Tucked-away beach dining that surprises at every turn
There’s something about finding a place that feels like it wasn’t meant to be found easily. Villamoré is tucked away at Kempinski The Palm, and I mean properly tucked away. We had to ask two different people for directions and still wandered like tourists with no Wi-Fi. They really need better signage. But that walk? Worth every step.
The moment we stepped onto the beach where the tables are actually set, the vibe shifted. clean white decor, soft lighting, and that gentle hush of waves nearby. It didn’t feel like Dubai. It felt like we’d landed at someone’s coastal summer home in Santorini. Warm, calm, and kind. Not polished-stiff. Just… right.
As we arrived, we greeted by name. They welcomed Jessica, our editor, as if she was a long-awaited family member coming home. Such a small thing but made it feel personal and really special.
We let the team steer the food journey, and they picked dishes from the new menu. Brave, but smart, it was a highlight reel of what was to come.
First up: the Desert Palm cocktail. Dark rum, elderflower, pineapple. Super refreshing. It avoided that cloying, knock-you-over rum taste that dark rum drinks often have. Balanced, bright, and easy to sip.
Then the local oyster came out – our amuse-bouche. Accompanied by a tomato concassé, which gave a pop of brightness without overpowering the oyster. It wasn’t overdone. Just enough.
The salmon tartare on avocado, with citrus sauce, was properly dialled in. You could taste the lemon, but it didn’t punch you in the face. The salmon wasn’t lost either; it sat comfortably in the mix. One of those rare moments where each element knows its role.
Now, the bread. Oh man. Soft, homemade, rolled like a Chelsea bun and topped with truffle and parmesan. Absolutely delicious. Also absolutely annoying to eat. You’ll be picking parmesan off your shirt and pulling the bun apart like it’s a puzzle. Still worth it.
Then came the prawn carpaccio. We thought it was salmon at first. It looked that rich. But it was prawn: thin, silky, paired with radish and grapefruit. One of the best dishes of the night. It didn’t feel like the usual suspects you get on Dubai menus. It surprised us in a good way, and will be one of the many reasons we return with friends.
Prawn croquette was next. Perfectly cooked, juicy prawn served on divine croquette that was flaky inside, golden outside. It worked.
The tuna sashimi was solid. Thick slices, and fresh, but let’s talk about the chopsticks. Slippery resin ones that looked nice but functioned like wet soap. Even if you know how to use chopsticks, these were a challenge. Form over function.
The calamari? Outstanding! Not cut into rings, but rather butterflied, which was a pleasant change. Incredibly fresh, no chewiness, just tender bites. Simple and good.
The grilled octopus deserves a quiet round of applause. Most places get it wrong. Villamoré served up a tender, mouth-watering victory with just enough char, and that smokey edge was exactly what it needed.
And then came the surprise stars: roasted vegetables and roast potatoes. You’d think they’d be filler. They weren’t. The kind of sides that make you stop and nod mid-bite. The mayo was made with black Kalamata olives, but it supported the dish, rather than overpower it. It was smooth, mellow, and just added something extra.
Dessert was a showpiece. Lemon meringue shaped like an actual lemon, and you crack it open to reveal lemon curd and lemon ice cream. It wasn’t one of those “look at me” desserts that forgets to taste good. It looked cool and tasted better. Light, bright, and a perfect end.
Service throughout? Genuinely impressive. Attentive without hovering. Even the tables set down the beach that were quite far from the main restaurant didn’t get neglected. We watched closely, and not once did someone have to wave their hands or look frustrated.
Villamoré feels like one of those places you stumble into on holiday and then recommend to everyone back home. It’s relaxed and cozy but with that polish that makes for a memorable experience. You walk away feeling like you’ve had more than just dinner. You’ve had an evening.
Was it tricky to find? Yeah. Would we do the same walk again? In a heartbeat.
File this one under: worth it.
For more info, check out their website.
