Eataly at The Beach Dubai — Restaurant in Dubai

First impression ruined the whole experience!!!

I don’t usually write bad reviews unless something really disappoints me, and sadly, this visit to Eataly JBR did.

While strolling around JBR, I decided to stop by Eataly for lunch. I’ve always loved Eataly in New York City — great food, warm hospitality, consistently impressive. So naturally, I was excited to try the Dubai branch.

Well, let’s just say the first impression didn’t exactly scream “Benvenuto!” At the entrance, I was met with… nothing. No greeting, no smile — just an uninterested glance from a staff member at the cheese and charcuterie counter (you’ll know him — tattoos on the arm and clearly not in the mood to interact with guests). He seemed far more invested in loudly socializing with his colleagues at the bar — not once, but twice — than acknowledging customers sitting just a few steps away, having their lunch. It felt disruptive and, frankly, unprofessional.

As for the food — the calamari and pizza were genuinely good and enjoyable. The lasagna, unfortunately, was burnt and bland. Maybe the mood was already set by the service, so the food just didn’t hit the same way. Portion sizes were generous, which would be a plus for many, though a bit much for us light eaters.

The only highlight of the visit was our server, Khant T from Myanmar. He was kind, attentive, and genuinely warm — exactly the kind of person you’d want to be taken care of by when dining out. If it weren’t for him, this would be a solid 1-star review.

I’ve read reviews that mentioned the lack of hospitality here, and I didn’t think much of it… until I experienced it myself. The management really needs to take a closer look at the service standards and staff attitude. Perhaps having a visible supervisor on the floor would help ensure staff are actually focused on guests — not just on casual chats with their colleagues.

Working in hospitality means showing up for everyone, regardless of your mood that day — or the guest’s nationality, background, or skin color. Dubai is a diverse city, and the service should...

This restaurant is located at the north end of the Pavilion which is an enclosed air-conditioned conglomerate of restaurants. It has 3 seatings, one in the courtyard of the Pavilion, one inside the restaurant proper, and the third outside overlooking the cabana-like areas on the bch. Went there for business lunch and sat inside bec if the heat outside. This Eataly is different from the ones in Dubai Mall and Dubai Festival City (the latter is the best of the 3), the menu is different, no cannoli or other desserts, but it’s the only one serving alcohol, with bottles displayed on the walls at both ends. The chairs are so wide they’re very comfortable. They brought cold bread but it was sour bread that tasted sour (unusual in restaurants here), so was pleased to see that. The balsamic vinegar was on the sweet side, very good. We ordered mixed fried seafood which was ok, then a mushroom risotto, seafood pasta and the elephant ear veal. The pasta did not have much of seafood, mostly tiniest of shrimp, and the sauce was very salty (the waiter told us this ahead but the invitees liked it). For me the veal was very thin but the milanese batter was very coarse and the whole thing was over-fried (instead of sauteeing it). For the dessert, the hazelnut ice cream was super, the donut (yes donut) was ok and the chocolate almond tartelette was too dark chocolaty w no almond taste (it had sugar on top and was served with whipped cream). No berries of course. I had the baba with rum but unfortunately the syrup was mixed with the rum (too little to taste) and had flat cream inside. There is a lot to work on to make the food better prepared, and the desserts should be what one expects,...

Eataly at The Beach in Dubai is a culinary paradise that brings the vibrant flavors of Italy to the shores of Dubai. From the moment you enter, you're greeted by the enticing aroma of freshly baked bread, simmering sauces, and aromatic herbs, creating a sensory experience that's sure to delight.

One of the highlights of Eataly is its extensive selection of Italian specialties, ranging from artisanal cheeses and cured meats to fresh pasta, seafood, and decadent desserts. The market-style layout allows you to explore different food stations, each showcasing the finest ingredients and culinary traditions from various regions of Italy.

The pizza at Eataly is a must-try, with thin, crispy crusts topped with quality ingredients like San Marzano tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella, and fragrant basil. Each bite transports you to the streets of Naples, where pizza-making is elevated to an art form.

If pasta is more to your liking, Eataly has you covered with a range of pasta dishes made with authentic Italian recipes. Whether you prefer a classic carbonara, a creamy Alfredo, or a hearty Bolognese, you'll find it here, cooked to perfection and bursting with flavor.

Aside from the savory delights, Eataly's dessert offerings are equally tempting. From creamy gelato to delicate pastries and cakes, there's a sweet treat to satisfy every craving.

The atmosphere at Eataly is lively and bustling, with a mix of locals and tourists indulging in the culinary delights on offer. The staff is knowledgeable and passionate about Italian cuisine, providing excellent service and recommendations to enhance your...