Aquario

Aquario is the seafront restaurant at The Oberoi Beach Resort, Al Zorah, and its setting is the first thing it trades on: a modern, open room with generous outdoor tables looking directly onto the bay, particularly striking at sunset and again under moonlight. The cooking is seafood-led, but the kitchen is set up to handle meat, vegetarian and children's requests without fuss, and full-board guests can order most items as part of their package. The menu is at its best with fish. Salt-crusted sea bass, sole, tuna tartare and grilled seafood plates are the consistent picks, pulled from fresh stock and cooked cleanly. Service is warm and attentive, olive oil and bread are a quiet highlight, and the wine list runs to a serviceable Tempranillo and a few reliable whites. Portions run on the lighter side, which is worth bearing in mind, and additional sides are cheerfully provided on request. Approach for a quiet beachside dinner rather than a raucous family meal, and book ahead if celebrating, since special-occasion requests benefit from direct confirmation with the team.