What happens when a global pandemic hits, foreign travel has been decimated and nobody knows when we’ll be able to jet off to tropical climes again? You bring the best of Bali to Dubai, of course.

Located on the recently constructed West Beach development on Palm Jumeirah, Koko Bay is a Balinese-inspired all-day restaurant and bar that has a laid back and casual holiday vibe but doesn’t scrimp on luxurious touches, either.

No expense has been spared on the Instagram-worthy interiors imported directly from Indonesia – think rattan and wicker furniture, macramé hammocks and lush houseplants. And while the extensive menu offers elevated Southeast Asian dishes, it also features guaranteed crowd-pleasers like fish and chips and roast chicken so even picky eaters are catered for. It also doesn’t follow the traditional starters, mains, desserts format either so guests can also opt for lighter bites and salads instead.

As we entered the restaurant our temperatures were taken and hand sanitiser was immediately offered, and our table also featured a dispenser filled with sanitiser so safety precautions were apparent from the get-go. After much deliberating, we started our evening with a selection of steamed dim sum (light, delicate and leaving us wanting more) before moving on to our mains. My plus one chose the twice-cooked back ribs prepared on a wood-fired robata grill while I opted for the grilled tiger prawns which were juicy, succulent and accompanied by a moreish coconut curry sauce. We also shared a fresh and fragrant Nom Nom Asian crunch salad and a side of fries before moving onto dessert. While we usually aim to share one between us, in this instance there were just too many tantalising creations to choose from, so we decided to throw caution to the wind and indulge in the flambéed white chocolate dome along with a decadent deconstructed brownie named Textures of Chocolate. I have no regrets.

The picture perfect outside dining area will undoubtedly come into its own in the coming months (it’s also dog-friendly) and we’re predicting reservations will be essential if you want to snag a prime sundowner spot close to the shoreline. Consider this your official warning!

Find Koko Bay at West Beach, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, UAE. CALL NOW or BOOK HERE