Bab Al Bahr

Bab Al Bahr sits directly on the sand at Ajman Saray, a luxury collection resort on the Corniche, and leans into its beachside setting with confidence. Recently refreshed, the restaurant and bar pairs indoor seating near an animated bar with a long outdoor terrace facing the Gulf; the outdoor tables, particularly in the cooler months and around sunset, are the ones to book. A DJ takes over from early evening, and the mood slides from relaxed daytime lunches by the pool to a livelier, music-led dinner. The kitchen works in grill-house and beach-bar registers. Flank steak, Angus ribeye, striploin and beef back ribs are prepared with a steady hand, and the Thursday Surf and Turf nights put them alongside sea bream, red snapper and prawns in a generous set format that remains one of the better-value propositions in the emirate. The Friday brunch draws a crowd of its own, with live stations, sushi, a cold mezze spread, grill items and a notable dessert counter. From the regular menu, the cold Arabic appetisers, burgers, club sandwich and the mezze platter are the safer picks; house cocktails and a solid happy hour round out the draw. Service is attentive and personable, and the floor team, backed by a visible chef presence, goes out of its way to tailor orders and remember returning guests. Two caveats are worth flagging: the post-renovation pricing and some portion sizes have drawn criticism - a la carte fish and seafood plates can feel slim against the bill, so the set nights and brunch tend to offer far better value - and the indoor room can run loud once the bar picks up. Approached as a beachside table for a long, unhurried dinner, especially in the cooler season, Bab Al Bahr is one of the most scenic addresses on the Corniche.