was fresh, light, and perfectly balanced with a citrus dressing.
- Poached Turbot: The fish course was a highlight. The turbot was so tender it fell apart. It was served with a creamy, champagne-based sauce.
- Lobster Thermidor: This is a classic, done to perfection. A whole lobster, removed from its shell, cooked in a rich, cheesy, brandy-infused sauce, and placed back. It was pure indulgence.
- The “Pearl”: Dessert was a show. A white chocolate sphere (the “oyster shell”) is brought to the table. The waiter then pours a hot raspberry sauce over it, which melts the shell to reveal a passionfruit mousse (the “pearl”) inside.
The food is not trying to be overly clever. It’s classic fine-dining. They source the best seafood in the world and cook it flawlessly.
The Price: What Does an Underwater Dinner Cost (2025)?
This is a “bucket list” meal, and the price reflects that.
- Chef’s Tasting Menu: Expect to pay around AED 1,200 – 1,400 ($325 – $380 USD) per person.
- À La Carte: Appetizers start at $80. Main courses, like the Lobster, can be over $180.
- Minimum Spend: On busy nights, there is often a minimum spend of AED 700-900 per person.
My advice: Plan on spending $400 – $550 per person for a full dinner with a couple of glasses of wine. This is a special-occasion restaurant, not a casual bite.
The Service: Attentive and Theatrical
The service is what you expect from the Burj Al Arab. Your every need is met before you even think of it.
But here, the service is also part of the show. The waiters move quietly. The dishes are presented with a flourish. When you book a luxury car rental for your Dubai trip, you expect a smooth, flawless ride. The service at Al Mahara is the dining equivalent of that.
Is Al Mahara Worth It?
Yes, if you are looking for an experience.
- Go if: You are celebrating a major anniversary or a proposal. I’ve seen more proposals here than anywhere else in Dubai.
- Go if: You love marine life and the idea of dining “underwater” fascinates you.
- Go if: You want to give your family (especially older children) a “wow” moment they will never, ever forget.
Don’t go if: You are a food critic looking for groundbreaking, experimental molecular gastronomy. The food is classic, not cutting-edge.
For non-guests, a reservation at Al Mahara is a golden ticket. It gets you past the bridge, into the atrium, and lets you experience the magic of the Burj Al Arab.
If you’re already a guest at the hotel, it’s a must-do. It’s part of the reason you chose to stay there. For a complete guide on how to stay at the hotel, check our Burj Al Arab Jumeirah suite price and booking page.
Burj Al Arab Jumeirah suite price and booking
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is the dress code for Al Mahara?
The dress code is “Smart Elegant.” This is strictly enforced. For men: collared shirt, long trousers, and closed shoes (no trainers or jeans). For ladies: a dress, skirt, or elegant trousers. - Do you actually go underwater?
No. The restaurant is on the ground floor. The “submarine” ride is a simulation. The aquarium is so large and brilliantly designed that it feels like you are underwater. - Is there a vegetarian menu at Al Mahara?
Yes, they have a full, multi-course vegetarian menu available. You just need to ask for it when you book or arrive.
