Seafood brunch
The brunch combines unlimited starters, one main and dessert, with reviewers praising fresh dishes and the signature lobster pasta for two.
Alici
Bluewaters Island
Alici is a Southern Italian restaurant on Bluewaters Island, built around seafood, pasta and a relaxed coastal setting. Reviews make the seafood brunch, lobster pasta and waterfront views especially worth considering for a leisurely meal or celebration.
Reputation Score
4.4
★★★★☆
1,676 ratings
Source: Google Maps
The Good Stuff
Waterfront views
Floor-to-ceiling windows and terrace seating create views across the water and JBR, with the second floor singled out by one brunch reviewer.
Seafood quality
Customers highlight fresh oysters, prawns, raw fish, shrimp, crudo and salt-cooked or baked fish, making seafood the clear focus.
Relaxed setting
The elegant, coastal design feels stylish without being stiff; one brunch review specifically found it quiet enough for table conversation.
Gluten-free pasta
The restaurant accommodated gluten-free dining particularly well, with one guest calling the amberjack pasta one of their best gluten-free pastas.
Celebration care
Birthday and anniversary diners mention complimentary desserts and thoughtful gestures, including a birthday song and a personalised dessert.
Sharing dishes
The menu works well for groups: reviewers recommend sharing options such as the crudo tower, lobster linguini and larger-format fish dishes.
Wine selection
Reviewers mention a broad wine choice, including Italian wines by the glass, with staff offering pairing guidance.
What to Eat at Alici 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 Alici, 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 Alici got the most positive mentions in user reviews. Check them out!
Food 2
-
Prawn risotto Net +2
“My children love every dish in the menu, specially their prawn risottos and homemade pastas. Yum.”
Positive 2Negative 0
Review excerpts
“My children love every dish in the menu, specially their prawn risottos and homemade pastas. Yum.”March 2026
“The food was exceptional - don’t miss the Prawn Risotto and Anchovies Pizza, both were standout dishes.”July 2025
-
Tiramisu Net +2
“You can never go wrong with a classic tiramisu and when you bring the whole family you definitely need to try the „rose“ cake!”
Positive 2Negative 0
Review excerpts
“You can never go wrong with a classic tiramisu and when you bring the whole family you definitely need to try the „rose“ cake!”January 2025
“The ravioli with fish was delicate and beautifully presented, and the tiramisu was the perfect sweet ending - light, creamy, and unforgettable.”October 2025
Honorable mentions (24)
-
3 Course lunch Net +1
“Had the 3 course lunch. Delicious and great portions.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Had the 3 course lunch. Delicious and great portions.”May 2026
-
Anchovies pizza Net +1
“The food was exceptional - don’t miss the Prawn Risotto and Anchovies Pizza, both were standout dishes.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The food was exceptional - don’t miss the Prawn Risotto and Anchovies Pizza, both were standout dishes.”July 2025
-
Anniversary dessert Net +1
“The service and the meal were excellent. Durga and Moujender took great care of us. We had oysters, prawns, eggplant and mushroom risotto. They even surprised us with an anniversary dessert.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The service and the meal were excellent. Durga and Moujender took great care of us. We had oysters, prawns, eggplant and mushroom risotto. They even surprised us with an anniversary dessert.”February 2026
-
Burrata with truffle Net +1
“We started with the burrata with truffle - rich, creamy, and full of flavor.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We started with the burrata with truffle - rich, creamy, and full of flavor.”October 2025
-
Cannoli Net +1
“If you only have a little space left you can go for the cannoli which are the perfect ending.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“If you only have a little space left you can go for the cannoli which are the perfect ending.”January 2025
-
Chocolate fondant Net +1
“Highlights of our meal included the lemon mousse and chocolate fondant for dessert both were divine.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Highlights of our meal included the lemon mousse and chocolate fondant for dessert both were divine.”August 2025
-
Crudo tower Net +1
“The crudo tower is definitely worth getting. The balance of the flavors and textures is amazing.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The crudo tower is definitely worth getting. The balance of the flavors and textures is amazing.”January 2025
-
Fried sea food Net +1
“Nice pizza and they have really tasty fried sea food, I suggest you to try it”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Nice pizza and they have really tasty fried sea food, I suggest you to try it”March 2026
-
Lemon Net +1
“The signature dish is the lemon which expecteded my expectations. The tartness of the lemon which gets complimented by the wild berries and the vanilla. A must try.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The signature dish is the lemon which expecteded my expectations. The tartness of the lemon which gets complimented by the wild berries and the vanilla. A must try.”January 2025
-
Lemon mousse Net +1
“Highlights of our meal included the lemon mousse and chocolate fondant for dessert both were divine.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Highlights of our meal included the lemon mousse and chocolate fondant for dessert both were divine.”August 2025
-
Lobster linguini Net +1
“The main courses are so impressive for 2 people try the lobster linguini or for 4 the salt crusted sea bass .”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The main courses are so impressive for 2 people try the lobster linguini or for 4 the salt crusted sea bass .”February 2025
-
Ravioli with fish Net +1
“The ravioli with fish was delicate and beautifully presented, and the tiramisu was the perfect sweet ending - light, creamy, and unforgettable.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The ravioli with fish was delicate and beautifully presented, and the tiramisu was the perfect sweet ending - light, creamy, and unforgettable.”October 2025
-
Raw fish Net +1
“The raw fish , salmon and shrimp was an extraordinary taste , crafted with special sauces and mixes.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The raw fish , salmon and shrimp was an extraordinary taste , crafted with special sauces and mixes.”January 2026
-
Risotto white truffle Net +1
“We were hosted by friendly team in Alici, the food is so tasty from appetizers till Desserts and the Risotto White Truffle is another level 👏 highly recommended!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We were hosted by friendly team in Alici, the food is so tasty from appetizers till Desserts and the Risotto White Truffle is another level 👏 highly recommended!”December 2024
-
Salmon Net +1
“The raw fish , salmon and shrimp was an extraordinary taste , crafted with special sauces and mixes.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The raw fish , salmon and shrimp was an extraordinary taste , crafted with special sauces and mixes.”January 2026
-
Salt crusted sea bass Net +1
“The main courses are so impressive for 2 people try the lobster linguini or for 4 the salt crusted sea bass .”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The main courses are so impressive for 2 people try the lobster linguini or for 4 the salt crusted sea bass .”February 2025
-
Sea food pasta Net +1
“Sea food pasta was great.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Sea food pasta was great.”January 2026
-
Seafood based brunch Net +1
“We just had the best Seafood based Brunch experience ever of Dubai ! Everything was just perfection from the choice of the table reserved to the final goodbye drink ! Food was outstanding!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We just had the best Seafood based Brunch experience ever of Dubai ! Everything was just perfection from the choice of the table reserved to the final goodbye drink ! Food was outstanding!”June 2026
-
Seafood misto Net +1
“The mains were equally outstanding: the spaghetti with clams, and starters of seafood misto, and tuna tartare were fresh, flavorful, and perfectly prepared.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The mains were equally outstanding: the spaghetti with clams, and starters of seafood misto, and tuna tartare were fresh, flavorful, and perfectly prepared.”August 2025
-
Shrimp Net +1
“The raw fish , salmon and shrimp was an extraordinary taste , crafted with special sauces and mixes.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The raw fish , salmon and shrimp was an extraordinary taste , crafted with special sauces and mixes.”January 2026
-
Signature lemoni Net +1
“To complement my meal, I tried their signature lemoni. It was refreshingly zesty and perfectly balanced—not too sweet, just the right amount of tang.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“To complement my meal, I tried their signature lemoni. It was refreshingly zesty and perfectly balanced—not too sweet, just the right amount of tang.”October 2024
-
Signature lobster pasta for two Net +1
“The highlight was the signature lobster pasta for two. It was delicious, and the tableside presentation and plating made it feel like a special experience.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The highlight was the signature lobster pasta for two. It was delicious, and the tableside presentation and plating made it feel like a special experience.”July 2026
-
Spaghetti with clams Net +1
“The mains were equally outstanding: the spaghetti with clams, and starters of seafood misto, and tuna tartare were fresh, flavorful, and perfectly prepared.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The mains were equally outstanding: the spaghetti with clams, and starters of seafood misto, and tuna tartare were fresh, flavorful, and perfectly prepared.”August 2025
-
Tuna tartare Net +1
“The mains were equally outstanding: the spaghetti with clams, and starters of seafood misto, and tuna tartare were fresh, flavorful, and perfectly prepared.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The mains were equally outstanding: the spaghetti with clams, and starters of seafood misto, and tuna tartare were fresh, flavorful, and perfectly prepared.”August 2025
Drinks 2
-
Bellini Net +1
“Bellini is delicious, one of the best!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Bellini is delicious, one of the best!”June 2026
-
Prosecco Net +1
“I got the package that includes Prosecco, wine, and cocktails for under 500 AED.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I got the package that includes Prosecco, wine, and cocktails for under 500 AED.”March 2026
What to Avoid (3)
Food 2
-
Brindisi rosa Net −1
“Starting with the Brindisi Rosa, it was rosemary heavy and tasted more like an herbal medicinal tea than a delicious, refreshing mocktail.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“Starting with the Brindisi Rosa, it was rosemary heavy and tasted more like an herbal medicinal tea than a delicious, refreshing mocktail.”July 2025
-
Bufala Net −1
“The Bufala had a bright red tomato sauce which tasted heavily of tomato paste, rather than fresh tomatoes. The crust was good but the mozzarella was not stretchy or elastic, and was a bit rubbery instead which was not very enjoyable.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“The Bufala had a bright red tomato sauce which tasted heavily of tomato paste, rather than fresh tomatoes. The crust was good but the mozzarella was not stretchy or elastic, and was a bit rubbery instead which was not very enjoyable.”July 2025
Drinks 1
-
Amalfi spritz Net −1
“The Amalfi Spritz was quite bitter, but not bad overall.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“The Amalfi Spritz was quite bitter, but not bad overall.”July 2025
Tips for a Better Visit
Choose brunch seating. For Saturday brunch, ask for first-floor seating for a better view of the live entertainment; another reviewer preferred the second floor for the view.
Try outdoors. Book the terrace when the weather is good: reviewers say the outdoor view is especially strong, while the windows still frame the waterfront indoors.
Ask about allergies. Tell the team about allergies before ordering; one brunch guest said an unplanned fixed-menu change was accommodated easily.
Use underground parking. Use underground parking and ask reception about claiming free parking, as one reviewer reported that process was available.
Allow time. Build in extra time for lunch, especially on a quiet day: one group waited 15 minutes for drinks and an hour to settle the bill.
Order to share. For groups, consider sharing several dishes; reviewers specifically praise the crudo tower and describe the brunch portions as generous.
Plan the visit
Practical details
Marsa Dubai - Bluewaters Island - Dubai
Marsa Dubai - Bluewaters Island, Dubai
| Mon | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM |
| Tue | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM |
| Wed | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM |
| Thu | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM |
| Fri | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM |
| Sat | 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM |
| Sun | 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM |
Common Concerns
Turbot setback
One diner reported dry, flavorless turbot and reheated-tasting vegetables, despite paying AED 495 for the dish.
Loud music
A review said the music was loud enough to make conversation difficult, while another described the atmosphere as tacky.
Slow service
One birthday lunch involved a 15-minute wait to order drinks and roughly an hour waiting to pay, despite few occupied tables.
Inconsistent food
Some diners found the food bland, undersized or overpriced, and one described the pizza, mocktail and tiramisu as disappointing.
Unavailable dish
Anchovies were unavailable during one romantic birthday dinner, so particular menu choices may not always be in stock.
Customer-reported prices
These are customer-reported mentions, not a current price list. Prices may have changed.
under 500 AED
package that includes Prosecco, wine, and cocktails
“I got the package that includes Prosecco, wine, and cocktails for under 500 AED”Google review · March 2026
AED 495
turbot
“I'm aware of the price of the turbot itself, but charging it AED 495 and serving it like that isn't respectable for a place like this”Google review · February 2026
DXB
LOCAL
LOCAL
The Bottom Line
Alici is a Southern Italian seafood restaurant on Bluewaters Island, drawing diners for waterfront views, elegant interiors and a coastal atmosphere that many compare with Italy. You can order seafood such as oysters, prawns, crudo and salt-cooked fish, alongside homemade pasta, risotto and pizza. The crudo tower, prawn risotto and lobster pasta receive especially specific praise.
The weekend brunch is a major draw. Reviews describe unlimited starters, a main course and dessert, with the lobster pasta for two and salt-crusted sea bass standing out. One guest also praised the gluten-free amberjack pasta, while families appreciated the sharing format and child-friendly welcome.
Birthday and anniversary diners have received complimentary desserts and other thoughtful touches. Service is usually described as warm, knowledgeable and attentive without hovering, though consistency is not guaranteed. One birthday lunch involved a 15-minute wait for drinks and about an hour to pay, and another diner found the AED 495 turbot dry and poorly presented.
Music has also been too loud for conversation for some guests. For brunch, ask about first-floor seating for the entertainment or consider the terrace in good weather. Underground parking may be claimed as free through reception, according to one review.
Prices can feel reasonable for the brunch, but individual dishes may be expensive.