The MAINE Oyster Bar & Grill: Seafood and a New England Atmosphere

From oyster bar to stylish evenings—everything you need to know before visiting one of Dubai's most popular restaurants.

On the sun-drenched JBR promenade, amidst Dubai's gleam and futuristic flair, there's an unassuming door at the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel. Step across the threshold, and you're plunged into another world. The hustle and bustle of the metropolis give way to the resonant echo of a brasserie, the scent of sea and wood, and mellow jazz music. This is The MAINE Oyster Bar & Grill—a bold gastronomic fantasy, a teleportation device to coastal New England that has somehow managed to take root in the middle of the desert. But what lies behind the Instagram-worthy facade of red brick and marble? Are the oysters really as good as everyone says, and is the atmosphere worth the asking price? In this guide, we dissect the phenomenon of The MAINE: from the taste of signature cocktails and booking secrets to an honest verdict on who this place is perfect for, and who might be better off passing it by.

A Portal to New England: Atmosphere and Design

Inside The MAINE, you're enveloped by a sense of solidity and coziness. The gaze glides over the rough-hewn red brickwork, hands instinctively reach for the coolness of the massive marble countertop, and the light from vintage chandeliers warmly reflects off the polished dark wood. Here, you’ll want to settle into one of the cozy leather booth sofas and forget, for a couple of hours, that Dubai is bustling just beyond the walls.

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But the real magic of The MAINE lies in its details. It’s these details that turn good design into a living story. There’s the long, dramatically illuminated bar counter, practically begging you to snap a photo with a cocktail in hand. And there are those secluded leather booths, which have unofficially become the restaurant’s Instagram symbol. Add to this vintage posters, yellowed nautical maps on the walls, and lush greenery of live plants, and the illusion of complete immersion becomes absolute.

Two lives of the restaurant

• Daytime: Thanks to the large windows, the space is flooded with natural light, creating a calm and relaxed ambiance. Subtle jazz provides the perfect backdrop for a business lunch or a leisurely conversation over a glass of white wine.
• Evening: As dusk falls, the atmosphere becomes electric. The lighting grows soft and intimate, the music picks up pace, and the room fills with an energetic buzz of voices. The restaurant transforms into a trendy and lively hub, the ideal starting point for a vibrant Dubai night.

Taste of the Coast: What to Order at The MAINE

The restaurant's cuisine fully aligns with its concept—it's a classic American brasserie with an absolute focus on the freshest seafood and fish.

Menu stars: from oysters to lobster rolls

The establishment's hallmark is the Raw Bar. You should start your culinary journey with fresh oysters, among which the local Dibba Bay stand out. If you're dining with company, don't hesitate to order the Seafood Tower—a stunning multi-tiered platter featuring the finest treasures of the sea, which in itself becomes an event.

But oysters aren't the only stars at The MAINE. There are three pillars upon which its gastronomic fame rests, and skipping them would be a crime:

• Lobster roll: Forget everything you've tried before. Here, it's not just a lobster roll; it's the benchmark of the genre: a brioche bun toasted to a crisp, generously filled with large chunks of tender lobster meat, lightly dressed with a delicate sauce.
• Crab cake: A dense, golden patty that consists almost entirely of sweet crab meat, rather than breading. Served with a spicy sauce that perfectly complements the flavor of the crab.
• Tuna tartare: A vibrant, refreshing restaurant-quality tartare made from chopped tuna that melts in your mouth, enhanced by a bold Asian dressing that adds character to the dish.

Where the restaurant's pulse beats

In the evening, the heart of The MAINE begins to beat behind its long marble bar counter. This isn't just a place where cocktails are mixed—it's the main stage, the epicenter of energy, and a magnet for the trendy crowd. It's here that a diverse mix of local expats, young professionals, and discerning tourists gathers to enjoy a cocktail after work, make new connections, and feel the pulse of Dubai's nightlife.

The bar menu impresses with its quality and originality. Be sure to check out the signature cocktails:

• Mayflower Martini: An author's twist on a classic, featuring gin infused with parsley, perfect for those who appreciate complex flavors.
• Mango Julep: A refreshing and tropical take on the famous rum-based cocktail.
• Toasted Almond: A creamy and rich digestif, the ideal finish to dinner.

The MAINE on Dubai's Gastronomic Map: A Comparison with Competitors

To better understand what makes The MAINE unique, it’s helpful to consider it in the context of other iconic seafood restaurants in Dubai.

Quick takeaways for tourists:

• Choose The MAINE if: you’re looking for energy, a stylish atmosphere, a great bar, and top-notch seafood without excessive formality.
• Choose Pierchic if: you have a special occasion and are seeking romance, privacy, and a postcard-perfect view of the sail-shaped hotel.
• Choose Sea Fu if: you value impeccable service and the luxury of the Four Seasons hotel, as well as prefer Asian-inspired flavors on the menu.

Your Visit to The MAINE: Planning and Tips

This section is your step-by-step guide to planning the perfect restaurant visit.

Location and how to get there

• Address: The restaurant is located on the ground floor of the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in the Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) area.
• Transportation: Getting here is very easy. The nearest metro station is DMCC (about a 15-minute walk), and the tram stop is Jumeirah Beach Residence 2 (7–10 minutes on foot). Taxis and ride-sharing services can easily reach the hotel entrance.
• Parking: Guests of the restaurant are provided with a free valet parking service, which is a huge advantage in the bustling JBR area.

Reservations, dress code, and other rules

Now, let’s cover a few key points to ensure your visit goes smoothly.

The main rule at The MAINE: make a reservation. Seriously, don’t even try walking in spontaneously on a Friday night—your chances are practically zero. It’s best to book a few days in advance, especially for weekends.

As for the dress code, it’s all about smart casual here. Gentlemen should skip the shorts and flip-flops, and ladies should leave the beachwear behind. An evening at The MAINE is still considered a social outing.

And a couple of other details: the restaurant is welcoming to guests with children (high chairs are even available), but smoking is only permitted on the outdoor terrace.

Budget: what to expect?

Let’s talk about the bottom line—money. The MAINE isn’t exactly cheap, and you should be prepared for that. To help you estimate your budget, here are some price pointers from the menu: one Dibba Bay oyster will set you back 22–26 AED, a signature cocktail costs around 65–75 AED, and the famous Lobster Roll is approximately 110–125 AED.

Please note: prices are current at the time of writing and may change. We recommend checking the current menu on the restaurant's official website before your visit.

Our Verdict: Is The MAINE Worth Your Evening?

The MAINE is a prime example of "experience dining," meaning you're paying not just for the food, but for the overall impression: the atmosphere, style, energy, and status.

• Why YES:
  • Authentic and incredibly stylish New England brasserie ambiance.
  • Consistently high quality and freshness of seafood.
  • A top-notch bar with excellent signature cocktails.
  • Professional and friendly service.
• Why you might NOT like it:
  • High price levels, especially for alcohol.
  • A lively and crowded atmosphere in the evenings, which may not suit everyone.
  • Almost complete necessity to book a table in advance.

Final checklist for the reader

To finally determine whether this restaurant is right for you, ask yourself three questions:

• Am I here for the buzz of voices, energy, and a festive atmosphere, rather than silence and solitude?
• Is my ideal evening a dozen fresh oysters and a perfectly crafted cocktail, rather than an elaborate main course?
• Am I willing to pay not just for the food, but for impeccable style and the chance to be at the heart of the action?

If you nodded yes all three times, there’s no doubt about it. The MAINE is waiting for you. And trust me, it won’t disappoint.