OIA Greek Restaurant & Pool Lounge is a delightful addition to the vibrant JBR dining scene within the JA Ocean View Hotel. This restaurant promises to transport diners to Greece with its authentic flavors, inviting ambiance, and exceptional service.
Ambience: A Taste of Greece
Upon entering OIA, I was immediately drawn in by the stunning interior. The design features classic whitewashed arches and deep blue accents with pottery and ceramic that evoke the beauty of the Greek Isles. The decor is thoughtfully curated, creating an inviting casual, and elegant atmosphere. With the weather so beautiful these days in Dubai, we particularly enjoyed the outdoor terrace, which is lined with cobblestones and offers a lively setting to enjoy a meal. It was a great spot to relax and take in the view of Ain Dubai, especially with the stunning sunsets framing the scene.
Gastronomic Delights
The menu at OIA celebrates Greek culinary traditions, focusing on communal dining that encourages sharing and connection. Our journey began with the bread basket served fresh from the oven, followed by the assorted mezze platter which included the best of their Mediterranean-style dips. We tucked an array of mezedes—each dish a testament to the rich flavors of Greek cuisine. The platter included the tzatziki which has always been a favorite of mine with creamy flavors, made from rich Greek yogurt. The eggplant dip was smoky and robust, perfect for pairing with fresh flatbreads. I’ve always been a fan of taramasalata which is a cod fish roe dip blended with white bread, shallot, and garlic served with crispy baklava bread & kalamata olives.
Another was the red pepper & feta, a Greek feta cheese dip blended with roasted capsicum, smoked paprika, and toasted walnut, and was fantastic, especially with the freshly baked bread. The fava beans dip was a silky broad beans dip cooked with olive oil, leek, carrot, garlic, shallot, and dill leaves. The entire platter was yummy and a great start to our dining experience. We also enjoyed the watermelon and feta salad which is layered with multiple flavors and textures while the cheese saganaki was made of grilled Greek halloumi cheese, organic honey, fresh fig, and lemon.
The mains
For the main course, my daughter opted for the Lamb Souvlaki which was tender chunks of lamb on a skewer served with fresh pita bread, onion & cucumber pickle. We also tried the seafood stew, a Greek-style fisherman’s stew with seabass, scallops, calamari, prawn, mussels, clams, and giant white beans.
I loved the grilled rib-eye which was delicious with celeriac pilaf, seasonal wild mushrooms, and fresh herbs sauce.
Refreshing Drinks and Sweet Finishes
OIA also offers a range of non-alcoholic beverages, and I must say, the drinks were amazing. The selection of virgin cocktails was refreshing and creative, providing a fantastic way to complement our meal without any alcohol.
Sweet treats
To finish our dining experience, we indulged in some traditional Greek desserts. The Loukoumades, fluffy dough balls drizzled with honey and accompanied by fig ice cream, were a perfect end to our meal. The Kataifi Cheesecake, layered with shredded phyllo, was beautifully rich, while the timeless Walnut Baklava offered a wonderful combination of textures and flavors.
Service and Overall Experience
The service at OIA was attentive yet relaxed, contributing to a laid-back dining experience. The staff were knowledgeable about the menu and made great recommendations, enhancing our visit. Throughout our meal, I appreciated the easy atmosphere that made us feel welcome and comfortable.
Visit: OIA
Address: JA Ocean View Hotel – Jumeirah Beach Residence – Dubai
Phone: 054 997 9881