The roadworks are gone, and the stretch of Dubai Creek between the Dubai Courts and Al Fahidi/Bastakiya has now been transformed into Al Seef: a waterfront promenade spread over 1.8km that is home to restaurants, shopping (and soon three hotels will open there too).
Part of the development has a heritage feel, while the rest of it is very modern, and looks similar to La Mer and The Beach (this makes sense considering all three areas have been developed by Meraas).
READ MORE: Your definitive (and constantly updating) list of things to do in Dubai
There is an events plaza where you'll often find performances, but in its early phase, Al Seef is mainly a place to go for a stroll and a meal.
So, here are all of the restaurants and cafes you'll find at the new waterfront spot...
CURRENTLY OPEN
961 LB
This brand-new option aims to bring a slice of Lebanon's F&B scene to Dubai. It's both a licensed bar and a restaurant: they serve Mediterranean food, as well as sushi. Definitely opt to sit on the Dubai Creek-view terrace. Also, there's free valet parking for customers.
9am to 2am, Sundays to Thursdays; 9am to 3am Fridays and Saturdays. 961-lb.com
Al Hamidieh
This restaurant serves Levantine food, with a focus on Syrian flavours - one of the restaurant's most famous dishes is lahmeh bil siniyeh (ground lamb with tahini and pomegranate molasses). The Al Seef outlet has a beautiful terrace with great water views. There are also outlets in Dubai Marina and Downtown as well.
10am to 2am, Sundays to Thursdays; 10am to 2am Fridays and Saturdays. alhamidieh.com
Bikanervala
This casual and very-popular Indian chain is known for its sweets and its chaat (we love the papdi), but its Al Seef branch serves everything from curried hummus to an aloo veg tikki burger.
10am to 12am daily. 04 388 5553, bikanervala.ae.
Dukkan Burger
Dukkan is the Arabic word for a neighborhood grocery, and this burger spot is inspired by Khaleeji food culture, so the classic burgers are infused with Middle Eastern flavours.
10am to 11.30pm Sundays to Wednesday, 10am to 2am Thursdays to Saturdays, 1800 011, dukkan-burger.com
Ila
This restaurant serves a contemporary take on Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine - you'll find everything from pizza to tagine and molokhia chicken there.
8am to 1am daily, 04 358 5822, alseef.ae
Kava & Chai
This is a homegrown coffeehouse that takes coffee roasting and tea brewing seriously. They also serve up sandwiches and salads and juices and smoothies.
8am to 1am, daily, kavaandchai.com
Kona Grill
An American-style fusion restaurant that serves grilled meats, sushi, flatbreads, the lot.
8am to 1am, daily, konagrill.ae
La Marquise Restaurant & Cafe
A Lebanese restaurant that serves lemon with mint, flavoured coffees, ice cream and more.
8am to 12am, daily, 04 397 7611, alseef.ae
Mamikonyan
This restaurant serves a blend of Armenian and Lebanese food - some of the grills come with cherry sauce, and the menu features manti, dolma and pumpkin rice.
8am to 12, daily, alseef.ae
Sul Fiume Restaurant & Café
This restaurant serves Italian-Lebanese fusion food (different), and boasts a great Creek view from its terrace.
9am to 1am, daily, 04 342 0100, sulfiumecafe.com
The Stuffed Burger Co.
As the name would suggest, this burger joint differentiates itself by stuffing its patties with ingredients, everything from pepperoni to cheese. Its colourful buns are also an Instagram favourite.
10am to 12am, 600 545 541, thestuffedburgerco.com
Times of Arabia
Many will be familiar with this restaurant because of its Madinat Jumeirah and Dubai Mall branches: you can expect all of the mezze and grill classics here.
10am to 12am, 04 358 8861, timesofarabia.net
ON THE WATER
Bateaux Dubai
This fine-dining, glass-roofed boat has been operating around the Dubai Creek for many years, but its cruises now begin from Al Seef. Packages start from Dhs415, and that includes nibbles, a four-course meal, unlimited juices, tea and coffee, and a two-and-a-half hour cruise.
Evening boarding starts at 7.45pm, 04 814 5553, jaresortshotels.com
ALSO OPEN NOW: Baskin Robbins (ice cream), Bellamia (gelato), Hello Fruits (juice bar), London Dairy (ice cream), Mug Cafe (sandwiches, salads etc), Shawerme (gourmet shawarma), The Brass (coffee, cakes - also in City Walk and The Beach)
OPENING SOON
Here are the restaurants that are still yet to open in Al Seef but that we can expect to see serving food very soon...
Doors Restaurant
Five Guys (famous international burger chain)
Lilian
Mitra
Silver Beach
Sirocco (all-day dining cafe with international menu)
Yum Yum Tree
