Fresh seafood
Ceviches, oysters, scallops and grilled seafood are repeatedly praised for freshness and careful preparation.
La Mar by Gaston Acurio, Dubai
Palm Jumeirah
La Mar by Gastón Acurio is a Peruvian restaurant in Palm Jumeirah, set within Atlantis The Royal. Reviews point to fresh ceviches, polished tasting menus, inventive cocktails and a lively setting with fountain and skyline views.
Reputation Score
4.8
★★★★★
914 ratings
Source: Google Maps
The Good Stuff
Standout scallops
The scallops are a recurring highlight, with one diner describing them as exceptionally tender and melt-in-the-mouth.
Tasting menus
The tasting menus create a full progression through the kitchen; one 11-course booking became 13 courses with extra dessert and chocolates.
Fountain views
A table overlooking Atlantis The Royal’s dancing fountain or show can add a memorable visual element to dinner.
Creative cocktails
Signature drinks are more than an afterthought, including the Peruvian-style Inca Mule and Cancha Old Fashioned.
Live music
Latin music, live bands, guitar and DJs create energy without always overpowering conversation.
Mocktail choice
Non-drinkers get thoughtfully made mocktails that reviewers found balanced, refreshing and visually striking.
Brunch seafood
The brunch includes a seafood counter, with oysters repeatedly singled out as a favourite.
What to Eat at La Mar by Gaston Acurio, Dubai 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 La Mar by Gaston Acurio, Dubai, this list is based on 50 reviews, not every review of the restaurant. We still have more reviews to analyze, so the scores may change. 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 La Mar by Gaston Acurio, Dubai got the most positive mentions in user reviews. Check them out!
Food 6
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Ceviche Net +8
“The Peruvian food was honestly incredible. Every dish was so fresh and full of flavor, especially the ceviche and seafood. You can really feel the quality in everything they serve.”
Positive 8Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The Peruvian food was honestly incredible. Every dish was so fresh and full of flavor, especially the ceviche and seafood. You can really feel the quality in everything they serve.”November 2025
“The ceviche especially was a highlight—so fresh and perfectly balanced.”June 2025
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Oysters Net +4
“I’m starting to fall in love with Peruvian cuisine, and the oysters were absolutely my favorite.”
Positive 4Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I’m starting to fall in love with Peruvian cuisine, and the oysters were absolutely my favorite.”January 2026
“Amazing seafood counter, very fresh oysters and champagne served with great care.”December 2025
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Pisco sour Net +4
“You have to get a Pisco Sour when you go.”
Positive 4Negative 0
Review excerpts
“You have to get a Pisco Sour when you go.”December 2025
“The pisco sour was the absolute highlight - one of the best we’ve ever had!”October 2025
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Cancha old fashioned Net +2
“The Cancha Old Fashioned takes a classic and gives it a smooth Peruvian twist — smoky, rich, and perfectly balanced.”
Positive 2Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The Cancha Old Fashioned takes a classic and gives it a smooth Peruvian twist — smoky, rich, and perfectly balanced.”October 2025
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Inca mule Net +2
“The Inca Mule is bright and layered, with a subtle kick that lingers just right.”
Positive 2Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The Inca Mule is bright and layered, with a subtle kick that lingers just right.”October 2025
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Lomo saltado Net +2
“My all-time favorite will always be the Lomo Saltado, and you must try the Pisco Sour — it’s absolutely incredible! 💫🇵🇪”
Positive 2Negative 0
Review excerpts
“My all-time favorite will always be the Lomo Saltado, and you must try the Pisco Sour — it’s absolutely incredible! 💫🇵🇪”October 2025
“Ceviche Clasico – Fresh, zesty, and packed with flavor, Tiradito Nikkei – A perfect fusion of Peruvian and Japanese flavors, Lomo Saltado – Tender beef with a delicious smoky wok-fried taste, Arroz con Mariscos – A rich and aromatic seafood rice dish and lastly For dessert, the Suspiro Limeño was the perfect sweet ending—light yet indulgent!”March 2025
Honorable mentions (13)
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11-Course tasting menu Net +1
“We booked an 11-course tasting menu that somehow turned into 13 courses 😁 Totally worth every penny.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We booked an 11-course tasting menu that somehow turned into 13 courses 😁 Totally worth every penny.”February 2026
-
Arroz con mariscos Net +1
“Ceviche Clasico – Fresh, zesty, and packed with flavor, Tiradito Nikkei – A perfect fusion of Peruvian and Japanese flavors, Lomo Saltado – Tender beef with a delicious smoky wok-fried taste, Arroz con Mariscos – A rich and aromatic seafood rice dish and lastly For dessert, the Suspiro Limeño was the perfect sweet ending—light yet indulgent!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Ceviche Clasico – Fresh, zesty, and packed with flavor, Tiradito Nikkei – A perfect fusion of Peruvian and Japanese flavors, Lomo Saltado – Tender beef with a delicious smoky wok-fried taste, Arroz con Mariscos – A rich and aromatic seafood rice dish and lastly For dessert, the Suspiro Limeño was the perfect sweet ending—light yet indulgent!”March 2025
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Butterflied sea bass Net +1
“The food was truly exceptional from start to finish - the ceviches were amazing (though portions were a bit small), the grilled seafood platter was delicious, as were the Wagyu steak and butterflied sea bass.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The food was truly exceptional from start to finish - the ceviches were amazing (though portions were a bit small), the grilled seafood platter was delicious, as were the Wagyu steak and butterflied sea bass.”January 2026
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Ceviche clasico Net +1
“Ceviche Clasico – Fresh, zesty, and packed with flavor, Tiradito Nikkei – A perfect fusion of Peruvian and Japanese flavors, Lomo Saltado – Tender beef with a delicious smoky wok-fried taste, Arroz con Mariscos – A rich and aromatic seafood rice dish and lastly For dessert, the Suspiro Limeño was the perfect sweet ending—light yet indulgent!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Ceviche Clasico – Fresh, zesty, and packed with flavor, Tiradito Nikkei – A perfect fusion of Peruvian and Japanese flavors, Lomo Saltado – Tender beef with a delicious smoky wok-fried taste, Arroz con Mariscos – A rich and aromatic seafood rice dish and lastly For dessert, the Suspiro Limeño was the perfect sweet ending—light yet indulgent!”March 2025
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Codfish Net +1
“I can wholeheartedly say that the codfish was the best I've had in my life, and I am Portuguese where codfish is very tied to our culture and in La Mar today we had the best we ever tried. Highly recommend.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I can wholeheartedly say that the codfish was the best I've had in my life, and I am Portuguese where codfish is very tied to our culture and in La Mar today we had the best we ever tried. Highly recommend.”July 2025
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Dulce de leche alfajores Net +1
“After dessert Mr. Javier brought over a box of petit fours that included delectable dulce de leche alfajores and other sweets.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“After dessert Mr. Javier brought over a box of petit fours that included delectable dulce de leche alfajores and other sweets.”January 2026
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Grilled seafood platter Net +1
“The food was truly exceptional from start to finish - the ceviches were amazing (though portions were a bit small), the grilled seafood platter was delicious, as were the Wagyu steak and butterflied sea bass.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The food was truly exceptional from start to finish - the ceviches were amazing (though portions were a bit small), the grilled seafood platter was delicious, as were the Wagyu steak and butterflied sea bass.”January 2026
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Homemade chocolates Net +1
“Every dish was full of flavor (we chose the “Around the World” set), and as a lovely anniversary surprise, we were given an extra dessert plus a beautiful mini box of homemade chocolates as a 13th dosh, such a great touch!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Every dish was full of flavor (we chose the “Around the World” set), and as a lovely anniversary surprise, we were given an extra dessert plus a beautiful mini box of homemade chocolates as a 13th dosh, such a great touch!”February 2026
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Summer taste of la mar Net +1
“We tried the “Summer Taste of La Mar” menu, I was blown away from the first mouthful. The food was incredibly well seasoned and each dish was balanced and offered various textures which sent my palate into overdrive!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We tried the “Summer Taste of La Mar” menu, I was blown away from the first mouthful. The food was incredibly well seasoned and each dish was balanced and offered various textures which sent my palate into overdrive!”June 2025
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Suspiro limeño Net +1
“Ceviche Clasico – Fresh, zesty, and packed with flavor, Tiradito Nikkei – A perfect fusion of Peruvian and Japanese flavors, Lomo Saltado – Tender beef with a delicious smoky wok-fried taste, Arroz con Mariscos – A rich and aromatic seafood rice dish and lastly For dessert, the Suspiro Limeño was the perfect sweet ending—light yet indulgent!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Ceviche Clasico – Fresh, zesty, and packed with flavor, Tiradito Nikkei – A perfect fusion of Peruvian and Japanese flavors, Lomo Saltado – Tender beef with a delicious smoky wok-fried taste, Arroz con Mariscos – A rich and aromatic seafood rice dish and lastly For dessert, the Suspiro Limeño was the perfect sweet ending—light yet indulgent!”March 2025
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Tasting menu Net +1
“The food was stunningly good (do try their tasting menu, which gives you a perfect journey through what La Mar has to offer).”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The food was stunningly good (do try their tasting menu, which gives you a perfect journey through what La Mar has to offer).”December 2025
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Tiradito nikkei Net +1
“Ceviche Clasico – Fresh, zesty, and packed with flavor, Tiradito Nikkei – A perfect fusion of Peruvian and Japanese flavors, Lomo Saltado – Tender beef with a delicious smoky wok-fried taste, Arroz con Mariscos – A rich and aromatic seafood rice dish and lastly For dessert, the Suspiro Limeño was the perfect sweet ending—light yet indulgent!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Ceviche Clasico – Fresh, zesty, and packed with flavor, Tiradito Nikkei – A perfect fusion of Peruvian and Japanese flavors, Lomo Saltado – Tender beef with a delicious smoky wok-fried taste, Arroz con Mariscos – A rich and aromatic seafood rice dish and lastly For dessert, the Suspiro Limeño was the perfect sweet ending—light yet indulgent!”March 2025
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Wagyu steak Net +1
“The food was truly exceptional from start to finish - the ceviches were amazing (though portions were a bit small), the grilled seafood platter was delicious, as were the Wagyu steak and butterflied sea bass.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The food was truly exceptional from start to finish - the ceviches were amazing (though portions were a bit small), the grilled seafood platter was delicious, as were the Wagyu steak and butterflied sea bass.”January 2026
Drinks 1
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Mocktail Net +2
“What truly stood out were the mocktail, beautifully crafted, refreshing, and full of unique flavours.”
Positive 2Negative 0
Review excerpts
“What truly stood out were the mocktail, beautifully crafted, refreshing, and full of unique flavours.”January 2026
“Their mocktails deserve a special mention — expertly balanced, visually stunning, and bursting with flavor.”January 2026
Tips for a Better Visit
Arrive early. Come early to improve your chances of a quieter table and a view of the dancing fountain.
Book a view. When reserving, ask about balcony or outdoor seating if the Palm, skyline or fountain-show views matter to you.
Order early. For brunch, place final drink orders well before 4PM rather than leaving them until the closing minutes.
Try tasting. The tasting menu is a useful way to sample the restaurant’s range, with one diner calling it a journey through the offering.
Plan the visit
Practical details
Palm Jumierah Atlantis The Royal - Crescent Rd
The Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
Common Concerns
Slow service
One dinner started with roughly 20 minutes without water or menus, and the reviewer felt short staffing affected the experience.
Small portions
A diner found the ceviche portions smaller than expected for the restaurant’s high-end pricing.
High drink prices
One review specifically called the drinks noticeably overpriced, so the final bill can rise quickly with cocktails.
Brunch cutoff
Brunch service reportedly ends firmly at 4PM, with no further drinks accepted at 3:50PM.
Customer-reported prices
These are customer-reported mentions, not a current price list. Prices may have changed.
$1200
meal for a family of 4
“It was an expensive meal ($1200 for a family of 4 and without ordering any bottles of alcohol), which was definitely ruined to some extent by the poor and slow service”Google review · January 2026
DXB
LOCAL
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The Bottom Line
La Mar by Gastón Acurio is a Peruvian restaurant at Atlantis The Royal in Palm Jumeirah, and its appeal is as much about the setting as the food. You can order ceviches, tiraditos, seafood and Peruvian classics, or book a tasting menu for a longer, paced experience. Reviews also make a strong case for the cocktails, especially the Pisco Sour.
The seafood is the safest place to start: ceviches, oysters and scallops appear repeatedly, with the scallops described as melting in the mouth. The Ceviche Clasico and Lomo Saltado are named favourites, while brunch brings a seafood counter and fresh oysters. Indoor and outdoor seating, skyline or Palm views, and tables facing the Atlantis fountain show give special-occasion meals extra atmosphere.
Latin music, live bands and DJs keep the room lively without always overwhelming conversation, and mocktails are a thoughtful option for non-drinkers. This is a high-end outing, and the bill deserves attention. One family reported paying $1200 for four without bottles of alcohol; another spent around €450 on a set menu for two with several drinks.
Service is usually described as warm and attentive, but one dinner involved a 20-minute wait for menus and water. Arrive early, ask about the view, and order brunch drinks before the 4PM cutoff.