More than any other reason, The Beam Dubai by Nick Alvis could persuade you to brave the crowded roads of Dubai Marina. Freshly opened at Le Royal Méridien Beach Resort & Spa, the restaurant is already winning fans among residents and visitors alike — and after a meal there, it is easy to understand why.
Nick Alvis Returns to the Kitchen
After a period focused on consulting, Chef Nick Alvis — co-founder of the multi-award-winning Folly — is back behind the stoves at the site of the former Geales restaurant. Under the new name, The Beam, the space has been transformed inside and out to deliver a fresh dining experience rooted in European bistro cooking with regional touches.
The atmosphere is an immediate draw. Fountains line the garden terrace, tables overlook Ain Dubai, and soothing neutral design creates the kind of setting that makes you want to settle in for the evening. Unlike many upscale Dubai restaurants, the welcome here feels genuinely warm — Alvis often greets guests at the door himself.
A Menu Built on Quality Produce
The European-style menu at The Beam Dubai incorporates regional ingredients, anchored by a rotating display of fresh seafood that encourages sharing and exploration.
A standout from the starters is the venison tartare (Dhs 110), creatively plated with smoked egg yolk and root ginger — tender, precise, and confidently seasoned. Equally memorable is the sun-dried tomato and burrata flatbread (Dhs 60): crisp dough loaded with silky burrata and toasted pine nuts, simple but executed perfectly.
From the mains, the seabass (sold by weight) is cooked to perfection and comes alive with a tangy lemon beurre blanc. The Westholme Wagyu ribeye (Dhs 360) is the showstopper — tender, simply seasoned, served with golden chips and a rich rib sauce that makes every bite count.
Save Room for Dessert
The Beam's take on burnt cream (Dhs 55) reframes crème brûlée with an extra-smooth custard base, fresh raspberries, and a refreshing scoop of sorbet. It is the kind of dessert that ends a meal on exactly the right note.
Verdict
Nick Alvis' cooking at The Beam Dubai is outstanding. The combination of a beautiful garden setting, a thoughtfully European menu with regional character, and the chef's evident dedication to quality makes this restaurant more than worth the drive to Dubai Marina.
📍 Le Royal Méridien Beach Resort & Spa, Dubai Marina | Mon–Fri: 5–11 pm | Sat–Sun: 1–11 pm Call 04 316 5550 or visit thebeamdubai.com
