Looking for new restaurants in Dubai to try this month? There are loads of exciting new openings to book into, from sushi spots to cool new Italian restaurants. We’ve also rounded up the newest cafés, burger joints and more.
For the hottest new restaurants in Dubai, read on.
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- New restaurants in Dubai, March 2022
- New restaurants in Dubai, February 2022
- New restaurants in Dubai, January 2022
- New restaurants in Dubai 2021
New restaurants in Dubai, March 2022
L’Olivo
L’Olivo is a two Michelin starred restaurant from the Italian island of Capri that now has a pop-up space in Dubai. The renowned eatery from acclaimed chef Andrea Migliaccio can be found at Burj al Arab inside the famous Al Mahara restaurant with its iconic aquarium.
Open Tue-Sun, 7pm-10.30pm. Ground Floor, Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, Umm Suqeim, jumeirah.com/en/dine/dubai/burj-al-arab-al-mahara (04 432 3232).
Levels Tea
Levels Tea is a specialist teahouse and cafe that serves 59 varieties of rare and house-blended organic teas not found anywhere else in Dubai. Located in Al Safa Park, you’ll also find a boutique selling tea-themed gifts and a bakery turning out warm breads and cakes.
Open daily 9am-10pm. Al Safa Park Complex, Al Safa 1 (055 510 0454).
Ruby
The deep, rich rouge hue of the ruby gemstone has always irrevocably been linked to passion. Ruby is where you will find a menu and team of chefs that are passionate about Turkish-inspired food. Experience excellent cuts of meat from the on-site butchery and an array of mezze plates mean that there is something for everyone on the menu. Set to become a neighbourhood favourite for fresh and authentic Turkish-inspired cuisine, Ruby is a relatively new kid on the block that should be on your list to try.
Open daily 8am-midnight. Al Wasl Road, Jumeirah 2, [email protected] (04 547 7387).
Trèsind Studio
Talented chef Himanshu Saini has relocated his fine dining Indian concept Trèsind Studio to the Palm. The intimate restaurant is set on the rooftop of the ever-expanding Nakheel Mall and uses herbs, vegetables and flowers grown on site.
Open Tue-Sun, 6.30pm to 1am. The Rooftop East, Nakheel Mall – Palm Jumeirah, tresindstudio.com (058 895 1272).
Wazuzhu
Glamorous Pan-Asian restaurant Wazuzhu opens its doors at the Jumeirah Zabeel Saray hotel on the Palm on March 19. Translating as ‘nine dragons’, Wazhuzu serves Chinese, Japanese and Thai dishes using high quality ingredients.
Open daily 7pm-2am. Dubai Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, Palm Jumeirah, wazuzhu.com (04 566 4882).
New restaurants in Dubai, February 2022
B Social, Millennium Place Mirdif
You can embark on a global flavour adventure at B Social, Millennium Place Mirdif, with its culinary lineup of offerings. Expect a dining setting that brings laid-back fresh ambience that features a social dining room and alfresco seating terrace overlooking Mirdif Avenue Water Fountain. What’s more, there’s also a grab-and-go counter. Work lunch, sorted!
Open every day, 6:30am-10:30am, 12:30-4pm, 7pm-11pm. Mirdif Hills Avenue, 78th St, Mirdif, Dubai, millenniumhotels.com/en/dubai (04 605 7777).
Café Beirut
If you are partial to some good Lebanese cuisine then Café Beirut, now open in Al Murooj Complex, should be on your radar. Bring an appetite for all of the traditional dishes such as kibbeh bel sanieh, potato chicken and koussa bel laban. What’s more, there are some pretty epic views of the Burj Khalifa.
Open Mon-Fri, 10am until late. Sat-Sun, 10am-5am. Al Murooj Complex, opp. Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai, Dubai, cafebeirutdubai.com (056 575 0777).
Al Nafoorah, Al Qasr Jumeirah
There’s a new Al Nafoorah now open at Al Qasr Jumeirah. Expect traditional Lebanese cuisine with a contemporary twist in a stunning setting with Burj Al Arab views. Dining delights include the likes of cold and hot mezze, Mediterranean sea bass, grilled shrimp and lamb chops from the charcoal grill. Hungry yet?
Open daily 6.30pm-11.30pm. Fri-Sun 1pm-3.30pm. Madinat Jumeirah, King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud St, Umm Suqeim, Dubai, jumeirah.com/alnafoorah (04 432 3232).
Buffalo Wings and Rings
This licensed chicken wing restaurant has launched a second venue following the success of its DIFC debut. The new Buffalo Wings & Rings is now open in Jumeirah Lakes Towers, serving juicy wings in a variety of sauces, plus burgers and Tex-Mex dishes, while numerous TV screens on the walls create an American sports bar vibe.
Open daily 12pm-3am, Cluster U, JLT, Dubai. (04 321 6112)
Bar du Port
Expect a blend of Ligurian Riviera and Côte d’Azur vibes at this bar and brasserie. If the sound of escargots with pink garlic and herb butter, langoustine linguine with a dash of caviar and wood-grilled octopus sounds good to you then Bar Du Port will be right up your street. If you have yet to check the Dubai Harbour development out and are looking for an excuse to do so, let Bar Du Port be it.
Open Mon-Fri, 5pm-3am. Sat-Sun, 1pm3am. Dubai Harbour Pier Club, Dubai Marina, Dubai, barduportdubai.com (050 969 9820).
Cipriani
The classy Italian cafe sits in the Fashion Dome of Mall of the Emirates, holding its own with posh neighbours such as Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, Givenchy and Bottega Veneta. Light lunches, gorgeous pastries and strong Italian coffee are served by expert staff in crisp nautical outfits in a beautifully designed space that echoes a vintage cruise liner.
Open daily 10am-10pm. Fashion Dome, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai
Beefbar
Calling all carnivores! If you have meat on the mind then Beef Bar at Jumeirah Al Naseem Hotel is the place for you. With a concept hailing from Monte Carlo, this high-end restaurant serves up a selection of culinary delights, including beautifully cooked beef cuts, beef carpaccio and a black Angus steak whopper that’s guaranteed to leave you with a serious case of the meat sweats. That’s not to mention the fact that there’s an extensive grape list to ensure the perfect pairing.
Open Sat-Wed, noon-11:30pm, Thur-Fri, noon-midnight. Jumeirah Al Naseem Hotel, Turtle Lagoon, Dubai, Dubai.beefbar.com (0581050099).
Cinnamon Bazaar
To spice up your next meal out then Cinnamon Bazaar is the place to go. The sharing-centric menu comprises Indian dishes with global influences, which act as a culinary metaphor for the cultural melting pot that is Dubai. The stylish dining space showcases pastel colours and contemporary design to create a welcoming yet sophisticated dining destination. You won’t want to miss out on the Indo-Chinese chicken wings with burnt chillies, Kolkata spiced cod and the grilled aubergine and sesame crumble.
Open Tue-Sun, 12:30pm-3pm and 6:30pm-11pm. Mon, closed. Park Hyatt Dubai, Dubai Creek dubaicreekresort.com/dining/cinnamon-bazaar
Hidemasa
Michelin starred chef Hide Yamamoto is the mastermind in the kitchen of this contemporary Japanese restaurant that’s fresh on the DIFC scene. Japanese-born Yamamoto trained in France and Italy and has received numerous awards during a stellar career. He’s even served dinners to American presidents during his tenure at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Washington DC.
Open 12pm-11pm. Al Fattan Currency Tower, DIFC, Dubai. [email protected] (04 220 0321).
Clay
Love Japanese and Peruvian cuisine? Why not enjoy both simultaneously at Clay? Located on Bluewaters Island, this restaurant serves up ‘Nikkei’ culinary offerings which bring a blend of cuisines for a unique and flavour-packed dining experience. Bring an appetite because there are endless tasty eats on offer. Expect sake taco and katsu sando, ceviches including octopus and sea bream, along with prawn and tofu tempura.
Open Sun-Thu, noon-midnight. Fri-Sat, noon-2am. Bluewaters Island, Dubai, Claydubai.com (04 422 5600).
Dolce Legends
This feels like the sort of place where a white dinner jacket a la Roger Moore would go down a storm. An opulent members club, Dolce Legends was born in London in the 1990s and now finds itself in Dubai. Top level DJs provide the beats while a cigar lounge will no doubt be a popular corner of this late night haunt.
Open 12am-3am. Al Fattan Currency Tower, DIFC, Dubai. [email protected] (04 220 0321).
EL&N
For a sweet fix in an ultra-Instagrammable setting, look no further than EL&N DIFC. This pretty pink venue serves up a selection of cakes, pastries and unique hot drinks (fluorescent pink Turkish delight hot chocolate anyone?). There are also savoury bites on offer, including burgers and shakshuka. If you’ve yet to check out this London-born venue, now is the time to remedy that.
Open Sun-Wed, 8am-11pm. Thu-Sat, 8am-midnight. Gate Village 02 Sheikh Zayed Road, Trade Centre, DIFC, Dubai, ae.elnlondon.com (00 971502 467813).
La Plage by French Riviera
With a combination of sea, sand and Burj Al Arab on the horizon, expect stunning views aplenty at La Plage, an adults-only extension to French Riviera.. This beachside dining destination plates up a Mediterranean feast of dishes. Expect to find all of the Med favourites on the menu, including sliced octopus with olive tapenade, truffle rigatoni and truffle pizzetta and a refreshing array of beverages to keep you well-watered.
Open daily, 1pm-10pm. Jumeirah Al Qasr, Umm Suqeim, jumeirah.com (04 432 3232).
Kimura-ya
Already a hit in Japan with more than 200 restaurants, the Japanese eatery has now opened its fourth restaurant in Dubai at the Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel & Towers. Interiors by the edgy designer Mayuka Kojima and an authentic Japanese izakaya-style menu of traditional and modern dishes produce a dining experience not to be missed.
Open daily 12pm-1am. Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel & Towers (054 578 4306)
La Voile Rouge
Wearing deck shoes and white chinos, La Voile Rouge arrives in Dubai from St. Tropez where it has reigned supreme for more than 40 years. This upmarket DIFC restaurant serves French favourites such as escargot, duck foie gras terrine, salade Niçoise and beef bourguignon as well as prime steaks and the freshest seafood.
Open 8am-11pm. Al Fattan Currency Tower, DIFC, Dubai. [email protected] (04 220 0321).
Lucia’s
The holiday island of Capri off the coast of Italy is where you’ll be transported when stepping inside the beautiful Lucia’s restaurant at the Address Sky View, Downtown hotel. A sophisticated menu of authentic Italian dishes such as beef carpaccio, ricotta ravioli and sliced Mediterranean red snapper with a citrus dressing are meant to be shared. Once dinner is done, a club takes over the venue for some Capri-style nightlife.
Open daily 7pm-9pm, second seating 9.30pm-late. Address Sky View, Downtown, Dubai. (04 422 4321).
Republic
You’ll find cool design touches such as a tuk-tuk at the entrance, umbrellas on the ceiling, and Indian pop art on the walls at Republic inside the DoubleTree by Hilton in Business Bay. Head Chef Nagbushan Shenoy describes the place as an adda, a word used in India to describe “a community meeting place where people gather to eat, drink, chat and have fun.” He’s reinvented street food with a dazzling array of colours and flavours from all corners of India’s culinary landscape.
Open Wed to Sun 5pm-2am. DoubleTree by Hilton in Business Bay, Dubai. (04 551 1544).
Mamounia Middle East
Mayfair is one of the poshest neighbourhoods in London where the clientele don’t accept anything less than the best, so any successful restaurant from this district should be respected. Mamounia serves expertly prepared and authentically flavoured mezze plates, with shisha and belly dancers.
Open 12pm-3am. Al Fattan Currency Tower, DIFC, Dubai. [email protected] (04 220 0321).
NONYA
NONYA at Taj Jumeirah Lakes Towers is the place to go for a Pan-Asian flavour sensation with strong Singaporean and Peranakan flavours. Intrigued? Amongst NONYA’s culinary offerings are the likes of Hainanese chicken, Singaporean chilli crabs, Singaporean laksa and beef rendang. There is indoor seating available in its stylish contemporary Oriental-themed dining space and outdoor seating available from its secret garden-style terrace.
Open Sun-Thu, 6pm-1am. Fri-Sat, 6pm-2am. 44th Floor, Taj Jumeirah Lakes Towers, DMCC Plot No. 2-27, Al Thanyah, Dubai, tajhotels.com/en-in/taj/taj-jumeirah-lakes-towers (04 574 1111).
Risen
Café and artisanal bakery, Risen, is an all-day dining destination that offers something for everyone. Located in the heart of the Dubai Marina, you can get your fix of baked bread, pastries and fragrant brews under one roof. What’s more, Risen uses only high-quality ingredients and has an overarching ethos of sustainability, with natural and biodegradable materials used throughout.
Open daily, 7am-10pm. Ground Floor, Millennium Place Marina Hotel, Al Marsa Street, Dubai Marina, Dubai, Risendubai.com (04 550 8112).
Sucre
Expect a mashup of Latin American and European flavours and a specially curated grape list to match at Sucre in DIFC. What sets Sucre apart are the fire cooking methods from South America, which bring flavours from its seasonal ingredients to the fore. Prepare yourself for flavour-packed dishes such as king crab tostada, Argentinian bone-in ribeye and squid ink paella.
Open every day, 6pm-2am. Podium Level, Gate Village 05, DIFC, Dubai, sucredubai.com (04 340 0829).
Tan Cha
The frantic energy of downtown Hong Kong is the driving force behind this innovative new restaurant and late night lounge located at the JW Marriott Marquis hotel in Dubai. An impressive space featuring bold strips of lights overhead and elaborate artwork create huge atmosphere, as does the intricately-prepared dishes that also bring flavours from provincial China.
Sun-Thur 6pm-2am, Fri-Sat 6pm-3am. JW Marriot Marquis Dubai, Business Bay, Dubai. (056 681 881)
Tandoor Tina
Did you know? Curry is one of Britain’s most popular dishes. To get a taste of the British take on the humble Indian curry then Tandoor Tina is a dining destination to try. Located at the 25hours Hotel, this intriguing fusion restaurant serves up bites such as cheesy onion naan, a chip butty with spiced coleslaw and lashings of curry sauce and saag aloo Shepherd’s pie. Curious to know more? If so, you’ll have to taste Tandoor Tina for yourself.
Tandoor Tina 25hours Hotel One Central, Trade Center St, Dubai, tandoortina.com (055 194 2916).
Teible
For seasonal and localised dining, Teible is the place to go. Located at Jameel Arts Centre by Jaddaf Waterfront, this dining destination not only serves up tasty eats but also some stunning views of the open water from its wraparound floor-to-ceiling windows. What’s more, the stylish dining space is bang on trend, bringing Scandinavian, Japanese and minimalist aspects to the fore.
Open Wed-Mon, 8am-4pm and 6pm-11pm. Closed on Tue. teible.com (04 243 6683).
The Crossing
The Crossing at The H Hotel on Sheikh Zayed Road plates up a fresh and boundary-blending approach to Indian cuisine. Not only do the diverse array of dishes employ cooking techniques from the length and breadth of India but there are also an array of global culinary influences, including British, Caribbean and many more. The Crossing’s menu comprises small plates, grills, grains and curries, so you can have a bit of everything if you can’t choose.
Noon-3.30pm (lunch) 6.30pm-1am (dinner). The H Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, Trade Centre. crossingtherestaurant.com.
Beach Bar & Grill
Licks of a sea breeze and sand between your toes epitomise the dining experiences at Beach Bar & Grill, which, well you can probably piece it together from the moniker. Chef Mauro Colagreco is laying on relaxed al fresco lunches from timber decks right at the water’s edge. South American cuisine is on the bill, with Chef Colagreco drawing on his Argentinian heritage to create authentic, flavourful dishes that are perfect for sharing.
Open daily noon-11pm. The Palace at One&Only Royal Mirage, Dubai Marina, oneandonlyresorts.com (04 399 9999).
The Lighthouse, Nakheel Mall
Fresh, bright and airy, The Lighthouse is already doing great business at its branches in D3 and Mall of the Emirates. Now it’s expanded to Nakheel Mall with the same delicious coffee and delicate pastries, plus a fantastic gift shop selling cool books and knick knacks for young and old.
Open Mon to Thur 8am-10pm, Fri to Sun 8am-12am. Nakheel Mall, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai. (04 424 2009).
Vero
You can enjoy Positano vibes without the need to travel at Vero at Hilton Dubai Jumeirah. Expect modern Italian dishes with a dash of authenticity thrown in for good measure. Vero offers a well-stocked crudo bar with a selection of raw fish and shellfish dishes and be sure to grab a slice of the action when it comes to the mouth-watering lineup of pizzas on offer. What’s more, you can soak up the al fresco vibes (and views of Ain Dubai and the glittering Arabian Gulf) from Vero’s outdoor terrace area.
Open daily 5pm-11pm. The Walk. Hilton Dubai Jumeirah Beach, The Walk, JBR (04 399 1111).
New restaurants in Dubai, January 2022
Basko
1960s Med vibes are the order of the day at Basko, which has touched down with quite a splash in Business Bay. And its interiors are certainly doing the business, erring on the side of loud with abstract artworks pinned on the walls and red tassels hanging from the ceiling. It’s all packaged with lush speakeasy vibes and, no surprise, the menu is a feast of langoustine risotto, frog Provençal, prime rib and lobster fregola.
Open daily noon-1am. The Opus by Zaha Hadid, Business Bay, baskorestaurant.com (05 8542 4208).
Hudson Tavern
Rustic melds with the modern at Hudson Tavern, with Big Apple riffs taking centre stage. The New York-style retro bar is an extension of the first venue, located in the Hotel Mondrian Doha that launched in 2017. Fat and loaded burgers take the spotlight on the menu, with all your favourite iterations – and even a plant-based option – tempting you to part with your hard earneds.
Open daily 4pm-1am. Marasi Drive, Business Bay, sbe.com/hotels/hyde/dubai (04 871 1111).
Equalize
Whether falling from the clouds or plumbing the depths, when returning to dry land it’s always good to equalise. Which is probably the choice behind the name of not one but two new cafés at adrenaline hotspots SkyDive Dubai and Deep Dive Dubai. It’s all powered by Dubai’s Raw Coffee Company to give all you thrill seekers an extra kick.
Open Thu-Tue 8am-6pm. Skydive Dubai, Dubai Marina. Open Tue-Sun 9am-6pm. Deep Dive Dubai, Nad Al Sheba.
Jehangirs Royal Mughal Cuisine
Al Ain’s much-loved Indian restaurant Jehangir’s is now open in Dubai. Located in Mankhool, close to Spinney’s, the menu features dishes including chakor kachori and jalebi chaat. Tuck in.
Open daily noon-12pm. Al Mankhool, Dubai. jehangirs.restaurant/
O’Rush
Looking for an ‘O’ moment? Then this luxury dessert delivery kitchen may be up your street. O’Rush specialises in elevating sweet endings to new heights, with the likes of homemade cookies, refined pastries and crème brûlée given lift off. They also offer occasion experiences, ranging from baby showers to intimate house dinners. The best bit? You don’t even need to get out of your pyjamas to enjoy it.
linktr.ee/orush.
Surf Club
Surf’s up, dudes. With sweet views out to Dubai Marina and Ain Dubai, this fresh spot on The Palm’s popular West Beach strip all about laid-back elevated vibes. The seafood-driven menu features fresh, quality ingredients. Having a quick bite? Go for the raw bar or sushi counter or choose a fresh fish from the ice display cooked to your liking on the charcoal grill.
West Beach, Palm Jumeirah, [email protected] @surfclubdubai (056 688 1332).
Tamoka
Culinary journeys don’t get much more vibrant than Tamoka. This little slice of Latin America on the shores of the Gulf boasts a menu spanning the best flavours of Tulum, San José and Lima towards Cartagena, Caracas, Panama City and onwards to the Caribbean islands. Ready to join the Tamokan tribe and embrace the spirit of the Antillean seas?
Open Sat-Wed noon-1am, Thu-Fri noon-2am, Reservations 10am-7pm. The Walk, JBR.
Weslodge Saloon
It’s hard to miss Weslodge Saloon’s new City Walk venue. Set behind a luminous yellow door at the trendy strip, Weslodge Saloon brings with it much of the quirky design and classic, comfortable furnishings that set its Business Bay haunt apart from the crowd. Stacked sides and juicy steak make this a tasty new addition to the City Walk dining menu. You know where to knock if that sounds like your jam.
Open daily 11am-11pm. City Walk, weslodge.ae (04 3509230).
The Farm House
Headed up by the Middle East’s premier pitmaster, Hattem Mattar, of The Mattar Farm and Local Fire by The Mattar Farm fame, this smoke house excels in barbecue. From hessian-clad hipsters to suited and booted yuppies, there’s no pomp or pretension at this new joint in Souk Madinat Jumeirah. Come hungry: the portions are big and the music is loud.
Open Mon-Thu, 6pm-midnight. Fri-Sat, noon-midnight. 6 King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud St, Dubai, [email protected] (04 432 3232).
Vietnamese Foodies
Vietnamese Foodies is so good they’ve just opened a fourth (yes, fourth) branch in the city, this time invading Nakheel Mall on the Palm with its fabulous pho. Following sell out hits in JLT, Downtown and Time Out Market Dubai, this feast of South East Asian cuisine undoubtedly has the key to success – and our hearts.
Fashion Shop Level, Nakheel Mall, The Palm, vietnamesefoodies.com.
New restaurants in Dubai, 2021
11 Woodfire
Chef Akmal Anuar is renowned in these parts, and this wood-fire cooking phenom looks delectable. Set in an alluring villa on Jumeirah Beach Road, the restaurant is elevated, yet comfortable, chic but casual, welcoming guests into an environment that oozes character and conviviality, with a sleek and contemporary edge. Both familiar and unique flavours await, enveloped by the distinct tastes of woodfire and accompanied by unique seasonal ingredients.
Open Tue-Thu noon-4pm and 7pm-midnight, Fri-Sun 8am-4pm and 7pm-midnight. Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah (04 491 9000).
Bastion
Opened in October 2021, Bastion is a new brasserie and grill at the top of Jumeirah Beach Hotel, in the space formerly occupied by longstanding Latin American grill La Parilla. Positioned on the 25th floor, with views of Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah and the Arabian Gulf, this new restaurant in Dubai serves a menu of globally inspired dishes, ranging from French onion tart to New York tenderloin and Maine lobster. There’s also the sharing Neptune Plate, loaded with Dibba oysters, prawns, lobster, king crab, tuna tartare and winkles. The restaurant also promises a plant-based selection of dishes for diners skipping meat and dairy.
Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Umm Suqeim, jumeirah.com (04 432 3232).
Blue Seafood Asia
An authentic ‘sea to table’ experience is promised at Blue Seafood Asia, with a rich array of fresh and flavourful dishes prepared by renowned international chefs. Blue Seafood Asia’s concept was inspired by the azure oceans of Asia, the lively fish markets, upbeat vibes and sensational cooking techniques of seaside Asia. And you only have to get as far as DIFC to taste it all.
Open Thu-Sat noon-2am, Sun-Wed noon-1.30am. Waldorf Astoria DIFC, blueseafoodasia.com (054 581 9555).
Jolie
For your fix of French faves, be sure to check out the recently-opened Jolie. Plating up a bit of Paris, Jolie is a newcomer to the recently-opened Dubai EDITION hotel in Downtown. Expect Mediterranean coastal flavours made from seasonal and sustainably sourced ingredients. Hanging on Jolie’s walls are high-fashion photography prints commissioned from Vogue photographer Landon Nordeman. For a fashionable French breakfast, lunch or dinner, Jolie is a new one to try.
Breakfast 7am-11am, lunch 12:30pm-3:30pm, dinner 7pm-mightnight.
The Dubai EDITION, Downtown Dubai, Dubai, editionhotels.com/dubai (04 602 3366).
Cleo
Sharing is caring so gather your nearest and dearest and get down to Cleo to get stuck into its sharing-style Eastern Mediterranean-inspired dishes. This new addition to the recently opened Hyde Hotel Dubai in Business Bay is a great place to take in stunning views of the Burj Khalifa, be it from its outdoor terrace or from its simple yet elegant dining space.
Dinner 6pm-1am. Business Bay, Dubai, hydeDubai.com (0 487 1111).
Deseo
For a Latin American flavour sensation, give the newly-opened Deseo restaurant at the ME Dubai a go. Executive Chef James Knight Pacheco has put together a flavour-packed array of authentic dishes to tuck into. Look forward to waka picante, salmon with sweet pomegranate and refreshing orange and for the meat lovers, an irresistible dish of wagyu beef with capsicum, plum and coriander. What’s more, you can savour the expansive views of Business Bay from Deseo’s terrace.
The Opus by Omniyat, Al A’amal St, Business Bay, Dubai. Melia.com/en/hotels/united-arab-emirates/dubai/me-dubai/index.htm (04 525 2500).
Duomo
Elegant Italian restaurant Duomo is a new addition to the Edition Hotel in Downtown Dubai. From every glance there are beautiful sites. There’s a stunning terrace with olive trees and terracotta pots that will transport you to somewhere in the Med and 15-metre-high vaulted arch ceilings with a looming crystal chandelier. The menu brings southern Italian flavours to the table, so expect homemade pasta, elegant meat and fish dishes and authentic pizzas.Open daily noon-1am. The Dubai Edition, Dubai Fountain Street. [email protected] (04 602 3399).
URLA
URLA brings high-octane energy, glamour and unmistakable flavours to the heart of the city. Located on the Fountain Level at the Address Downtown Dubai Hotel, URLA invites guests to discover a piece of Aegean paradise, capturing the feeling of summer and sunsets, across the coastal routes of Spain, Greece and the West of Turkey. With up-close and intimate views of the dazzling Burj Khalifa and swish sights of the Dubai Fountains, it looks a top pitch to park at as the sun sinks in the sky and the fountains dance into life.
Open daily noon-3am. Address Downtown Dubai, urlarestaurant.com (52 554 5997).
DISHTRICT
Ready for some unique fusion fare? Travelling may be slightly more challenging at the moment but the newly opened DISHTRICT is promising to take diners on a “culinary adventure” around the world via its jam-packed menu of fusion (and slightly wacky) dishes. From the Middle East to Malaysia and India to Italy, the menu features a fusion of foodie favourites from across the globe including tahini nachos chaat aside, charcoal hummus, Thai green curry risotto, butter chicken baos, baked mac ‘n’ cheese maki, spicy Sriracha sashimi, and chicken wrapped in 24 karat gold (fancy). Vegan? There’s plenty for you to tuck into, too.
Open daily noon-11pm. Wasl 51, Jumeirah, www.dishtrict.com (055 961 0966).
Epitome Restaurant and Lounge
Calling all herbivores; we have a new restaurant that you’re going to love. Featuring an upscale all-vegetarian menu and handcrafted mixed drinks, music, and views of the Dubai skyline, Epitome has finally landed in Dubai. Its opening follows a successful stint in Mumbai and it has brought all the veggie goodness with it. The menu is inspired by Indian, Japanese, Mexican, Thai, and Chinese cuisines with a wide variety of dishes that make the best of all things green. The interior is decorated with art deco style sculptures, hand-painted walls, and an indoor and outdoor terrace. In Mumbai the restaurant is well known for its live music, and the Dubai branch promises to bring the same levels of energy and ambiance.
Open daily 7pm-2am (licensed). Aloft Creek, Level 4 (054 705 3780).
Papillon
Papillon at The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina is putting passion into practice. The dinner-and-a-show experience seeks to enchant with arts of all styles married to fine dining. Internationally acclaimed singer-songwriter Layla Kardan is at the helm, providing an entertainment accompaniment to a menu that swims in French Mediterranean flavour. Anticipate a tumble of tastes, with diners able to choose from the tasting menu or the a la carte offering, served throughout the performance. Just try to keep your eyes on your fork.
Open Fri-Sun 8.30pm-3am. The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, Dubai Marina (04 399 4141).
Piatti by the Beach
Piatti by the Beach is a newcomer to Raffles The Palm Dubai. This delightful beachside destination plates up the flavours of the Amalfi Coast so expect Mediterranean delights such as mussels, along with Mazara red prawns and salt-crusted sea bass. What’s more, there’s a dedicated dessert room with a tempting selection of hand-crafted cakes and tarts. We think you’ll want to grab a slice of the action at Piatti by the Beach. Lunch 12pm-4.30pm , dinner 7pm-11.30pm. Raffles, The Palm Dubai, West Cresent Palm, Jumeirah, Dubai. raffles.com/thepalm-dubai. (04 248 8889).
Jones Social
Popular Aussie café chain Jones the Grocer has a new licensed restaurant, bar and workspace in Garhoud. The new spot is “laid-back, fun-loving, well-travelled and playful”, and it’s also designed to be a workspace. Plus, get ready for open-fire cooking in an open kitchen – so expect charcoal grills to star on the menu alongside your favourites at the new restaurant. Dishes include grilled lamb chops and tiger prawns, as well as bao buns and more.
Opens May 11. Open daily 8am-1am. Millennium Airport Hotel Dubai, Garhoud (04 702 8790).
Le Rose
French cuisine your forte? If the answer is oui then Le Rose at Address Fountain Views in Downtown Dubai is a place to add to your eats list. Sitting pretty on the 12th floor of the hotel, the stunning views of the Burj Khalifa and beyond are just as sumptuous as the French faves on its menu. Bring your appetite to the table for onion soup, baked camembert and black Angus steak and crème brûlée. What’s more, Le Rose is ultra-chic with its slick charcoal interior, pops of rose gold and vintage photography on its walls. Dinner Fri-Sat, noon-1:30am, Sun-Wed, noon-12:30pm. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd, Dubai, instagram.com/lerosedubai (056 828 6090).
SushiSamba
Japan plus Brazil plus Peru equals a fusion feast you need to try right now. Famed restaurants SushiSamba has caused quite a stir since firing up its kitchens in Dubai, and its little surprise. From its sky-high vantage point on the 51st floor of Palm Tower, you’ll be treated to both sparkling cuisine as well as views. Signature Sushisamba dishes include crispy yellowtail taquitos, Peruvian anticuchos and robata-grilled dishes. Through into the equation an open-style theatre kitchen, and it’s clear to see why the place is always a sell-out smash.
Open Sat-Sun 6pm-2am, Thu-Fri 6pm-3am. Palm Tower, Palm Jumeirah, [email protected], sushisamba.com (04 582 1555).
The Hide
Recently refurbished, The Hide is back offering a modern steakhouse experience amid art deco design. With hints of old school glamour, the restaurant and bar features an open-plan grill surrounded by bold geometric patterns and vintage photographs on the wall, while the secluded outdoor terrace has lush garden views of the Jumeirah Al Qasr resort. The menu, crafted by executive chef Eric Turgeon, focuses on prime steaks, healthy sides, fresh seafood and plant-based alternatives, such as spaghetti beyond with plant-based meatballs. The indulgent food is complemented by classic mixed drinks, craft hops and an extensive grape list.
Open daily, 6pm-10.30pm. Jumeirah Al Qasr, Umm Suqeim. jumeirah.com/TheHide (04 432 3232)
The Orangery
If you live anywhere near Address Montgomerie, you’ll have visited the Phileas Fogg’s at least 10 times by now. The pub has attracted loads of attention, thanks to its golf course views and cool, outdoor vibe. But what about when you fancy something, well, fancier? The team behind Phileas Fogg’s has now launched The Orangery, a swish restaurant right next door. The Orangery has both outdoor and indoor seating – and still has the not-so-subtle nod to world travel that’s displayed at the pub next door. The new restaurant is now open – and, again like Fogg’s – has a global menu inspired by the Around the World in 80 Days theme. But this time with a twist. Dishes include fish and chips (with a twist), oysters, burrata, beef tartare and more to start you off, while there’s a selection of pizzas including jamon and rocket, smoked salmon or truffle as well as barbecue tiger prawns with cucumber raita, lamb moussaka, vegetable or seafood paella, lamb ribs and signature dish The Fillet Sausage Roll, a playful take on a British classic.
Open Tue-Sat 6pm-1am. Address Montgomerie, Emirates Living, theorangery.xyz (04 572 4473).