Gastón Acurio is Peru's most internationally celebrated chef — the founder of Astrid y Gastón (50 Best 14 in 2013) and ambassador for Peruvian cuisine globally. La Mar is his casual-luxury seafood concept, with outposts in Lima, NYC, San Francisco, Mexico City, Bogotá, and now Atlantis The Royal Dubai (opened 2023).
The format is Peruvian seafood — ceviches, tiraditos, anticuchos, lomo saltado — paired with the Acurio pisco program (Peru's national grape spirit; 200+ pisco labels). The Dubai outpost adapted the format for Atlantis Royal's beach-resort positioning: bigger room, more sharing-plate menu, slightly higher pricing.
It earned MICHELIN-recommended status in the 2024 Dubai Guide and retained it in 2025-2026. Pricing AED 500-900pp typical; the ceviche tasting (AED 285pp for 4 cevichés) is the entry-level signature.
Must Order
- Ceviche Clásico AED 165
Sea bass, leche de tigre, red onion, sweet potato. The Peruvian benchmark — order this every visit. - Tiradito Nikkei AED 185
Tuna sashimi-style with yuzu, soy, ponzu — Peruvian-Japanese fusion. - Anticuchos de Lomo (beef heart skewers) AED 145
Charred beef heart in aji panca. Peru's street-food classic, fine-dining version. - Lomo Saltado AED 280
Wok-stir-fried beef tenderloin, French fries, soy. The defining Peruvian-Chinese dish.
Pros
- Genuine Acurio brand pedigree
- 200+ pisco labels — globally rare list
- Atlantis Royal beach-view setting
- Ceviche game is reference-level
- Sharing-plate format works for groups
Things to Know
- Books 2-3 weeks Fri/Sat
- Pisco-cocktail pricing escalates fast (AED 95-150 each)
- Service can be slow in peak hours
- Some ceviche fish substitutions when imported supply unavailable
Final Verdict
La Mar Dubai delivers Acurio's Peruvian seafood format at full strength — ceviches, tiraditos, anticuchos all execute at the Lima/NYC level. AED 500-900pp typical. Book 2-3 weeks ahead. The Atlantis Royal location adds beach-view value.
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FAQs
Is La Mar Dubai Michelin-starred?
MICHELIN-recommended in 2024-2026 Dubai Guides; does not hold a star.
How much does La Mar Dubai cost?
AED 500-900pp typical with 2-3 sharing plates and pisco. Ceviche tasting AED 285pp; à la carte mains AED 220-350.
How far ahead should I book?
2-3 weeks Friday/Saturday. Weekday lunch within a week. Beach-view tables go first.
Is La Mar halal?
All meats halal-certified. Pisco/cocktail program is alcoholic; non-alcoholic Peruvian-spice menu available.
Best dish at La Mar?
Ceviche Clásico (AED 165) is the canonical order. Add Tiradito Nikkei and Anticuchos. Lomo Saltado is the meat highlight.