Skyline views
The 43rd-floor setting gives diners expansive views across Dubai Marina, the Palm and Dubai Harbour.
City Social
Dubai Marina
City Social is a modern European restaurant in Dubai Marina, set high above the city with skyline and harbour views. Guests come for polished dinners, the Social Brunch and dishes such as Hokkaido scallops, seafood and steak, with a cocktail lounge and live entertainment adding to the occasion.
Reputation Score
4.6
★★★★★
235 ratings
Source: Google Maps
The Good Stuff
Attentive service
Reviews repeatedly describe warm, polished service, including careful handling of dietary restrictions and celebration details.
Brunch format
The Social Brunch combines shared opening courses with a choice of main, rather than feeling like a purely party-led brunch.
Seafood dishes
Hokkaido scallops, sea bass, prawns, oysters and seafood platters are among the specific dishes guests remember positively.
Dessert games
The Ice Cream Game is a playful tasting-style dessert that several guests singled out as a memorable finish.
Dietary options
The restaurant has additional vegan and vegetarian menus, and one guest reported careful nut- and shellfish-allergy handling.
Conversation-friendly
At least one dinner review appreciated that the restaurant avoided an overpowering DJ during the meal.
What to Eat at City Social 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 City Social, 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 City Social got the most positive mentions in user reviews. Check them out!
Food 1
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Hokkaido scallops Net +2
“We had a delightful dinner that included Hokkaido Scallops, and fantastic Angus steaks complimented with a proper wine selection.”
Positive 2Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We had a delightful dinner that included Hokkaido Scallops, and fantastic Angus steaks complimented with a proper wine selection.”August 2026
“We started with the Hokkaido scallop (though a bit small for the price) and the beef tartare, followed by the Wagyu steak as the main course (all well-prepared and steak a bit salty) loved the little game for ice cream dessert.”June 2025
Honorable mentions (27)
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Aged beef tartare Net +1
“Well I get my hopes up when its Chef Jason Atherton doing brunch in grosvenor house. The vibe is electrifying with live saxophone and a cool DJ. I relished the Aged beef tartare, fried spiced chicken and Koji salmon with king crab for my starters. LOVED THE POCHED TIGER PRAWNS AND SCALLOP CEVICHE. The beef rib eye was delicious!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Well I get my hopes up when its Chef Jason Atherton doing brunch in grosvenor house. The vibe is electrifying with live saxophone and a cool DJ. I relished the Aged beef tartare, fried spiced chicken and Koji salmon with king crab for my starters. LOVED THE POCHED TIGER PRAWNS AND SCALLOP CEVICHE. The beef rib eye was delicious!”July 2023
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Apple pie desert Net +1
“I had the scollops for starter and the lamb chop for main. Both were pretty good but the Apple pie desert was incredible.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I had the scollops for starter and the lamb chop for main. Both were pretty good but the Apple pie desert was incredible.”April 2025
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Beef rib eye Net +1
“Well I get my hopes up when its Chef Jason Atherton doing brunch in grosvenor house. The vibe is electrifying with live saxophone and a cool DJ. I relished the Aged beef tartare, fried spiced chicken and Koji salmon with king crab for my starters. LOVED THE POCHED TIGER PRAWNS AND SCALLOP CEVICHE. The beef rib eye was delicious!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Well I get my hopes up when its Chef Jason Atherton doing brunch in grosvenor house. The vibe is electrifying with live saxophone and a cool DJ. I relished the Aged beef tartare, fried spiced chicken and Koji salmon with king crab for my starters. LOVED THE POCHED TIGER PRAWNS AND SCALLOP CEVICHE. The beef rib eye was delicious!”July 2023
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Burrata on pumpkin purée with ponzu sauce Net +1
“And the burrata on pumpkin purée with ponzu sauce absolutely unreal. Easily one of the best dishes I’ve had recently. Highly recommend this place !”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“And the burrata on pumpkin purée with ponzu sauce absolutely unreal. Easily one of the best dishes I’ve had recently. Highly recommend this place !”May 2026
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Celeriac wellington Net +1
“We had the celeriac wellington and the wagu steak - both beautifully cooked and presented and the staff couldn’t have been more helpful and attentive.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We had the celeriac wellington and the wagu steak - both beautifully cooked and presented and the staff couldn’t have been more helpful and attentive.”March 2024
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Cheese table Net +1
“Always great vibe , cool music 🎶 (thanks to DJ) delicious appetizers, adorable main dishes and lovely espresso martini (and the rest of the cocktails of course) + fresh seafood - prawns , oysters, scallops and Cheese table”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Always great vibe , cool music 🎶 (thanks to DJ) delicious appetizers, adorable main dishes and lovely espresso martini (and the rest of the cocktails of course) + fresh seafood - prawns , oysters, scallops and Cheese table”September 2023
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Cheese tray Net +1
“The cheese tray with a variety of cheese were the highlight of the brunch.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The cheese tray with a variety of cheese were the highlight of the brunch.”July 2023
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Fried spiced chicken Net +1
“Well I get my hopes up when its Chef Jason Atherton doing brunch in grosvenor house. The vibe is electrifying with live saxophone and a cool DJ. I relished the Aged beef tartare, fried spiced chicken and Koji salmon with king crab for my starters. LOVED THE POCHED TIGER PRAWNS AND SCALLOP CEVICHE. The beef rib eye was delicious!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Well I get my hopes up when its Chef Jason Atherton doing brunch in grosvenor house. The vibe is electrifying with live saxophone and a cool DJ. I relished the Aged beef tartare, fried spiced chicken and Koji salmon with king crab for my starters. LOVED THE POCHED TIGER PRAWNS AND SCALLOP CEVICHE. The beef rib eye was delicious!”July 2023
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Ice cream deserts Net +1
“We had a very interesting selection of ice cream deserts in a tasting wooden box.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We had a very interesting selection of ice cream deserts in a tasting wooden box.”November 2025
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Ice cream game Net +1
“Top View in Marina, may be the best one at 43’ floor … valet park ok, special food not ordinary - MUST DO - Dessert game 👍”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Top View in Marina, may be the best one at 43’ floor … valet park ok, special food not ordinary - MUST DO - Dessert game 👍”April 2025
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Ice cream roulette Net +1
“Every dish was a delight and the cocktails were divine! You must try the mushrooms on toast and the ice cream roulette for dessert.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Every dish was a delight and the cocktails were divine! You must try the mushrooms on toast and the ice cream roulette for dessert.”November 2025
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Koji salmon with king crab Net +1
“Well I get my hopes up when its Chef Jason Atherton doing brunch in grosvenor house. The vibe is electrifying with live saxophone and a cool DJ. I relished the Aged beef tartare, fried spiced chicken and Koji salmon with king crab for my starters. LOVED THE POCHED TIGER PRAWNS AND SCALLOP CEVICHE. The beef rib eye was delicious!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Well I get my hopes up when its Chef Jason Atherton doing brunch in grosvenor house. The vibe is electrifying with live saxophone and a cool DJ. I relished the Aged beef tartare, fried spiced chicken and Koji salmon with king crab for my starters. LOVED THE POCHED TIGER PRAWNS AND SCALLOP CEVICHE. The beef rib eye was delicious!”July 2023
-
Lamb chop Net +1
“I had the scollops for starter and the lamb chop for main. Both were pretty good but the Apple pie desert was incredible.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I had the scollops for starter and the lamb chop for main. Both were pretty good but the Apple pie desert was incredible.”April 2025
-
Lemon pie Net +1
“Delicious shrimp starter, Steak Alfredo main course and to finish with a delicious lemon pie, all accompanied by impeccable service and delicious drinks”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Delicious shrimp starter, Steak Alfredo main course and to finish with a delicious lemon pie, all accompanied by impeccable service and delicious drinks”November 2023
-
Mushrooms on toast Net +1
“Every dish was a delight and the cocktails were divine! You must try the mushrooms on toast and the ice cream roulette for dessert.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Every dish was a delight and the cocktails were divine! You must try the mushrooms on toast and the ice cream roulette for dessert.”November 2025
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Poched tiger prawns Net +1
“Well I get my hopes up when its Chef Jason Atherton doing brunch in grosvenor house. The vibe is electrifying with live saxophone and a cool DJ. I relished the Aged beef tartare, fried spiced chicken and Koji salmon with king crab for my starters. LOVED THE POCHED TIGER PRAWNS AND SCALLOP CEVICHE. The beef rib eye was delicious!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Well I get my hopes up when its Chef Jason Atherton doing brunch in grosvenor house. The vibe is electrifying with live saxophone and a cool DJ. I relished the Aged beef tartare, fried spiced chicken and Koji salmon with king crab for my starters. LOVED THE POCHED TIGER PRAWNS AND SCALLOP CEVICHE. The beef rib eye was delicious!”July 2023
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Salmon and caviar entree Net +1
“The food was delicious: I especially loved the salmon and caviar entree and the seafood platter, also the mains were awesome!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The food was delicious: I especially loved the salmon and caviar entree and the seafood platter, also the mains were awesome!”August 2023
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Scallop ceviche Net +1
“Well I get my hopes up when its Chef Jason Atherton doing brunch in grosvenor house. The vibe is electrifying with live saxophone and a cool DJ. I relished the Aged beef tartare, fried spiced chicken and Koji salmon with king crab for my starters. LOVED THE POCHED TIGER PRAWNS AND SCALLOP CEVICHE. The beef rib eye was delicious!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Well I get my hopes up when its Chef Jason Atherton doing brunch in grosvenor house. The vibe is electrifying with live saxophone and a cool DJ. I relished the Aged beef tartare, fried spiced chicken and Koji salmon with king crab for my starters. LOVED THE POCHED TIGER PRAWNS AND SCALLOP CEVICHE. The beef rib eye was delicious!”July 2023
-
Scallops Net +1
“The smoked burrata, scallops, and the perfectly cooked sea bass were especially memorable.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The smoked burrata, scallops, and the perfectly cooked sea bass were especially memorable.”May 2026
-
Sea bass Net +1
“The smoked burrata, scallops, and the perfectly cooked sea bass were especially memorable.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The smoked burrata, scallops, and the perfectly cooked sea bass were especially memorable.”May 2026
-
Seafood platter Net +1
“The food was delicious: I especially loved the salmon and caviar entree and the seafood platter, also the mains were awesome!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The food was delicious: I especially loved the salmon and caviar entree and the seafood platter, also the mains were awesome!”August 2023
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Shrimp starter Net +1
“Delicious shrimp starter, Steak Alfredo main course and to finish with a delicious lemon pie, all accompanied by impeccable service and delicious drinks”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Delicious shrimp starter, Steak Alfredo main course and to finish with a delicious lemon pie, all accompanied by impeccable service and delicious drinks”November 2023
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Smoked burrata Net +1
“The smoked burrata, scallops, and the perfectly cooked sea bass were especially memorable.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The smoked burrata, scallops, and the perfectly cooked sea bass were especially memorable.”May 2026
-
Steak alfredo Net +1
“Delicious shrimp starter, Steak Alfredo main course and to finish with a delicious lemon pie, all accompanied by impeccable service and delicious drinks”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Delicious shrimp starter, Steak Alfredo main course and to finish with a delicious lemon pie, all accompanied by impeccable service and delicious drinks”November 2023
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Surf & turf Net +1
“The other meal 'Surf & Turf' was excellent and the Wagyu beef stunning.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The other meal 'Surf & Turf' was excellent and the Wagyu beef stunning.”March 2024
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Wagu steak Net +1
“We had the celeriac wellington and the wagu steak - both beautifully cooked and presented and the staff couldn’t have been more helpful and attentive.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We had the celeriac wellington and the wagu steak - both beautifully cooked and presented and the staff couldn’t have been more helpful and attentive.”March 2024
-
Wagyu steak Net +1
“We started with the Hokkaido scallop (though a bit small for the price) and the beef tartare, followed by the Wagyu steak as the main course (all well-prepared and steak a bit salty) loved the little game for ice cream dessert.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We started with the Hokkaido scallop (though a bit small for the price) and the beef tartare, followed by the Wagyu steak as the main course (all well-prepared and steak a bit salty) loved the little game for ice cream dessert.”June 2025
Drinks 2
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Espresso martinis Net +2
“The espresso martinis were the best I’ve had and the sea food was top quality.”
Positive 2Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The espresso martinis were the best I’ve had and the sea food was top quality.”May 2023
“Always great vibe , cool music 🎶 (thanks to DJ) delicious appetizers, adorable main dishes and lovely espresso martini (and the rest of the cocktails of course) + fresh seafood - prawns , oysters, scallops and Cheese table”September 2023
-
Dirty martini Net +1
“From a cocktail bar perspective, it’s a majestic feeling looking up the ceiling, sipping your Dirty Martini, and looking at the staff performing the fast paced waltz of a bar. Sure, there are wishes to be fulfilled, but looking at this from beginning to end - this is stellar.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“From a cocktail bar perspective, it’s a majestic feeling looking up the ceiling, sipping your Dirty Martini, and looking at the staff performing the fast paced waltz of a bar. Sure, there are wishes to be fulfilled, but looking at this from beginning to end - this is stellar.”March 2023
What to Avoid (8)
Food 8
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“Kaufman” fries Net −1
“We were also interested to try the “Kaufman” fries on the menu, named after Pierre Koffmann. We specifically asked whether the fries were fresh or frozen, and were told they were fresh. Unfortunately, they appeared to be frozen, similar to standard commercial fries, which was disappointing given the reference and expectation.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“We were also interested to try the “Kaufman” fries on the menu, named after Pierre Koffmann. We specifically asked whether the fries were fresh or frozen, and were told they were fresh. Unfortunately, they appeared to be frozen, similar to standard commercial fries, which was disappointing given the reference and expectation.”April 2026
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Boiled shrimp Net −1
“Boiled shrimp ??? Goats cheese chourgette? Beef tartare ? Come on !!!! Even the garlic bread was gross”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“Boiled shrimp ??? Goats cheese chourgette? Beef tartare ? Come on !!!! Even the garlic bread was gross”April 2024
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Garlic bread Net −1
“Boiled shrimp ??? Goats cheese chourgette? Beef tartare ? Come on !!!! Even the garlic bread was gross”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“Boiled shrimp ??? Goats cheese chourgette? Beef tartare ? Come on !!!! Even the garlic bread was gross”April 2024
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Goats cheese chourgette Net −1
“Boiled shrimp ??? Goats cheese chourgette? Beef tartare ? Come on !!!! Even the garlic bread was gross”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“Boiled shrimp ??? Goats cheese chourgette? Beef tartare ? Come on !!!! Even the garlic bread was gross”April 2024
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Green salad Net −1
“The green salad was nothing more than lettuce and lemon, which is fine but it was described more elaborately than it was, and for the type of restaurant it is, you would expect something more creative.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“The green salad was nothing more than lettuce and lemon, which is fine but it was described more elaborately than it was, and for the type of restaurant it is, you would expect something more creative.”April 2025
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Lamb rack Net −1
“The lamb rack was even more concerning—aside from the fatty portions, much of it was sinewy and underprepared, with noticeable traces of blood, making it very difficult to enjoy.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“The lamb rack was even more concerning—aside from the fatty portions, much of it was sinewy and underprepared, with noticeable traces of blood, making it very difficult to enjoy.”April 2026
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Steak main Net −1
“On my last visit, though, my steak main wasn’t quite right; it was very fatty and I couldn’t finish it.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“On my last visit, though, my steak main wasn’t quite right; it was very fatty and I couldn’t finish it.”August 2026
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Tenderloin Net −1
“The tenderloin, in particular, was not only overcooked with a rubbery texture, but also appeared to be a poor cut with very little flavor, and was served without any accompanying sauce.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“The tenderloin, in particular, was not only overcooked with a rubbery texture, but also appeared to be a poor cut with very little flavor, and was served without any accompanying sauce.”April 2026
Tips for a Better Visit
Book ahead. Reserve in advance for brunch or a special occasion; one repeat brunch guest specifically urged first-timers to book.
Ask dietary. Contact the restaurant about dietary needs before brunch; a guest received helpful guidance on gluten-free options.
Check steak. If ordering steak, ask about the current cut and preparation, as multiple reviews describe tenderness and cooking problems.
Use valet. Valet is available, and one brunch review specifically reported free valet parking at Grosvenor House.
Choose setting. If you want to talk easily, favour the restaurant over the bar: one dinner found the bar music too loud.
Plan the visit
Practical details
Al Emreef St
Marsa Dubai - Dubai Marina, Dubai
| Mon | 6:00 PM – 1:00 AM |
| Tue | 6:00 PM – 1:00 AM |
| Wed | 6:00 PM – 1:00 AM |
| Thu | 6:00 PM – 1:00 AM |
| Fri | 6:00 PM – 1:00 AM |
| Sat | 12:30 PM – 1:00 AM |
| Sun | 12:30 PM – 7:00 PM |
Common Concerns
Steak consistency
Several reviews report chewy, fatty, overcooked or under-tender steak, including a burned steak that needed replacing.
Uneven execution
One dinner found cold bread, characterless starters, an overcooked tenderloin and sinewy lamb, despite the strong setting.
Waiting time
A booked table was delayed by 15 minutes even though three tables were reportedly empty.
Bar noise
The bar music was loud enough for one guest to struggle with conversation before dinner.
Wine temperature
One dinner review found both the white and red wines served too warm.
DXB
LOCAL
LOCAL
The Bottom Line
City Social is a modern European restaurant in Dubai Marina for skyline views, polished service and occasion dining. You can book dinner, the Social Brunch or drinks and snacks in the cocktail lounge. Reviews specifically mention Hokkaido scallops, seafood platters, Wagyu and Angus steaks, and the Ice Cream Game dessert.
The 43rd-floor setting is a major draw, with views towards the Palm, Marina and Dubai Harbour. Brunch leans elegant rather than purely party-style: shared courses arrive first, followed by a choice of main. Other brunch reviews mention fresh seafood, cheese, cocktails, DJs, live saxophone and an after-party, so the atmosphere can be lively; a dinner reviewer, however, appreciated the quieter restaurant soundtrack.
Service is one of the most dependable strengths. Guests describe attentive table teams, helpful dietary guidance and thoughtful birthday or anniversary gestures. Vegan and vegetarian menus are available, while advance contact helped one guest arrange gluten-free dining.
The main caution is consistency, especially with steak. Reviews describe tender, beautifully cooked Wagyu alongside chewy, fatty or overcooked cuts, so ask about preparation if it is central to your meal. A booked table was once delayed 15 minutes, and the bar music was reportedly too loud for conversation.
Valet parking has been mentioned, including free valet at one brunch visit.