Marina views
Outdoor seating gives diners a Dubai Marina view, making the terrace a strong choice for a scenic meal.
Bushra by Buddha-Bar
Dubai Marina
Bushra by Buddha-Bar is a modern Middle Eastern restaurant in Dubai Marina, with Marina skyline views and a lively dining-room atmosphere. Reviews point to Saturday brunch, creative cocktails such as the Levantine Spritz, and modern Arabic and North African dishes.
Reputation Score
4.5
★★★★★
176 ratings
Source: Google Maps
The Good Stuff
Brunch spread
Saturday brunch brings seafood starters, grill platters, authentic kebabs and lobster tail, with sharing-style service.
Creative cocktails
The spiced cocktail selection is a standout; the Levantine Spritz was made tableside from a cocktail cart in one visit.
Distinct dishes
Reviews call out the pulpo mezze, baby chicken, Turkish-style pizza bread and chocolate date cake as memorable orders.
Live atmosphere
A resident DJ, Saturday shows and occasional belly dancing give dinner and brunch more energy than a quiet meal.
Thoughtful design
Mosaics, art pieces, greenery and dim lighting create a polished modern-Arabic interior with a slightly mysterious feel.
Sharing format
The food can arrive sharing-style, which suits groups and lets the table try more of the menu together.
Opened kitchen
An open kitchen adds a visible cooking element to the experience, alongside the terrace and entertainment.
What to Eat at Bushra by Buddha-Bar 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 Bushra by Buddha-Bar, 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 Bushra by Buddha-Bar got the most positive mentions in user reviews. Check them out!
Food 10
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Beetroot hummus Net +1
“We loved shawarma kebbeh - beetroot hummus was sooo good.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We loved shawarma kebbeh - beetroot hummus was sooo good.”December 2022
-
Chocolate date cake Net +1
“Chocolate date cake is the best what I tried in my life ! Very testy who loves sweet”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Chocolate date cake is the best what I tried in my life ! Very testy who loves sweet”October 2023
-
Hot toddy Net +1
“The cocktails had a Christmas twist to them and we enjoyed them, from a Xmas Mule to a Hot Toddy.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The cocktails had a Christmas twist to them and we enjoyed them, from a Xmas Mule to a Hot Toddy.”December 2022
-
Lamb Net +1
“We loved the Lobster and Lamb.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We loved the Lobster and Lamb.”March 2023
-
Lobster Net +1
“We loved the Lobster and Lamb.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We loved the Lobster and Lamb.”March 2023
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Lobster tail Net +1
“Loved the Lobster tail too.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Loved the Lobster tail too.”March 2023
-
Mix grill Net +1
“Also mix grill was super juicy and testy .”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Also mix grill was super juicy and testy .”October 2023
-
Pulpo mezze Net +1
“Pulpo mezze was a highlight.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Pulpo mezze was a highlight.”March 2023
-
Shawarma kebbeh Net +1
“We loved shawarma kebbeh - beetroot hummus was sooo good.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We loved shawarma kebbeh - beetroot hummus was sooo good.”December 2022
-
Starters plate Net +1
“Starters plate is very delicious.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Starters plate is very delicious.”December 2023
Honorable mentions (3)
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Tabouleh Net +1
“Tabouleh and eggplant dish were delicious and hearty.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Tabouleh and eggplant dish were delicious and hearty.”December 2022
-
Turkish style pizza bread Net +1
“The baby chicken and the Turkish style pizza bread were standout”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The baby chicken and the Turkish style pizza bread were standout”October 2023
-
Xmas mule Net +1
“The cocktails had a Christmas twist to them and we enjoyed them, from a Xmas Mule to a Hot Toddy.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The cocktails had a Christmas twist to them and we enjoyed them, from a Xmas Mule to a Hot Toddy.”December 2022
Drinks 2
-
Levantine spritz Net +1
“The cocktails are amazing my favourite is the Levantine Spritz. Ricky had a cocktail cart and made it in front of us telling us what was in the cocktail.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The cocktails are amazing my favourite is the Levantine Spritz. Ricky had a cocktail cart and made it in front of us telling us what was in the cocktail.”April 2023
-
Negroni Net +1
“Vibrant atmosphere with live DJ set , delicious Lebanese food reinterpreted in a creative way and one of the best Negroni in Dubai, a balanced mix of Italian traditions and Arabic spices.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Vibrant atmosphere with live DJ set , delicious Lebanese food reinterpreted in a creative way and one of the best Negroni in Dubai, a balanced mix of Italian traditions and Arabic spices.”May 2022
What to Avoid (4)
Food 4
-
Butchers mishewee Net −1
“Tasteless main dishes ( butchers mishewee ) and our requests were ignored completely.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“Tasteless main dishes ( butchers mishewee ) and our requests were ignored completely.”May 2022
-
Hazelnut falafel Net −1
“Hazelnut falafel is not good.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“Hazelnut falafel is not good.”May 2022
-
Hummus Net −1
“Hummus and warm moutabel were below average.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“Hummus and warm moutabel were below average.”May 2022
-
Warm moutabel Net −1
“Hummus and warm moutabel were below average.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“Hummus and warm moutabel were below average.”May 2022
Tips for a Better Visit
Book terrace. Reserve ahead for Saturday brunch if you want terrace seating; one review specifically advises pre-booking for that area.
Try brunch. Saturday brunch is a useful starting point for seafood starters, grill platters, kebabs and lobster tail in a lively setting.
Check timing. Allow extra time at busy periods: reviewers mention slow table attention and missed drink orders, particularly at brunch.
Plan conversation. If you want a relaxed conversation, check the music level or choose a quieter time, since one group found the music too loud.
Ask offers. Check current promotions before ordering: a ladies-night visit reported 99 AED for three drinks plus 50% off food.
Share dishes. Sharing-style service and highlights such as pulpo mezze make ordering several dishes for the table a practical approach.
Plan the visit
Practical details
Grosvenor House - a Luxury Collection Hotel - Al Emreef St
Dubai Marina, Dubai
Common Concerns
Slow service
Several reviews mention delays, including a brunch where drink orders were missed and a dinner where tables waited for attention.
Uneven food
A few diners found dishes dry, bland or average, including one complaint that Middle Eastern flavours lacked balance.
High pricing
One review found prices high for smaller portions and poor value, while another described the price level as four-dollar-sign expensive.
Loud music
The DJ-led atmosphere can make conversation difficult, especially for larger groups or anyone seeking a quieter dinner.
Payment hassle
A large group using separate accounts reported difficulty settling the bill smoothly.
Customer-reported prices
These are customer-reported mentions, not a current price list. Prices may have changed.
99 AED
3 drinks
“Went for ladies night, sparkling & food was good as well as prices (99 AED 3 drinks & 50% on food)”Google review · May 2024
DXB
LOCAL
LOCAL
The Bottom Line
Bushra by Buddha-Bar is a Dubai Marina restaurant for modern Middle Eastern food, Marina views and a lively evening rather than a hushed meal. You can come for Saturday brunch, order sharing-style plates, or settle in for cocktails and dinner with a resident DJ and occasional shows. The food has plenty of specific draws.
Brunch reviews mention seafood starters, grill platters, authentic kebabs and lobster tail, while the à la carte menu has earned praise for pulpo mezze, baby chicken and Turkish-style pizza bread. The chocolate date cake is another recurring recommendation. Drinks are a real part of the appeal too, especially the spiced cocktails and Levantine Spritz.
The setting is polished and atmospheric, with dim lighting, mosaics, greenery and outdoor Marina seating. It suits dates, celebrations, groups and weekend family visits, though the music can be too loud for easy conversation. Book ahead if you want a brunch table on the terrace.
Service is often praised but not perfectly consistent: some visits had slow attention or missed drinks, and one larger group struggled with separate bill payments. Prices can feel high when portions seem small, so check current offers before ordering.