Whether you like yours with nothing more than a squeeze of lemon or paired with a glass of champagne, World Oyster Day on 5 August is the perfect excuse to indulge. This year, a handful of Dubai restaurants are marking the occasion with everything from complimentary freshly shucked oysters to curated tasting menus featuring varieties from around the world.
Amelia Dubai
Amelia Dubai invites guests to savour one of the ocean’s most celebrated delicacies with a special one-day offering on Wednesday, 5 August. Known for its immersive dining experience, exceptional mixology and bold Nikkei cuisine, Amelia will be treating every dining guest to complimentary freshly shucked oysters, offering the perfect way to begin an unforgettable evening in the heart of Downtown Dubai.
Long regarded as a symbol of indulgence, oysters are celebrated for their delicate flavour, freshness and effortless elegance. Whether enjoyed on their own or paired with one of Amelia’s signature cocktails or curated wine selection, they set the tone for a memorable dining experience.
The World Oyster Day celebration complements Amelia’s distinctive menu, where Japanese and Peruvian flavours meet Mediterranean influences through expertly crafted dishes and premium ingredients. Combined with the venue’s signature steampunk-inspired interiors, vibrant atmosphere and world-class hospitality, the experience promises an elevated midweek escape for both loyal guests and first-time visitors.
What: World Oyster Day at Amelia Dubai
When: Wednesday, 5 August
Offer: Complimentary freshly shucked oysters for every dining guest
Where: Amelia Dubai, Address Sky View, Downtown Dubai
Opening Hours: Daily 7PM – 3AM
Reservations: Call +971 4 328 2805
CQ French Brasserie
Rather than limiting the celebrations to a single day, CQ French Brasserie is extending the festivities with a limited-time oyster menu available from Thursday, 6 August through the weekend at both its JLT and Barsha Heights locations.
The special tasting showcases oysters from France, Ireland and the UAE, giving diners the chance to compare different varieties side by side. Choose between a six-oyster platter (AED 119) or a 12-oyster platter (AED 209), served with lemon, Tabasco and a choice of sauces including classic mignonette, pickled ginger granita and sriracha ponzu soy. Those wanting to make an occasion of it can also add champagne pairings, while diners at the Barsha Heights branch can select their oysters directly from a dedicated trolley before they’re served.
What: World Oyster Day at CQ French Brasserie
Offer: Six-oyster platter (AED 119) or 12-oyster platter (AED 209) featuring oysters from France, Ireland and the UAE
When: Thursday, 6 August through the weekend
Time: From 12PM – 1AM
Pairings: Champagne pairings
Where: CQ French Brasserie, JLT and Barsha Heights
Reservations: Call 04 5149339 or WhatsApp 055 491 0097.
ZEA
DIFC’s modern Mediterranean restaurant ZEA is also celebrating World Oyster Day with a complimentary oyster for every guest dining from 6pm onwards on 5 August.
The evening begins with a freshly shucked oyster served with the chef’s signature accompaniments before guests move on to the restaurant’s Mediterranean-inspired menu. To further elevate the experience, guests are invited to pair their oysters with ZEA’s carefully crafted à la carte signature cocktails or explore its premium champagne selection, thoughtfully chosen to complement the freshness and delicate flavour of the oysters.
What: World Oyster Day at ZEA
Offer: Complimentary freshly shucked oyster for every dining guest
When: Wednesday, 5 August
Time: From 6PM onwards
Pairings: À la carte signature cocktails & premium champagne selection
Where: ZEA Dubai, Level C, Emirates Financial Tower, DIFC, Dubai
Reservations: Call +971 56 402 6633 or email reservations@zeadubai.com
Keep The Oyster Celebration Going
If you can’t make it out on World Oyster Day itself, there are still plenty of places to satisfy your seafood cravings. The MAINE Oyster Bar & Grill remains one of Dubai’s best-known destinations for freshly shucked oysters, while Alici continues to be a favourite for coastal Italian seafood with oysters regularly featured on the menu. Those looking to sample locally grown produce can also visit Dibba Bay Oysters, which champions oysters farmed in UAE waters. Meanwhile, CÉ LA VI Dubai offers its ongoing Champagne & Oyster Club, pairing French oysters with premium champagne for an elevated after-work or weekend experience.
Whether you prefer them freshly shucked, dressed with mignonette or enjoyed alongside a glass of bubbly, World Oyster Day is a great excuse to venture out and appreciate one of the sea’s simplest delicacies.
