Status update: La Mar by Gastón Acurio at Atlantis The Royal was placed on temporary pause in April 2026. The venue is closed at the time of writing. La Mar is one of seven Atlantis venues currently paused.
Gastón Acurio is the chef most credited with bringing Peruvian cuisine to international fine-dining recognition over the past 25 years. La Mar is his global Peruvian-cebicheria concept, with venues in Lima (the original), Miami, San Francisco, Mexico City, and São Paulo. The Dubai branch opened in late 2023 with Atlantis Royal.
We ate at La Mar three times pre-pause. This review covers the concept and what we expect on return.
The Setting: Lima Beach Aesthetic
When operating, La Mar's room channelled a contemporary Lima beach club — light woods, white-and-blue ceramic accents, a central ceviche bar where cebicheros prepared dishes to order, and a terrace facing the Atlantis Royal lagoon. Less theatrical than Carbone or Milos at the same property; more relaxed, more focused on the food.
The cebiche bar — 12 counter seats — was the room's best seat. You watched the cebicheros work the citrus, fish, and chili in real time. Counter pricing was identical to dining-room pricing.
The Food: Acurio's Peruvian Canon
The pre-pause menu was structured around Acurio's signature cebiche-and-anticucho program. Eight cebiches, five tiraditos, seven anticuchos (skewers), four causas (potato terrines), and a small mains section. Sourcing was direct from Peruvian-supplier partners and the kitchen was led by an Acurio-trained Lima cebichero.
The Three Dishes That Defined the Room
Cebiche Clásico
Sea bass cured 6 minutes in tiger's milk (lime, aji, fish stock, ginger), red onion, sweet potato chips, choclo corn, single rocoto pepper. The dish that wins Acurio his global awards. Cleanest cebiche in Dubai when the room operated.
Anticucho de Corazón
Beef heart skewers — Lima street-food classic — marinated in aji panca, charcoal-grilled, served with potato and choclo corn. Don't fear the heart; it eats more like a tender steak than offal.
Pisco Sour Tableside
Pisco, lime, sugar syrup, egg white shaken at your table by a cebichero. The Peruvian national cocktail in its proper cebicheria form. The right opener to any meal.
The Menu — What to Order, What to Skip
| Dish | Category | Price (AED) | Order? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cebiche Clásico | Cold | 145* | SIGNATURE |
| Anticucho de Corazón | Char | 165* | MUST |
| Tiradito Nikkei | Cold | 165* | Excellent |
| Causa Limeña Atún | Cold | 125* | Order |
| Anticucho de Pulpo | Char | 185* | Order |
| Lomo Saltado | Hot | 245* | Order |
| Pisco Sour Tableside | Drinks | 95* | Mandatory |
| Suspiro de Limeña | Dessert | 75* | Order |
The Verdict
La Mar Dubai was the most disciplined Peruvian cebicheria in the city — purer than Coya, lighter than Amazónico, anchored by Gastón Acurio's culinary reputation. The pause was unexpected. We expect it back.
Our Scorecard
Why It's Worth It
- Acurio pedigree showed in every cebiche
- Counter seats at the cebiche bar were Dubai's best
- Pisco sour tableside genuinely theatrical
- Lighter, cleaner than Coya or Amazónico
- Sourcing direct from Peru
- Service team Spanish-speaking
Things to Know
- Currently paused (April 2026)
- Reopening timeline TBC
- Bookings cancelled for now
- Less theatrical than Atlantis Royal peers
- Room may reopen with menu changes
We will update this review when Atlantis announces the reopening. Sign up to The Dubai Fork for first notification.
Where to eat Peruvian in Dubai while La Mar is paused: COYA Dubai at Four Seasons (TimeOut highly commended) is the closest peer. Amazónico in DIFC has Latin/Peruvian elements but is more pan-Latin.
How to Book / Get There
Currently not accepting bookings. La Mar by Gastón Acurio Dubai was paused April 2026. Reopening timeline has not been announced.
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Your Questions Answered
Is La Mar Dubai still open?
No — it was placed on temporary pause in April 2026 along with six other Atlantis venues. No reopening date announced.
Where can I eat Peruvian in Dubai while La Mar is closed?
COYA Dubai at Four Seasons Resort Jumeirah (TimeOut highly commended). Amazónico in DIFC has Peruvian elements within a broader Latin American menu.
Will it reopen?
Atlantis has not confirmed but 'temporarily paused' wording suggests reopening is intended. Watch this space.
What was the must-order?
Cebiche clásico, anticucho de corazón, pisco sour tableside, suspiro de limeña.
Who is Gastón Acurio?
Peru's most internationally-recognised chef. La Mar is his global Peruvian cebicheria concept with locations in Lima, Miami, San Francisco, Mexico City, São Paulo, and (when operating) Dubai.
What's the dress code (when open)?
Smart casual. Beach-attire okay for lunch counter dining. No shorts at dinner.
More Reviews & Guides
Internal links: Atlantis Royal pillar · Palm Jumeirah guide · Peruvian cuisine · Best fine dining · Currently closed