Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab is home to a plethora of restaurants and bars, and two of them make a strong case for a day of leisurely dining by the sea. Iliana sets the tone with authentic Greek cooking and long lunches ,while Rialto takes the evening, opening with aperitivo before moving through to exceptional Italian dining.
Greek flavours and sea views
Iliana takes its name from the Greek for ‘ray of light’. The sun-filled dining room looks across the Arabian Gulf towards Jumeirah Burj Al Arab, with bright interiors and Mediterranean detailing throughout.
The menu opens with htenia sashimi, scallops with lemon marmalade, citrus dressing and chilli. Among the cold appetisers, alifes brings homemade spreads of tarama, tzatziki, melitzanosalata and htipiti, served with pita and lachanika. Chtapodi sta karvouna follows, grilled octopus over fava cream with onion chutney.
Fish is priced by the kilogram, and the st’alati preparation bakes it whole in a salt crust, offered with sea bass, grouper, sea bream, red sea bream and dentex, served with wild greens, steamed potatoes, ladolemono and Greek herb sauce. Among the mains, paidakia moschou giouvetsi pairs short ribs with orzo, beef jus and graviera cream.
Aperitivo hour at Rialto Bar
Rialto at Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab is really two experiences, rather than just one. The bar opens daily from 5pm until 1am, and its setting draws on the 1950s. The drinks list is built around Italian aperitivo, alongside a long run of vermouths and three house liqueurs.
Food at the bar is intentionally curated. The section offers olives, stuffed peppers, mozzarelline and cured meats including bresaola and salame Milano. A cicchetti selection follows the Venetian habit of eating standing with a drink in hand, and focaccia di Recco comes three ways, with stracchino, with bresaola and stracciatella or with black truffle.
Refined Italian cooking at Rialto
The restaurant next door delivers fresh Italian cuisine from a chic, nautical setting. The evening’s atmosphere hums with the excitement of great conversation and delicious dishes.
The menu opens with carpaccio di manzo, beef dressed with olive oil and parmesan, and a burrata plated with tomato, basil pesto and pistachio. Il raviolo di Rialto is the venue’s signature filled pasta, ricotta cheese with sage and walnuts, and it takes its name from the restaurant itself.
Among the larger plates, fettucce manzo e crema di parmigiano is designed to share, fresh pasta with beef cheek and parmesan cream. From the fish list, branzino al guazzetto con patate pairs a sea bass fillet with potatoes, tomatoes and basil. Tiramisù is a non-negotiable for closing the meal.
Planning a day of dining at Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab
The wider dining list at Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab includes Madame Li, The Bombay Club, Commodore Club and more, with Iliana and Rialto within walking a short distance of each other.
For those on the hunt for a delicious way to spend the day, filled with great food and an uplifting atmosphere, look no further.
Quick summary – Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab
- Location: Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, Dubai
- Cuisine: Greek at Iliana, Italian at Rialto and Rialto Bar
- Signature experience: Aperitivo and cicchetti at Rialto Bar before Italian dinner
- Opening hours: Iliana daily (12pm to 4pm and 6pm to 11pm), Rialto (12:30pm to 3pm and 6:30pm to 11pm), Rialto Bar daily (5pm to 1am)
- Dress code: Smart casual for lunch, elegant for dinner
- Ambience: Bright and sea views at Iliana, 1950s-inspired at Rialto Bar
