Grilled meats
The New York strip steak is repeatedly praised for precise cooking, a good char and a tender centre.
Günaydın
Bluewaters Island
Günaydın is a Turkish restaurant on Bluewaters Island built around grilled meats, mezze and traditional dishes. Reviews especially point to the New York strip steak, Adana kebab and generous views of JBR Beach, Ain Dubai and the Marina for a relaxed meal outdoors.
Reputation Score
4.3
★★★★☆
1,252 ratings
Source: Google Maps
The Good Stuff
Turkish dishes
Reviews highlight tender lamb, Adana kebab, mixed grills and fresh mezze, including hummus with warm bread.
Water views
Outdoor tables can overlook the water, JBR Beach, Ain Dubai and the Marina skyline.
Outdoor calm
One diner found the al fresco area unusually quiet and peaceful despite being outdoors.
Vegetarian choice
Vegetarian diners can choose dishes such as freshly baked pita with hummus and vegetarian pide.
Breakfast
Breakfast received specific praise for its relaxed atmosphere, comfortable setting and sea view.
What to Eat at Günaydın 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 Günaydın, 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.
Foods and drinks mentioned in reviews of Günaydın, ranked by positive reviews minus negative reviews. Zero-score items have no net positive feedback; their labels distinguish neutral-only from mixed feedback.
Food 5
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Adana kebabs Net +4
“The Adana kebabs were a highlight, bursting with flavorful spices and perfectly grilled.”
Positive 4Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The Adana kebabs were a highlight, bursting with flavorful spices and perfectly grilled.”November 2023
“Adana kebab and steak were delicious.”November 2025
-
Grilled lamb chops Net +3
“I really enjoyed the grilled lamb chops.”
Positive 3Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I really enjoyed the grilled lamb chops.”June 2024
“For the main course, the Günaydın Karışık Kebap Tabağı was a true carnivore’s delight. A generous mix of Adana Kebab, Doner, Lamb & Chicken Shish, and perfectly grilled Lamb Chops – all tender, juicy, and well-seasoned.”April 2025
-
Hummus Net +2
“We began with a variety of cold and hot starters, including the refreshing Gavurdağı Salatası, rich Atom, smoky Patlıcan Salatası, creamy Humus, and the flavorful Panço.”
Positive 2Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We began with a variety of cold and hot starters, including the refreshing Gavurdağı Salatası, rich Atom, smoky Patlıcan Salatası, creamy Humus, and the flavorful Panço.”April 2025
“The hummus was creamy and paired wonderfully with fresh pita bread.”November 2023
-
Lahmajun Net +2
“I recommend Crispy Manti, the kebob, mezze, zucchini pancakes and Lahmajun”
Positive 2Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I recommend Crispy Manti, the kebob, mezze, zucchini pancakes and Lahmajun”January 2026
“The Lahmacun was thin, crispy, and packed with spice – a standout.”April 2025
-
Warm turkish bread Net +2
“Enjoyed the warm Turkish bread and tea as well.”
Positive 2Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Enjoyed the warm Turkish bread and tea as well.”April 2024
“We loved The warm Turkish bread. We ordered the Tabbouleh salad and the Burrata cheese…simply Devine!”June 2024
Honorable mentions (29)
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Antep fıstıklı kebap Net +1
“I thought that the Pide was a bit underwhelming and lacking in flavor, but I loved the Antep Fıstıklı Kebap as the kebab's lamb meat was very soft and tender, and was packed with a bunch of spices inside. Whenever you take a bite of the kebab it's like a pleasant medley of flavors bursting in your mouth.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I thought that the Pide was a bit underwhelming and lacking in flavor, but I loved the Antep Fıstıklı Kebap as the kebab's lamb meat was very soft and tender, and was packed with a bunch of spices inside. Whenever you take a bite of the kebab it's like a pleasant medley of flavors bursting in your mouth.”November 2023
-
Atom Net +1
“We began with a variety of cold and hot starters, including the refreshing Gavurdağı Salatası, rich Atom, smoky Patlıcan Salatası, creamy Humus, and the flavorful Panço.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We began with a variety of cold and hot starters, including the refreshing Gavurdağı Salatası, rich Atom, smoky Patlıcan Salatası, creamy Humus, and the flavorful Panço.”April 2025
-
Baklava dessert Net +1
“Outstanding service and each t recommendion, from the salad, to the steak, wine and baklava dessert were all on point.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Outstanding service and each t recommendion, from the salad, to the steak, wine and baklava dessert were all on point.”July 2024
-
Beyti Net +1
“Beyti, ribs anything you order is nice.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Beyti, ribs anything you order is nice.”June 2026
-
Burgers Net +1
“While the food we, as adults, did not meet expectations, our children enjoyed their burgers, which were tasty and well-prepared.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“While the food we, as adults, did not meet expectations, our children enjoyed their burgers, which were tasty and well-prepared.”March 2025
-
Burrata cheese Net +1
“We loved The warm Turkish bread. We ordered the Tabbouleh salad and the Burrata cheese…simply Devine!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We loved The warm Turkish bread. We ordered the Tabbouleh salad and the Burrata cheese…simply Devine!”June 2024
-
Chicken kebab Net +1
“As I’m familiar w Turkish cuisine ordered Ali nazik , kuzu sis and chicken kebab. Well have to say I’ve never ever expected chicken to be that delicious .”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“As I’m familiar w Turkish cuisine ordered Ali nazik , kuzu sis and chicken kebab. Well have to say I’ve never ever expected chicken to be that delicious .”November 2023
-
Crispy manti Net +1
“I recommend Crispy Manti, the kebob, mezze, zucchini pancakes and Lahmajun”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I recommend Crispy Manti, the kebob, mezze, zucchini pancakes and Lahmajun”January 2026
-
Doner Net +1
“For the main course, the Günaydın Karışık Kebap Tabağı was a true carnivore’s delight. A generous mix of Adana Kebab, Doner, Lamb & Chicken Shish, and perfectly grilled Lamb Chops – all tender, juicy, and well-seasoned.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“For the main course, the Günaydın Karışık Kebap Tabağı was a true carnivore’s delight. A generous mix of Adana Kebab, Doner, Lamb & Chicken Shish, and perfectly grilled Lamb Chops – all tender, juicy, and well-seasoned.”April 2025
-
Fresh pistachio baqlawa Net +1
“Nice view and location , we went for dessert and tea , tea was perfect 👌 dessert is delicious fresh pistachio baqlawa”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Nice view and location , we went for dessert and tea , tea was perfect 👌 dessert is delicious fresh pistachio baqlawa”January 2026
-
Fresh pita bread Net +1
“The hummus was creamy and paired wonderfully with fresh pita bread.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The hummus was creamy and paired wonderfully with fresh pita bread.”November 2023
-
Gavurdağı salatası Net +1
“We began with a variety of cold and hot starters, including the refreshing Gavurdağı Salatası, rich Atom, smoky Patlıcan Salatası, creamy Humus, and the flavorful Panço.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We began with a variety of cold and hot starters, including the refreshing Gavurdağı Salatası, rich Atom, smoky Patlıcan Salatası, creamy Humus, and the flavorful Panço.”April 2025
-
Günaydın karışık kebap tabağı Net +1
“For the main course, the Günaydın Karışık Kebap Tabağı was a true carnivore’s delight. A generous mix of Adana Kebab, Doner, Lamb & Chicken Shish, and perfectly grilled Lamb Chops – all tender, juicy, and well-seasoned.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“For the main course, the Günaydın Karışık Kebap Tabağı was a true carnivore’s delight. A generous mix of Adana Kebab, Doner, Lamb & Chicken Shish, and perfectly grilled Lamb Chops – all tender, juicy, and well-seasoned.”April 2025
-
Kabob Net +1
“We were impressed by the size of the kabob 😂- the presentation was very impressive.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We were impressed by the size of the kabob 😂- the presentation was very impressive.”January 2026
-
Lamb & chicken shish Net +1
“For the main course, the Günaydın Karışık Kebap Tabağı was a true carnivore’s delight. A generous mix of Adana Kebab, Doner, Lamb & Chicken Shish, and perfectly grilled Lamb Chops – all tender, juicy, and well-seasoned.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“For the main course, the Günaydın Karışık Kebap Tabağı was a true carnivore’s delight. A generous mix of Adana Kebab, Doner, Lamb & Chicken Shish, and perfectly grilled Lamb Chops – all tender, juicy, and well-seasoned.”April 2025
-
Mix pide Net +1
“Average Muttabal & Muhammara & great mix pide.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Average Muttabal & Muhammara & great mix pide.”January 2022
-
Mixed grill platter Net +1
“Every item on the Mixed Grill platter was faultless, marinated and seasoned to perfection.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Every item on the Mixed Grill platter was faultless, marinated and seasoned to perfection.”November 2023
-
New york strip steak Net +1
“The New York strip steak is always cooked precisely to order with a perfect char and tender interior and it consistently lives up to expectations.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The New York strip steak is always cooked precisely to order with a perfect char and tender interior and it consistently lives up to expectations.”October 2025
-
Panço Net +1
“We began with a variety of cold and hot starters, including the refreshing Gavurdağı Salatası, rich Atom, smoky Patlıcan Salatası, creamy Humus, and the flavorful Panço.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We began with a variety of cold and hot starters, including the refreshing Gavurdağı Salatası, rich Atom, smoky Patlıcan Salatası, creamy Humus, and the flavorful Panço.”April 2025
-
Patlıcan salatası Net +1
“We began with a variety of cold and hot starters, including the refreshing Gavurdağı Salatası, rich Atom, smoky Patlıcan Salatası, creamy Humus, and the flavorful Panço.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We began with a variety of cold and hot starters, including the refreshing Gavurdağı Salatası, rich Atom, smoky Patlıcan Salatası, creamy Humus, and the flavorful Panço.”April 2025
-
Ribeye steak Net +1
“Lamb chops, ribeye steak & steak with cheddar cheese are so delicious and tender.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Lamb chops, ribeye steak & steak with cheddar cheese are so delicious and tender.”January 2022
-
Steak and cheese burger Net +1
“I ordered the steak and cheese burger where the steak was very plain, but the quality of the steak tasted good.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I ordered the steak and cheese burger where the steak was very plain, but the quality of the steak tasted good.”September 2023
-
Steak with cheddar cheese Net +1
“Lamb chops, ribeye steak & steak with cheddar cheese are so delicious and tender.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Lamb chops, ribeye steak & steak with cheddar cheese are so delicious and tender.”January 2022
-
Tabbouleh salad Net +1
“We loved The warm Turkish bread. We ordered the Tabbouleh salad and the Burrata cheese…simply Devine!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We loved The warm Turkish bread. We ordered the Tabbouleh salad and the Burrata cheese…simply Devine!”June 2024
-
Turkish mezes Net +1
“The food was delicious, especially the Turkish mezes and grilled dishes.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The food was delicious, especially the Turkish mezes and grilled dishes.”May 2026
-
Zucchini pancakes Net +1
“I recommend Crispy Manti, the kebob, mezze, zucchini pancakes and Lahmajun”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I recommend Crispy Manti, the kebob, mezze, zucchini pancakes and Lahmajun”January 2026
-
Kunafa Net 0
Only neutral feedback
“The Kunafa was okay, I've definitely tasted better Kunafa at other restos.”
Positive 0Negative 0Neutral 1
-
Muhammara Net 0
Only neutral feedback
“Average Muttabal & Muhammara & great mix pide.”
Positive 0Negative 0Neutral 1
-
Muttabal Net 0
Only neutral feedback
“Average Muttabal & Muhammara & great mix pide.”
Positive 0Negative 0Neutral 1
Drinks 1
-
Coffee Net +2
“One of the best steaks I have ever eaten, the food was extremely delicious, the coffee and Sweet was great and the view was beautiful.”
Positive 2Negative 0
Review excerpts
“One of the best steaks I have ever eaten, the food was extremely delicious, the coffee and Sweet was great and the view was beautiful.”September 2022
“We enjoyed a full course with appetizers, main dishes, fruits, desserts, tea, and coffee – all of which were of outstanding quality.”November 2024
What to Avoid (6)
Food 6
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Cheban salad Net −1
“I ordered the traditional Cheban salad, a classic dish in Turkish cuisine, but was disappointed to receive what appeared to be a Greek salad instead. The salad lacked the finely chopped ingredients and signature dressing that define a true Cheban salad.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“I ordered the traditional Cheban salad, a classic dish in Turkish cuisine, but was disappointed to receive what appeared to be a Greek salad instead. The salad lacked the finely chopped ingredients and signature dressing that define a true Cheban salad.”March 2025
-
Double burger Net −1
“I had the double burger, which was cooked well, though the flavor wasn’t great.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“I had the double burger, which was cooked well, though the flavor wasn’t great.”October 2024
-
Kibbeh Net −1
“Kibbeh was warmed up and not fresh.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“Kibbeh was warmed up and not fresh.”January 2022
-
Pide Net −1
“I thought that the Pide was a bit underwhelming and lacking in flavor, but I loved the Antep Fıstıklı Kebap as the kebab's lamb meat was very soft and tender, and was packed with a bunch of spices inside.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“I thought that the Pide was a bit underwhelming and lacking in flavor, but I loved the Antep Fıstıklı Kebap as the kebab's lamb meat was very soft and tender, and was packed with a bunch of spices inside.”November 2023
-
Rib-eye steak Net −1
“In my opinion, the Surf-and Turf selection and the Rib-eye steak were a bit lacking in flavor even when you dipped the lobster/steak in their sauces.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“In my opinion, the Surf-and Turf selection and the Rib-eye steak were a bit lacking in flavor even when you dipped the lobster/steak in their sauces.”November 2023
-
Sliders Net −1
“We ordered the pastarami and hummus and lahmacun to start with before ordering the lamb ribs and adana kebab. The kids had the sliders. We also ordered a coban salad and ayran. The food was average, lamb ribs were more soggy than crispy and seasoning was ok, adana was tasty but portion size was small in comparison to the price. Sliders were extremely dry.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“We ordered the pastarami and hummus and lahmacun to start with before ordering the lamb ribs and adana kebab. The kids had the sliders. We also ordered a coban salad and ayran. The food was average, lamb ribs were more soggy than crispy and seasoning was ok, adana was tasty but portion size was small in comparison to the price. Sliders were extremely dry.”January 2024
Tips for a Better Visit
Check the bill. Ask to see the printed bill before paying; one diner found the card-machine total higher than the actual bill.
Confirm doneness. Confirm the cooking level when ordering chicken or kebabs, given one report of visibly undercooked chicken.
Validate parking. Ask the restaurant to validate parking; a review says Bluewaters parking is free after a minimum spend.
Choose seating. If smoke bothers you, ask for ground-floor or non-smoking seating rather than the second-floor balcony.
Allow time. Leave extra time before a concert or event; one group had food omissions after a waiter took the order from memory.
Confirm Ramadan Pide. During Ramadan, confirm the exact serving time and availability before ordering, as guests received conflicting answers.
Plan the visit
Practical details
Unnamed Road
Marsa Dubai - Bluewaters Island, Dubai
| Mon | 1:00 PM – 11:30 PM |
| Tue | 1:00 PM – 11:30 PM |
| Wed | 1:00 PM – 11:30 PM |
| Thu | 1:00 PM – 11:30 PM |
| Fri | 1:00 PM – 11:30 PM |
| Sat | 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM |
| Sun | 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM |
Common Concerns
Food safety
One serious review reported chicken and kebabs arriving undercooked, including visible red parts in the chicken.
High prices
Several diners felt the premium pricing did not consistently match the food quality or portion sizes.
Billing concerns
Reviews describe pre-entered card-machine amounts and an unwanted 10% tip, so check the bill carefully.
Inconsistent service
Most service comments are positive, but some diners reported aloof waiters, forgotten orders and an argumentative response over Ramadan Pide.
Smoking areas
Smoking was especially noticeable on the second-floor balcony and affected the view experience for one group.
Customer-reported prices
These are customer-reported mentions, not a current price list. Prices may have changed.
AED 210 each
three dishes
“I ordered three dishes at AED 210 each, but they arrived cold”Google review · January 2026
DXB
LOCAL
LOCAL
The Bottom Line
Günaydın is a Turkish restaurant on Bluewaters Island for grilled meats, mezze and traditional Turkish dishes, with outdoor seating overlooking the water. The strongest review-backed choices include the New York strip steak, Adana kebab, hummus with freshly baked pita and the mixed kebab platter. Breakfast and desserts such as baklava also receive positive mentions.
The setting is a major part of the appeal. Diners describe views towards JBR Beach, Ain Dubai, Dubai Marina and the surrounding waterfront, while one regular found the al fresco area quiet and peaceful. It can work for a relaxed dinner, a date or a larger group, and reviews mention accommodating service as well as comfortable breakfast visits.
Prices are firmly on the premium side, and value is inconsistent. Some guests call the meat excellent and worth the cost, while others report bland or greasy dishes, small portions and food that did not match the price. There are also notable service and billing cautions: a few diners described forgotten orders, unfriendly responses, pre-entered card-machine totals or pressure around tipping.
Check the bill, confirm cooking levels for chicken and kebabs, and ask about seating if you want to avoid smoke. Parking validation is worth confirming before leaving.