Live Music
Live bands, including a Bolivian group and Latin performers, give brunches and evening meals a strong social atmosphere.
Trader Vic’s JBR
Dubai Marina
Trader Vic’s JBR is a hotel-based restaurant and Polynesian bar in Dubai Marina, with colourful cocktails, grilled food and live entertainment. Reviews make it especially appealing for a lively brunch, sunset drinks or an evening built around live Latin music and dishes such as steak or Singapore noodles.
Reputation Score
4.8
★★★★★
2,856 ratings
Source: Google Maps
The Good Stuff
Brunch Choice
The Saturday brunch combines live cooking stations, sushi, tacos, desserts, dancing and free-flowing drinks.
Cocktails
The cocktail menu has distinctive tiki options, with the original Mai Tai, Scorpion and Singapore Symphony all mentioned by customers.
Water Views
Outdoor seating can overlook JBR, Ain Dubai, Palm and Bluewaters, with sunset particularly worth catching.
Family Friendly
Families get indoor and outdoor seating, a children’s menu, dancing and brunch entertainment; one review specifically praised the varied kids’ menu.
Generous Portions
Several diners found the portions filling, including a half-board guest who praised the broad set-menu choice and serving sizes.
What to Eat at Trader Vic’s JBR 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 Trader Vic’s JBR, 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 Trader Vic’s JBR got the most positive mentions in user reviews. Check them out!
Food 5
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Mai tai's Net +3
“The food is outstanding — a perfect mix of Pacific-inspired flavors with a modern twist. The signature dishes are packed with flavor, and the portions are generous. But what truly steals the show are the world-famous cocktails, especially the original Mai Tai — hands down one of the best you’ll ever try in Dubai!”
Positive 3Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The food is outstanding — a perfect mix of Pacific-inspired flavors with a modern twist. The signature dishes are packed with flavor, and the portions are generous. But what truly steals the show are the world-famous cocktails, especially the original Mai Tai — hands down one of the best you’ll ever try in Dubai!”October 2025
“Khalid was amazing from seating to service to food and ambiance, everything was perfection! We loved the Mai Tai's and Volcano Sushi! We will definitely be back!”December 2025
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Chicken wings Net +2
“Came here 3 nights in a row because the food from the set menu are so good, lots of choices, big portions and genuinely tasty. (we tried from the menu, starters - chicken wings, wonton soup, tuna tataki; mains - steak, massaman curry, sea bream in coconut lemongrass sauce; desserts - meringue / ice cream and fruit salad)”
Positive 2Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Came here 3 nights in a row because the food from the set menu are so good, lots of choices, big portions and genuinely tasty. (we tried from the menu, starters - chicken wings, wonton soup, tuna tataki; mains - steak, massaman curry, sea bream in coconut lemongrass sauce; desserts - meringue / ice cream and fruit salad)”February 2025
“The cheese balls, chicken wings, pineapple fried rice, smoked fish, and beef skewers were all delicious.”April 2024
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Pineapple fried rice Net +2
“My colleague’s pineapple fried rice was served in a pineapple husk cut in half and was absolutely delicious.”
Positive 2Negative 0
Review excerpts
“My colleague’s pineapple fried rice was served in a pineapple husk cut in half and was absolutely delicious.”June 2024
“The cheese balls, chicken wings, pineapple fried rice, smoked fish, and beef skewers were all delicious.”April 2024
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Salmon Net +2
“I ordered salmon and the taste was good and I also ordered cake lava and the taste was really good .”
Positive 2Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I ordered salmon and the taste was good and I also ordered cake lava and the taste was really good .”July 2021
“We had the duck and salmon and both orders we very good. Portions are large and filling packed with flavor.”August 2023
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Singapore noodles Net +2
“Tried the Scorpion cocktail with Singapore noodles, a great combo.”
Positive 2Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Tried the Scorpion cocktail with Singapore noodles, a great combo.”August 2025
“Light smokey taste of Singapore noodles was appetizing.”June 2025
Honorable mentions (21)
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Arjun’s sushi platter Net +1
“Arjun’s sushi platter was amazing.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Arjun’s sushi platter was amazing.”June 2025
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Bbq lamb Net +1
“Great experience. Great food. Good kids menu as well. The bbq lamb was amazing! All of the staff were very friendly and welcoming.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Great experience. Great food. Good kids menu as well. The bbq lamb was amazing! All of the staff were very friendly and welcoming.”November 2025
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Beef skewers Net +1
“The cheese balls, chicken wings, pineapple fried rice, smoked fish, and beef skewers were all delicious.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The cheese balls, chicken wings, pineapple fried rice, smoked fish, and beef skewers were all delicious.”April 2024
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California maki roll Net +1
“Polynesian brunch menu which lip smacking appetizers like dim sums and soo mai, noodles station, meat counter( duck, beef and fish), mouthwatering california maki roll, mango sushi and delicious desserts with artistically crafted brunch drinks , LIVE MUSIC and dance!!!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Polynesian brunch menu which lip smacking appetizers like dim sums and soo mai, noodles station, meat counter( duck, beef and fish), mouthwatering california maki roll, mango sushi and delicious desserts with artistically crafted brunch drinks , LIVE MUSIC and dance!!!”January 2025
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Cheese balls Net +1
“The cheese balls, chicken wings, pineapple fried rice, smoked fish, and beef skewers were all delicious.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The cheese balls, chicken wings, pineapple fried rice, smoked fish, and beef skewers were all delicious.”April 2024
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Classy cocktails Net +1
“Great food . Good ambience and most important classy cocktails :) well cocktails were the reason we decided on it.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Great food . Good ambience and most important classy cocktails :) well cocktails were the reason we decided on it.”May 2025
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Crab rangoon Net +1
“I love their Crab Rangoon for starters and Seyhorse for the cocktail”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I love their Crab Rangoon for starters and Seyhorse for the cocktail”August 2025
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Crispy calamari Net +1
“Crispy calamari is no doubt the best I had in Dubai.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Crispy calamari is no doubt the best I had in Dubai.”June 2025
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Dim sums Net +1
“Polynesian brunch menu which lip smacking appetizers like dim sums and soo mai, noodles station, meat counter( duck, beef and fish), mouthwatering california maki roll, mango sushi and delicious desserts with artistically crafted brunch drinks , LIVE MUSIC and dance!!!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Polynesian brunch menu which lip smacking appetizers like dim sums and soo mai, noodles station, meat counter( duck, beef and fish), mouthwatering california maki roll, mango sushi and delicious desserts with artistically crafted brunch drinks , LIVE MUSIC and dance!!!”January 2025
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Duck Net +1
“We had the duck and salmon and both orders we very good. Portions are large and filling packed with flavor.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We had the duck and salmon and both orders we very good. Portions are large and filling packed with flavor.”August 2023
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Filet of beef Net +1
“My filet of beef was cooked to perfection and the mushroom sauce Caroline recommended was the perfect accompaniment.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“My filet of beef was cooked to perfection and the mushroom sauce Caroline recommended was the perfect accompaniment.”June 2024
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Koana paffer Net +1
“Koana paffer is a must try.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Koana paffer is a must try.”June 2025
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Mango sushi Net +1
“Polynesian brunch menu which lip smacking appetizers like dim sums and soo mai, noodles station, meat counter( duck, beef and fish), mouthwatering california maki roll, mango sushi and delicious desserts with artistically crafted brunch drinks , LIVE MUSIC and dance!!!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Polynesian brunch menu which lip smacking appetizers like dim sums and soo mai, noodles station, meat counter( duck, beef and fish), mouthwatering california maki roll, mango sushi and delicious desserts with artistically crafted brunch drinks , LIVE MUSIC and dance!!!”January 2025
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Pad thai Net +1
“We dined here 2 nights while staying in the Hilton on our honeymoon. We had a fantastic time, the food was so tasty - we had the best Pad Thai we ever had here and the cocktails were nice and strong as well as delicious!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We dined here 2 nights while staying in the Hilton on our honeymoon. We had a fantastic time, the food was so tasty - we had the best Pad Thai we ever had here and the cocktails were nice and strong as well as delicious!”October 2025
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Smoked fish Net +1
“The cheese balls, chicken wings, pineapple fried rice, smoked fish, and beef skewers were all delicious.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The cheese balls, chicken wings, pineapple fried rice, smoked fish, and beef skewers were all delicious.”April 2024
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Soo mai Net +1
“Polynesian brunch menu which lip smacking appetizers like dim sums and soo mai, noodles station, meat counter( duck, beef and fish), mouthwatering california maki roll, mango sushi and delicious desserts with artistically crafted brunch drinks , LIVE MUSIC and dance!!!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Polynesian brunch menu which lip smacking appetizers like dim sums and soo mai, noodles station, meat counter( duck, beef and fish), mouthwatering california maki roll, mango sushi and delicious desserts with artistically crafted brunch drinks , LIVE MUSIC and dance!!!”January 2025
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Tasty cocktails Net +1
“Great spot, perfect for a group . Amazing ambience accompanied by the perfect music selection. Reservations key for weekends. Their drinks where the highlight 👌👌👌 , lots of sharing option tasty cocktails. Highly recommend.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Great spot, perfect for a group . Amazing ambience accompanied by the perfect music selection. Reservations key for weekends. Their drinks where the highlight 👌👌👌 , lots of sharing option tasty cocktails. Highly recommend.”October 2022
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Tiki puka puka Net +1
“They also have easy access and free parking and dont forget to order tiki puka puka 🤩”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“They also have easy access and free parking and dont forget to order tiki puka puka 🤩”October 2024
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Veal ribs Net +1
“The food was fantastic. We started with some veal ribs that were fall-off-the-bone tender and wonderfully delicious.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The food was fantastic. We started with some veal ribs that were fall-off-the-bone tender and wonderfully delicious.”June 2024
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Volcano sushi Net +1
“Khalid was amazing from seating to service to food and ambiance, everything was perfection! We loved the Mai Tai's and Volcano Sushi! We will definitely be back!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Khalid was amazing from seating to service to food and ambiance, everything was perfection! We loved the Mai Tai's and Volcano Sushi! We will definitely be back!”December 2025
-
World-famous cocktails Net +1
“The food is outstanding — a perfect mix of Pacific-inspired flavors with a modern twist. The signature dishes are packed with flavor, and the portions are generous. But what truly steals the show are the world-famous cocktails, especially the original Mai Tai — hands down one of the best you’ll ever try in Dubai!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The food is outstanding — a perfect mix of Pacific-inspired flavors with a modern twist. The signature dishes are packed with flavor, and the portions are generous. But what truly steals the show are the world-famous cocktails, especially the original Mai Tai — hands down one of the best you’ll ever try in Dubai!”October 2025
Tips for a Better Visit
Book Ahead. Reserve weekend brunches early: one customer said the Saturday Tiki Hula Hula brunch regularly fills up.
Catch Sunset. Choose outdoor seating and arrive before sunset if you want the Palm and Bluewaters view.
Confirm Timing. For themed nights, check whether a live band or DJ is scheduled, since the entertainment format has changed before.
Prompt Courses. After finishing starters, ask when the main course will be prepared so you are not left waiting between courses.
Happy Hour. For drinks before dinner, check the happy-hour window; a review specifically notes alcohol happy hour until 7 PM.
Plan the visit
Practical details
Mezzanine Level - The Walk
Marsa Dubai - Dubai Marina, Dubai
| Mon | Closed |
| Tue | Closed |
| Wed | Closed |
| Thu | 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM |
| Fri | 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM |
| Sat | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM |
| Sun | Closed |
Common Concerns
Slow Service
Service can drag during busy events; one open-drinks evening had drinks taking around 30 minutes.
Event Mismatch
A Hawaiian-themed night used a DJ instead of the expected band, and some guests complained about the change.
Steak Confusion
Staff training around steak doneness and identifying each order caused confusion at both ordering and delivery.
Busy Sound
The music can become loud enough to make conversation difficult, especially during some weekend evenings.
Customer-reported prices
These are customer-reported mentions, not a current price list. Prices may have changed.
275 AED per person
Tiki Hula Hula Brunch soft package
“Prices start at 275 AED per person (soft package) 325 AED (house package) & 525 AED ( premium package)”Google review · December 2024
325 AED
Tiki Hula Hula Brunch house package
“Prices start at 275 AED per person (soft package) 325 AED (house package) & 525 AED ( premium package)”Google review · December 2024
525 AED
Tiki Hula Hula Brunch premium package
“Prices start at 275 AED per person (soft package) 325 AED (house package) & 525 AED ( premium package)”Google review · December 2024
DXB
LOCAL
LOCAL
The Bottom Line
Trader Vic’s JBR is a lively hotel restaurant and Polynesian bar in Dubai Marina, geared more towards social evenings and brunches than quiet dining. You can come for a live band, order a Mai Tai or Scorpion, and eat dishes ranging from steak and Singapore noodles to sushi and grilled seafood. The Saturday Tiki Hula Hula brunch is the headline experience, with live cooking stations, dancing, desserts and free-flowing drinks.
The setting is a real draw. Reviews mention indoor and outdoor tables overlooking JBR, Ain Dubai, Palm and Bluewaters, with sunset especially rewarding from outside. Families are catered for with a varied kids’ menu, while the music and dancing also suit birthdays, groups and date nights.
Happy-hour drinks and Entertainer deals can improve the value. Service is often described as warm and attentive, but it is not completely consistent. Busy themed events have produced long waits, including drinks taking about 30 minutes, and one diner had to remind the team to start the main course.
Steak orders also caused confusion over cooking levels. Check the evening’s entertainment in advance, book popular brunches early, and arrive before sunset if the view matters.