Sur.Dubai blends Turkish coastal flavours with polished plates, fresh seafood, and live music
It’s the fish that greets you first—a shimmering array of the day’s catch. Whole sea bass, Atlantic mackerel, oysters, and rock lobster glint on crushed ice, artfully arranged and impossible to ignore.
Theatrical in the best sense, it instantly whets the appetite and sets the tone for the evening ahead. Whatever expectations you arrive with, this eye-catching display leaves no doubt about the kitchen’s focus.
Located in the sleek Uptown Tower at DMCC, Sur.Dubai draws inspiration from SurBalık—an iconic seafood restaurant that has been a mainstay on Istanbul’s culinary map for over 20 years. It aims to bring a refined take on Turkish coastal cuisine to the heart of Dubai.
Setting the scene
Inside, the space is stylish and thoughtfully designed. Deep navy and beige tones, soft lighting, and a generous layout create a comfortable space without feeling too sparse. The atmosphere is lively, helped by live music that adds energy.
A spacious outdoor terrace and rooftop promise views over Dubai Marina and JBR. While the summer heat kept us indoors during our visit, it’s easy to imagine the rooftop becoming a standout feature come cooler weather.
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Families are welcome until 9 pm, giving the space a warm, friendly feel early in the evening. After that, it shifts into a more grown-up setting, perfect for parents looking to enjoy a relaxed dinner once the kids are tucked in.
A seafood spread with style
The menu at Sur.Dubai has been curated by Head Chef Soner Muran and his team. A native of Turkey, Chef Muran trained at the country’s most prestigious culinary school before honing his skills in some of Istanbul’s top fine-dining kitchens.
We began with a generous spread of small plates. The eggplant dip was silky and smooth, and the zucchini frittata light and well-seasoned.
The zucchini cheese dip was indulgent and satisfying, while the Greek salad brought crispness and freshness to the table. The sushi platter was undeniably fresh and neatly prepared.
For mains, we tried two house favourites: the seafood risotto and the seabass shashlik. Both were true crowd-pleasers; simply presented and full of flavour. A crispy fish pasta—delicate parcels of mixed fish wrapped in golden pastry—added a playful and delicious twist.
To finish, the raspberry panna cotta was just right: light, fruity, and not too sweet. The espresso that followed was excellent—an often overlooked detail, but one that Sur.Dubai gets right.
Service throughout was warm and attentive. The staff struck a careful balance—present when needed but never intrusive.
Sur.Dubai is best enjoyed as a sociable spot for seafood, conversation and live music.
It’s not overly formal, but polished where it counts. Add in easy parking and its location within the architecturally impressive Uptown Tower, and it ticks plenty of practical boxes too.
That fish counter alone is worth stopping by for—and once the terrace reopens, its best days could still be to come.
Open daily from 12:00pm to 12:00 am. For bookings, visit Sur.Dubai or call +971 4 220 4758.
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