Lunch at Baoli: A Relaxed, Daytime Take on a J1 Favourite

Baoli at Dubai’s J1 has built its reputation on glamorous nights that blur seamlessly into high-energy parties, but its recently launched lunch service reveals a softer, more relaxed side of the restaurant. Visiting during the day feels like discovering a new personality altogether — one that’s elegant, social, and perfectly suited to long lunches, beachside afternoons, and easy conversation.

From the moment you arrive, Baoli’s scale and design stand out. The venue is expansive and beautifully laid out, offering indoor dining, outdoor terrace seating, indoor and outdoor bars, and a poolside beachfront area complete with loungers. It’s a space that allows you to tailor the experience to your mood, whether that means settling in for a proper meal, stopping by for cocktails, or stretching the afternoon into a full day by the water.

The daytime atmosphere is calm but lively, with a DJ providing relaxed background music that enhances the energy without overwhelming it. When we visited, the crowd was a mix of birthday celebrations, groups of friends catching up over lunch, and stylish daytime diners enjoying the sunshine. While Baoli is famous for its full party mode in the evenings, lunch is designed for those who want the glamour without the volume.

Hospitality is a real highlight. The service is polished but warm, and the team knows the menu inside and out while still keeping things light and personable. We also had the pleasure of meeting Chef Omar Basiony, whose Egyptian and Italian heritage and international experience — including time at a two Michelin-starred restaurant in Chicago — come through clearly in the food. His menu blends Japanese precision with Italian comfort, resulting in dishes that feel luxurious yet approachable.

Lunch began with a selection of sushi and sashimi that set a high standard. The hamachi sashimi was beautifully clean and precise, while the flame-seared salmon roll delivered richness and balance. The standout dish, however, was the otoro tartare topped with 30 grams of Noir de Noir caviar — an indulgent, expertly executed plate that immediately signals Baoli’s commitment to quality. Thoughtful details, such as serving proper fresh wasabi, further elevate the experience.

For mains, the lobster “linguine,” closer in style to udon noodles, arrived generously filled with the meat of a whole lobster and finished with a luxurious topping of sea urchin. The 12-hour short rib was deeply flavourful and tender, while the Chilean sea bass was the star of the meal — perfectly cooked, refined, and memorable.

Dessert continued the sense of playfulness and creativity. A coffee-free tiramisu invited guests to guess the source of its roasted flavour, while the taro ice cream, paired with fish-shaped madeleines and tapioca pearls, was both elegant and fun.

Baoli’s drinks program is equally impressive. The bar uses pre-batching for its signature cocktails, allowing for quick service without compromising strength or balance. The wine-by-the-glass selection is thoughtfully curated, particularly for daytime dining in Dubai’s climate. The Albariño paired effortlessly with the sushi and sashimi, while a lightly oaked white Burgundy complemented the lobster dishes beautifully without overpowering them.

Lunch at Baoli Dubai offers something rare: all the glamour the venue is known for, delivered in a way that feels relaxed, social, and unhurried. It’s an ideal choice for a long lunch with friends, a celebratory meal, or an afternoon that transitions naturally from dining to drinks to lounging by the pool. Baoli may be famous for its nights, but its daytime experience is just as compelling — and well worth discovering.