Sea Bass Platters
The sea bass platter for two is repeatedly described as generous enough for three to five people, with plenty of rice.
Al Fanar Seafood Restaurant
Bur Dubai
Al Fanar Seafood Restaurant in Bur Dubai pairs Emirati-style seafood with a heritage-inspired setting beside the creek. Reviews particularly highlight the grilled squid and generously portioned sea bass platters, making it a good place to explore local flavours over a waterside meal.
Reputation Score
4.7
★★★★★
5,912 ratings
Source: Google Maps
The Good Stuff
Fresh Squid
Grilled squid is praised for being fresh, soft rather than rubbery, and cooked carefully with local spices.
Creek Views
Outdoor tables look over the creek, passing boats and nearby water, with reviewers also mentioning a light evening breeze.
Emirati Flavours
Reviews describe the seafood machboos, shrimp machboos and fish dishes as authentic, flavourful introductions to Emirati cooking.
Heritage Setting
The traditional design and Al Seef surroundings create an old-Dubai atmosphere that reviewers found scenic and photo-friendly.
Large Portions
The seafood platter for four was reported to feed five, while the platter for two was described as unusually substantial.
What to Eat at Al Fanar Seafood Restaurant How we choose these items We use AI to find praise and criticism of specific foods and drinks in a selection of Google reviews. For Al Fanar Seafood Restaurant, this list is based on 50 reviews, not every review of the restaurant. The score is positive reviews minus negative reviews. For example, two positive reviews and one negative review give +1. Each review counts once per item; neutral comments do not change the score. A zero score is not a positive recommendation. “Only neutral feedback” means there are no positive or negative votes. “Mixed feedback” means equal numbers of positive and negative votes. The quotes are examples of what people said, not every comment we counted. We use different reviews where we can. We normally show up to 10 foods and 5 drinks with non-negative scores. Items with the same score stay together. If a tied group would go past the limit, that group and the lower non-negative scores go into Honorable mentions. If an overflowing positive top tie would leave the list empty, we show up to 10 items from that tie and keep the rest in Honorable mentions. Foods and drinks with a negative score are under What to Avoid. Use this as a guide to what reviewers liked, not a guarantee that you will like it too.
These items at Al Fanar Seafood Restaurant got the most positive mentions in user reviews. Check them out!
Food 2
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Grilled squid Net +2
“I ordered the grilled squid. Local seafood place, local spices. I liked the squid, cooked to perfection.”
Positive 2Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I ordered the grilled squid. Local seafood place, local spices. I liked the squid, cooked to perfection.”July 2026
“We had an incredible meal of grilled squid and sea bass paired with biryani rice—everything was exceptionally fresh and cooked to perfection.”May 2026
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Seabass seafood platter Net +2
“I had seabass seafood platter and it was very tasty and delicious.”
Positive 2Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I had seabass seafood platter and it was very tasty and delicious.”December 2025
“Sea bass platter for 2 was great. Flavors are amazing. Cooked to perfection.”February 2026
Honorable mentions (22)
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Calamari Net +1
“Calamari frying till just nice and not coating with think flour.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Calamari frying till just nice and not coating with think flour.”September 2025
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Fanar arabic salad Net +1
“I also had the Fanar Arabic salad, simple fresh and just perfect.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I also had the Fanar Arabic salad, simple fresh and just perfect.”July 2026
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Ferni Net +1
“After the meal, we had ferni and mint tea, both of which were excellent. The ferni, flavored with cardamom and saffron, was perfectly sweet and aromatic.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“After the meal, we had ferni and mint tea, both of which were excellent. The ferni, flavored with cardamom and saffron, was perfectly sweet and aromatic.”October 2025
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Fish kofta starter Net +1
“- The highlight was definitely the fish kofta starter ; really flavourful and something I’d definitely recommend trying.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“- The highlight was definitely the fish kofta starter ; really flavourful and something I’d definitely recommend trying.”January 2026
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Fish machboos Net +1
“Service was friendly and the fish machboos was flavourful!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Service was friendly and the fish machboos was flavourful!”February 2026
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Grilled sea bass Net +1
“Update: I did come back and tried the grilled sea bass, it came with lovely Arabic tabun bread and delicious fish said on the side.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Update: I did come back and tried the grilled sea bass, it came with lovely Arabic tabun bread and delicious fish said on the side.”July 2026
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Legaimat Net +1
“I had seafood soup, squid fry, Shrimp Machboos, Mango Paradise and Legaimat. The soup was rich in dal flavor and subtle in taste and was comforting. The squid fry was absolutely amazing. The squid was really fresh and was cooked to perfection. It was soft and not rubbery at all. It was really yummy. The shrimp Machboos was also good. The shrimp were soft and good to eat along with the rice and yogurt. The mango paradise was sweet and tangy. It was good. The Legaimat covered in date syrup was very unique and a really good finish to the meal.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I had seafood soup, squid fry, Shrimp Machboos, Mango Paradise and Legaimat. The soup was rich in dal flavor and subtle in taste and was comforting. The squid fry was absolutely amazing. The squid was really fresh and was cooked to perfection. It was soft and not rubbery at all. It was really yummy. The shrimp Machboos was also good. The shrimp were soft and good to eat along with the rice and yogurt. The mango paradise was sweet and tangy. It was good. The Legaimat covered in date syrup was very unique and a really good finish to the meal.”January 2026
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Mango paradise Net +1
“I had seafood soup, squid fry, Shrimp Machboos, Mango Paradise and Legaimat. The soup was rich in dal flavor and subtle in taste and was comforting. The squid fry was absolutely amazing. The squid was really fresh and was cooked to perfection. It was soft and not rubbery at all. It was really yummy. The shrimp Machboos was also good. The shrimp were soft and good to eat along with the rice and yogurt. The mango paradise was sweet and tangy. It was good.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I had seafood soup, squid fry, Shrimp Machboos, Mango Paradise and Legaimat. The soup was rich in dal flavor and subtle in taste and was comforting. The squid fry was absolutely amazing. The squid was really fresh and was cooked to perfection. It was soft and not rubbery at all. It was really yummy. The shrimp Machboos was also good. The shrimp were soft and good to eat along with the rice and yogurt. The mango paradise was sweet and tangy. It was good.”January 2026
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Platter for two Net +1
“The platter for two is both very generous and absolutely delicious.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The platter for two is both very generous and absolutely delicious.”July 2026
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Prawn Net +1
“The prawn is the simple, but it is fresh and tasty!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The prawn is the simple, but it is fresh and tasty!”September 2025
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Rice Net +1
“The shrimp were soft and good to eat along with the rice and yogurt.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The shrimp were soft and good to eat along with the rice and yogurt.”January 2026
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Sea bass Net +1
“We had an incredible meal of grilled squid and sea bass paired with biryani rice—everything was exceptionally fresh and cooked to perfection.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We had an incredible meal of grilled squid and sea bass paired with biryani rice—everything was exceptionally fresh and cooked to perfection.”May 2026
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Seafood biryani Net +1
“Food was good! Order seafood biryani. The Al Fanar orange sauce was so good”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Food was good! Order seafood biryani. The Al Fanar orange sauce was so good”October 2025
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Seafood machboos Net +1
“We ordered the seafood machboos, which came with two kinds of sauces (I think mango) that had a really delicious flavor.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We ordered the seafood machboos, which came with two kinds of sauces (I think mango) that had a really delicious flavor.”October 2025
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Seafood platter for 2 Net +1
“The seafood platter for 2 was a very big portion, and very tasty.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The seafood platter for 2 was a very big portion, and very tasty.”January 2026
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Seafood platter for four people Net +1
“We visited Al Fanar Seafood Restaurant and ordered the seafood platter for four people — it could easily feed five. Great quality, generous portions, and a very pleasant experience overall.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We visited Al Fanar Seafood Restaurant and ordered the seafood platter for four people — it could easily feed five. Great quality, generous portions, and a very pleasant experience overall.”January 2026
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Seafood soup Net +1
“I had seafood soup, squid fry, Shrimp Machboos, Mango Paradise and Legaimat. The soup was rich in dal flavor and subtle in taste and was comforting.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I had seafood soup, squid fry, Shrimp Machboos, Mango Paradise and Legaimat. The soup was rich in dal flavor and subtle in taste and was comforting.”January 2026
-
Shrimp machboos Net +1
“I had seafood soup, squid fry, Shrimp Machboos, Mango Paradise and Legaimat. The soup was rich in dal flavor and subtle in taste and was comforting. The squid fry was absolutely amazing. The squid was really fresh and was cooked to perfection. It was soft and not rubbery at all. It was really yummy. The shrimp Machboos was also good. The shrimp were soft and good to eat along with the rice and yogurt.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I had seafood soup, squid fry, Shrimp Machboos, Mango Paradise and Legaimat. The soup was rich in dal flavor and subtle in taste and was comforting. The squid fry was absolutely amazing. The squid was really fresh and was cooked to perfection. It was soft and not rubbery at all. It was really yummy. The shrimp Machboos was also good. The shrimp were soft and good to eat along with the rice and yogurt.”January 2026
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Signature platter Net +1
“Their signature platter was exceptional, and the sizzling pudding dates were one of the best desserts I’ve ever tasted.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Their signature platter was exceptional, and the sizzling pudding dates were one of the best desserts I’ve ever tasted.”November 2025
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Signature tray Net +1
“they have a wide selection of menu, from arabic to western.. we had the signature tray good for 2-3 persons but they offer a pretty big portion and it taste authentic, definitely a reason to come back for.. thanks to bro. akhilesh for recommending the dish and being attentive to our needs.. keep it up guys! ambiance is picture worthy too ❤️”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“they have a wide selection of menu, from arabic to western.. we had the signature tray good for 2-3 persons but they offer a pretty big portion and it taste authentic, definitely a reason to come back for.. thanks to bro. akhilesh for recommending the dish and being attentive to our needs.. keep it up guys! ambiance is picture worthy too ❤️”October 2025
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Sizzling pudding dates Net +1
“Their signature platter was exceptional, and the sizzling pudding dates were one of the best desserts I’ve ever tasted.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Their signature platter was exceptional, and the sizzling pudding dates were one of the best desserts I’ve ever tasted.”November 2025
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Squid fry Net +1
“I had seafood soup, squid fry, Shrimp Machboos, Mango Paradise and Legaimat. The soup was rich in dal flavor and subtle in taste and was comforting. The squid fry was absolutely amazing. The squid was really fresh and was cooked to perfection. It was soft and not rubbery at all. It was really yummy.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I had seafood soup, squid fry, Shrimp Machboos, Mango Paradise and Legaimat. The soup was rich in dal flavor and subtle in taste and was comforting. The squid fry was absolutely amazing. The squid was really fresh and was cooked to perfection. It was soft and not rubbery at all. It was really yummy.”January 2026
Drinks 2
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Mint tea Net +1
“After the meal, we had ferni and mint tea, both of which were excellent.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“After the meal, we had ferni and mint tea, both of which were excellent.”October 2025
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Special tea Net +1
“Excellent restaurant with a very beautiful view, I ordered a dessert and their special tea and I liked it very much.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Excellent restaurant with a very beautiful view, I ordered a dessert and their special tea and I liked it very much.”January 2026
What to Avoid (5)
Food 4
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Chicken maqboos Net −1
“- Unfortunately, the main dishes didn’t hold up. We had the salmon biryani and the chicken maqboos, and both were underwhelming. The biryani was bland and lacked any real masala kick, and the rice had a slightly odd smell ; something just felt off. - The chicken maqboos was similarly forgettable, lacking depth or seasoning.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“- Unfortunately, the main dishes didn’t hold up. We had the salmon biryani and the chicken maqboos, and both were underwhelming. The biryani was bland and lacked any real masala kick, and the rice had a slightly odd smell ; something just felt off. - The chicken maqboos was similarly forgettable, lacking depth or seasoning.”January 2026
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Lentil soup Net −1
“Lentil soup was mid, and shockingly they don’t serve those pita croutons with it.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“Lentil soup was mid, and shockingly they don’t serve those pita croutons with it.”February 2026
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Mint lime Net −1
“The mint lime was below average.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“The mint lime was below average.”February 2026
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Salmon biryani Net −1
“- Unfortunately, the main dishes didn’t hold up. We had the salmon biryani and the chicken maqboos, and both were underwhelming. The biryani was bland and lacked any real masala kick, and the rice had a slightly odd smell ; something just felt off.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“- Unfortunately, the main dishes didn’t hold up. We had the salmon biryani and the chicken maqboos, and both were underwhelming. The biryani was bland and lacked any real masala kick, and the rice had a slightly odd smell ; something just felt off.”January 2026
Drinks 1
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Watermelon juice Net −1
“The watermelon juice was just water , without the melon.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“The watermelon juice was just water , without the melon.”February 2026
Tips for a Better Visit
Share Platters. A sea bass platter for two may suit three to five diners, so consider sharing before ordering separate mains.
Bring A Jacket. For cooler February evenings, bring a light jacket, especially if you plan to sit outside by the water.
Choose Outdoors. Ask for outdoor seating if you want the waterside atmosphere and breeze highlighted by several reviewers.
Try Grilled Squid. The grilled squid is a strong first order: one reviewer found it fresh, tender and cooked to perfection.
Ask About Sauces. Seafood machboos comes with two sauces, while the restaurant’s orange sauce is another frequently praised accompaniment.
Plan the visit
Practical details
Al Seef St
Al Hamriya, Dubai
| Mon | 1:00 PM – 10:30 PM |
| Tue | 1:00 PM – 10:30 PM |
| Wed | 1:00 PM – 10:30 PM |
| Thu | 1:00 PM – 10:30 PM |
| Fri | 1:00 PM – 10:30 PM |
| Sat | 1:00 PM – 10:30 PM |
| Sun | 1:00 PM – 10:30 PM |
Common Concerns
Uneven Service
One busy-period review described distracted staff and said the delay could not be fully explained by the restaurant’s popularity.
Mixed Mains
A reviewer found the salmon biryani and chicken maqboos bland and underwhelming, with an odd smell from the rice.
Weak Drinks
One visit found the watermelon juice watery and the mint lime below average.
Price Concern
One solo diner felt the food quality did not justify what they considered high prices and reported poor service.
DXB
LOCAL
LOCAL
The Bottom Line
Al Fanar Seafood Restaurant is a creekside Emirati seafood restaurant in Bur Dubai, with a heritage-style setting that fits an Old Dubai outing. You can order dishes such as grilled squid, seafood machboos, shrimp machboos or a sea bass platter, with several reviews praising the fresh seafood and local seasoning. The platters are the practical choice for groups.
A sea bass platter labelled for two was reported to serve three to five people, and a seafood platter for four was said to feed five. The grilled squid also stands out: one diner described it as soft rather than rubbery, while another liked it cooked to perfection. Seafood machboos comes with two sauces, and the tangy orange sauce gets its own enthusiastic mentions.
The setting is a major part of the visit. Outdoor tables face the creek, passing boats and water, and the traditional design is considered photo-friendly. February evenings can feel chilly outdoors, so take a light jacket.
Experiences are not completely consistent: one busy visit involved distracted service, and another found the salmon biryani and chicken maqboos bland, with watery drinks. If you are choosing carefully, the seafood platters or grilled squid have the strongest specific support in the reviews.