La Baia Dubai is part of J1 Beach’s line-up of new luxury beach clubs, a stretch that has quickly positioned itself as a home for global concepts with local polish. Inspired by the Amalfi Coast, La Baia blends the leisurely pace of a Mediterranean afternoon with the sleek precision expected from Dubai.
Set right on the sand at J1 Beach, the beach club is a study in colour and texture. Lemons tumble across tabletops, Amalfi tiles add bursts of blue and yellow underfoot, and walls in rich maroon contrast with the bright light streaming through floor-to-ceiling glass. Outside, the pool — one of the deepest in J1, is framed by sun loungers and the open horizon. On a hot afternoon, it feels like the most inviting place in the development.
The day began outside, where the music was low and the pace unhurried. My first order, the Limoncello of Vietri sul Mare, was light, citrus-forward, and a perfect foil for the summer heat. We stayed poolside for a while, catching up with friends, before moving indoors to the cool, air-conditioned dining room, where the colours and ceramic details brought back memories of my trip to Sorrento just weeks earlier.
La Baia: From poolside to plate
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The meal opened with two cold starters designed for sharing: burrata with tomato, basil, and olive oil, and beef carpaccio with parmesan. Both arrived on oversized plates, accompanied by a large, warm focaccia and an olive paste, the kind of generous, unfussy touch that sets the tone for an Italian table. The creamy burrata paired naturally with the paper-thin beef, each bite brightened by fresh tomato or sharp cheese.
For the hot starter, we ordered the fiore di zucca, courgette flowers stuffed with crab and prawn. The menu also offers a ricotta and black truffle filling, which I had been hoping to try; it’s worth clarifying your preference when ordering. Still, the seafood version was fresh and full-flavoured, with three substantial pieces plated simply but elegantly.
Flavours of the south
The linguine alla nerano was a clear standout. Thick strands of homemade pasta carried the buttery richness of provolone del Monaco, the light freshness of courgette, and the lift of fresh basil. It’s a dish I often cook myself and one I measure carefully against past favourites, this version came close to matching the best I’ve had, which was in Sorrento.
Our second main, the branzino al forno, was equally considered. The oven-baked sea bass flaked at the touch of a fork, layered with thin potato slices and finished with a drizzle of olive oil. Uncomplicated but deeply satisfying, it was a natural follow-on from the pasta.
To finish – Dolci, done right
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Dessert brought a moment of theatre. The tiramisu was prepared tableside, with the waiter building layers of savoiardi biscuits soaked in coffee, fresh mascarpone cream, and cocoa powder from Dolce & Gabbana-branded tins. The biscuits retained a slight crunch, having just been dipped, giving the dessert a contrast of textures that is often lost in pre-made versions. Watching it come together, and then tasting it, was a fitting close to the meal.
La Baia Dubai isn’t just another beach club with a restaurant attached. It’s a place where you can spend an afternoon in the pool, sip something cold in the shade, then step into a dining room that transports you straight to southern Italy. The portions are generous, the atmosphere easygoing, and the details, from focaccia with the starters to the freshly assembled tiramisu — show a kitchen that values both tradition and presentation.
La Baia Dubai – Quick summary
- 📍 Location: Jumeirah, Dubai (J1 Beach)
- 🍽 Cuisine Type: Southern Italian
- 💸 Price Range: AED 470 per person
- 🥂 Signature Experience: Beach club access with refined Italian menu
- 👗 Dress Code: Resort casual / smart casual indoors
- ⏰ Opening Hours/Key Service: Lunch and dinner
- ✨ Ambience: Amalfi-inspired interiors, vivid colours, and direct beach access
