Dubai’s popular Lebanese seafood restaurant Ibn AlBahr, which has been on the Michelin Guide’s Bib Gourmand list for the past three years, opened at Makers District on Reem Island in November.
Taking over the former Cove Beach site, the 2,000-square-metre venue features the restaurant’s coastal blue-and-white decor, creating a calm yet bright and relaxed space. Overlooking the Arabian Gulf, the licensed restaurant seats 270 guests across indoor and outdoor areas, and includes a dining deck as well as beach seating with direct access to the water.
A section dedicated to freshly caught seafood is displayed on ice near the open kitchen. Diners can choose from the day’s catch – think lobster, seabream and jumbo prawns – and have it prepared to their taste (fried, grilled or as fish and chips), which adds a market-style element to the dining experience.
My friends and I visit for lunch on a Saturday, and discover an extensive menu, covering everything from raw seafood to sharing platters and classic grilled fish, as well as options such as shish tawook and beef skewers for those who prefer meat.
Regulars of the Dubai locations will recognise much of the fare, although the Abu Dhabi venue also has additions such as carpaccio and oysters. If you’re overwhelmed by the options, here are five tried-and-tested dishes at Ibn AlBahr.
Bizri, Dh95
We’re so excited to try the offerings at the restaurant that we get a bit overzealous and order several small dishes to start. One of the standouts is the generously portioned bizri (small, fried sardines), which can be found in the “small catch” section of the menu. The dish is crispy, golden, and lightly salted, crunchy without being oily and with a mild seafood taste, which makes it an ideal start to the meal. A squeeze of lemon adds to the flavour, and the portion size works well for sharing.
Hummus Al Bahr, Dh48
The restaurant’s unique take on hummus makes this dish a must-try. It comes topped with sauteed prawns, cherry tomatoes, onions and olives, adding an impressive layer of flavours. A drizzle of olive oil ties everything together, making hummus AlBahr one of the more vibrant options on this menu.
Fatteh shrimp, Dh69
Another tasty and popular pick is the warm and comforting fatteh shrimp, which comes with plump prawns nestled over chickpeas, toasted bread pieces and a creamy tahini-yoghurt sauce. Pine nuts and fried garlic are scattered on top to add aroma and texture, giving each bite a mix of softness and crunch. The dish leans savoury but with a subtle tang.
Chargrilled red snapper, price varies
Grilled fish is at the heart of Ibn AlBahr’s menu, and the chargrilled red snapper is a highlight. Served whole, the fish is tender and flaky. It pairs well with the sides we order, asparagus and chips, although the restaurant also serves it with rice, vegetables or salad. It’s a straightforward dish, but one that shows off the restaurant’s focus on fresh ingredients and simple coastal flavours.
Da’oukieh, Dh44
We finish the afternoon with da’oukieh (a traditional Lebanese sweet with creamy ashta layered between pistachio dough), which offers a delicious but not overly indulgent end to the meal.
Two layers of pistachio-coloured semolina hold a thick centre of clotted cream, while cashews add some crunch. A light syrup is provided to pour over the top, although it’s a bit too sweet for my taste. It’s a gentle end to a meal that leans on freshness and simplicity.
Ibn AlBahr on Makers District, Reem Island is open daily from noon to midnight. This review was conducted at the invitation of the restaurant
