Best new restaurants in Dubai
What’s On has contact details, reviews, how to book the best new restaurants in Dubai 2015, including Japanese, Steak, Indian, Thai, Chinese.
What’s On and The Black Hat Guide bring you the complete rundown of the best new restaurants in Dubai. Read snappy reviews, find out how book, and get a real insight with the help of our handy rating system. For a full explanation of how the Black Hat Guide works, click here.
Coya
Peruvian
Dhs550 for two
A beautiful, brilliant restaurant serving first-rate food from Peru. The ceviche, meat skewers, and lamb chops are sensational, and the service makes you feel a like a rock star.
Coya Restaurant, Restaurant Village, Four Seasons Resort, Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah 2, Dubai, daily 12.30pm 3.30pm, 7pm to 11pm. Tel: (04) 3169600. Taxi: Four Seasons Hotel. coyarestaurant.com/dubai
Social By Heinz Beck
Modern European
Dhs580 for two
German superchef Heinz Beck has three Michelin stars and here’s why. Flawless cooking and invention in a coolly elegant setting. Don’t you dare leave without trying his trademark dessert Raspberries 1.1.
What’s On Awards: 2014
The Waldorf Astoria, The Palm, Dubai, daily 7pm to midnight. Tel: (04) 8182222. Taxi: The Palm, east crescent. waldorfastoria.com/dubaipalm
25 degrees north
Indian
Dhs200 for two
Traditional and consistently excellent cuisine from northern India at this modestly-sized Tecom venue with charming staff.
Damac Executive Heights Tower, Tecom, Dubai, daily 11am to 3pm, 6pm to 11pm. Tel: (04) 4527779. Taxi: Damac Executive Heights Tower
Atelier M
French
Dhs400 for two
Mohammed Islam, a veteran of Hollywood’s legendary Chateau Marmont, runs this art deco-style restaurant. He has brought a seafood sharing concept to Atelier M, which attracts a lively crowd.
Pier 7, Dubai Marina, Dubai, daily 7pm to 11pm. Tel: (04) 4507766. Metro: Dubai Marina. atelierm.ae
Rhodes W1
British
Dhs500 for two
Gary Rhodes’ beautiful restaurant does excellent British classics such as steak and kidney pudding, prawn cocktail, and egg custard.
Grosvenor House, Dubai Marina, Dubai, Mon to Sat 7pm to 11pm. Tel: (04) 3176000. Taxi: Grosvenor House. rw1-dubai.com
Porter House
Steakhouse
Dhs600 for two
A sleek and stylish steakhouse serving top quality meat. The giant Porterhouse for two, carved at your table, is a theatrical treat. The apple crumble also is a highlight.
What’s On Awards: 2014
Sofitel Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa, The Palm, Dubai, daily 7pm to 11.30pm. Tel: (04) 4555656. Taxi: The Palm, east crescent. sofitel.com
Umai
Japanese
Dhs300 for two
An open-plan kitchen means you can see your teppanyaki prepared right before your eyes at Umai. The restaurant’s tapas-style brunch features everything from Korean street food to foie gras in teriyaki sauce.
The Oberoi, Business Bay, Dubai, Sun to Fri 6.30pm to 11.30pm. Tel: (04) 4441444. Metro: Business Bay. oberoihotels.com
Vivaldi By Alfredo Russo
Italian
Dhs380 for two
The food here is expertly done, as you would expect from a chef who has a Michelin star back home in Italy. Italian classics with a modern feel are the order of the day (look out for the gorgonzola ice cream) and the terrace has a spectacular view of the Creek.
Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel & Towers, Dubai Creek, Dubai, daily 10.30am to 1am. Tel: (04) 2071717. Metro: Union. sheratondubaicreek.com
Bushman’s
Australian
Dhs480 for two
Aussie classics such as barramundi fish, paperbark smoked kangaroo, and pavlova make this quirky and fun place worth the trip to the far end of The Palm.
Anantara Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa, The Palm, daily 6.30pm to 11.30pm. Tel: (04) 5678304. Taxi: The Palm, east crescent. dubai-palm.anantara.com
House Of Curry
Indian
Dhs300 for two
This is a very pretty and casual Indian restaurant on The Beach in JBR with a spacious terrace. The food is simple, homely and authentic, and the breakfast set menu (Dhs55) is excellent.
The Beach, JBR, Dubai, daily noon to midnight. Tel: (04) 3469740. Metro: JLT. houseofcurry.me
Geales
British
Dhs500 for two
A fun British seafood restaurant that looks like a sophisticated gastro pub inside with a lovely, huge terrace outside. The raw bar is impressive, as is the light and fluffy fish and chips.
Le Royal Méridien Beach Resort & Spa, Al Sufouh Road, Dubai, Sat to Wed 6pm to midnight, Thur and Fri 6pm to 1am. Tel: (04) 3165550. Taxi: Le Royal Méridien Beach Resort & Spa. geales-dubai.com
Creekside
Emirati
Dhs180 for two
There’s excellent and inventive Emirati food with a modern twist at this lovely waterfront place that’s just around the corner from Dubai Museum. Ideal for breakfast.
Souk Al Kaber, Bur Dubai, daily 10am to 10pm. Tel: (04) 3599220. Metro: Al Fahidi. creeksidedubai.me
Taste Kitchen
Modern European
Dhs170 for two
Acclaimed chefs Nick Alvis and Scott Price have enjoyed more success with this small, open bistro in Mercato Mall. The dishes are expertly constructed, with ingenious flavours in every bite.
What’s On Awards: 2014
Mercato Mall, Jumeirah 1, Dubai, daily 8am to 10pm. Tel: (04) 3854380. Taxi: Mercato Mall. tastekitchen.ae.
ALSO: Silicon Oasis
Ashiana
Indian
Dhs400 for two
Flawless, inventive and dynamic cooking from Indian superchef Vineet Bhatia is what you’ll get at his new place on the creek. The combinations of flavours – such as a piece of baked cod with a crust of coconut and a mash of beetroot and pea – will dazzle.
Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel, Baniyas Street, Dubai, Sun to Thur noon to 3pm, 7pm to 11pm. Tel: (04) 2071410. Metro: Union. ashianadubai.com
Omina Gourmet
International
Dhs300 for two
A dinky, yet chic little café that serves genuinely inventive dishes with a smattering of Middle Eastern flavours. Celebrity chef Silvena Rowe is in charge.
Jumeirah Fishing Harbour, Jumeirah 1, Dubai, daily 9am to midnight. Tel: (04) 3437181. Taxi: Jumeirah Beach Road, opposite Al Urouba Street. omniagourmet.co
Alto Mar
Seafood
Dhs295 for two
Delicious Portuguese and Mediterranean-style seafood on the waterfront in this new dining hotspot, next to the fish market.
Alto Mar has a nice family feel to it.
Jumeirah Fishing Harbour, Jumeirah 1, Dubai, daily noon to midnight. Tel: (04) 3435225. Taxi: Jumeirah Beach Road, opposite Al Urouba Street. alto-mar.com
Frioul Bistro De Luxe
French
Dhs450 for two
A charming French restaurant on the Souk Madinat waterfront that treads a nice line between informal and smart. The menu is sophisticated but homely and very inviting.
Souk Madinat, Dubai, Sat to Wed 8am to 1am, Thur to Sat 8am to 3am. Tel: (04) 5670011. Taxi: Souk Madinat. frioulbistrodeluxe.com
Leopold’s Of London
Modern European
Dhs210 for two
This industrial-style café is always busy for breakfasts. They have a coffee laboratory, wonderful pastries, and farm-fresh eggs.
The Beach, JBR, Dubai, daily 8am to 11pm. Tel: (04) 4306841. Metro: JLT. leopoldsoflondon.com
Asia Asia
Pan-Asian
Dhs450 for two
The food at this Pier 7 gem is an ingenious fusion of Asian and Middle Eastern flavours – try the miso-marinated Persian black cod. Book a table on the terrace for gorgeous views of the marina.
Pier 7, Dubai Marina, Dubai, daily 4pm until late. Tel: (04) 2765900. Metro: Dubai Marina. asia-asia.com
Eat Greek
Greek
Dhs235 for two
Its pretty, shabby chic décor and excellent grilled meats are lovely, but starters are what Eat Greek does best. Order a load and get stuck in – the spicy feta cheese dip is unbelievable.
The Beach, JBR, Dubai, daily noon to midnight. Tel: (04) 4305249. Metro: JLT. eatgreekkouzina.com
Ultra Brasserie
Modern European
Dhs180 for two
Once you find this new, tucked-away place (behind H&M of level G in Marina Mall,) you’ll find healthy breakfasts, lunches and dinners. The smashed avocado brekkie dish is already gaining a reputation, and the coffee from Raw is excellent.
Marina Plaza, Dubai Marina, daily 7am to 10pm. Tel: (04) 2775644. Metro: Dubai Marina. ultra.ae
Perry and Blackwelder
North American
Dhs360 for two
Authentic barbecue grub at this beautifully set Souk Madinat shack-style restaurant. P&B’s meat is slow-cooked in smokers for 20 hours.
Souk Madinat, Dubai, daily noon to 2am, Tel: (04) 3666197. Taxi: Souk Madinat. jumeirah.com
Café Belge
Modern European
Dhs500 for two
Modelled on the grand cafés of 1920s Brussels, this elegant art deco restaurant has a raw bar and delicious Belgian frites. The burger is outstanding.
Ritz-Carlton DIFC, Dubai, daily 6.30pm to 11pm. Tel: (04) 3722323. Metro: Financial Centre. ritzcarlton.com
Cle
Middle Eastern
Dhs700 for two
Michelin-starred chef Greg Malouf is at the helm of this fabulous Middle Eastern restaurant. He takes well-known Arabic dishes and transforms them into culinary works of art. The duck pie is outstanding.
Al Fattan Currency House, DIFC, Dubai, daily noon to 3pm, 7pm to 11.30pm. Tel: (04) 3525150. Metro: Financial Centre. cle-dubai.com
The Scene
British
Dhs400 for two
This is gastro pub-style food from British celeb chef Simon Rimmer. Chicken pies, mash potato and trifles will make Brits feel at home, as will the quirky décor. Their ‘proper chips’ are essential.
Pier 7, Dubai Marina, Dubai, daily noon to 11pm. Tel: (04) 4222328. Metro: JLT. facebook.com/TheSceneDubai
Tresind
Indian
Dhs350 for two
Indian cuisine meets molecular gastronomy at this fine dining venue. Elaborately prepared dishes like the wild mushroom consommé are inventive and impressive in equal measure.
Radisson Royal Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, daily 7pm to 11.30pm. Tel: (04) 3080440. Metro: World Trade Centre. tresind.com
Soul
Steakhouse
Dhs550 for two
A slick metropolitan New York-style brasserie. The spitroasted meat changes daily, and the rest of the menu is confidently done.
Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach, JBR, Dubai, daily 7pm to 2am. Tel: (04) 4498888. Metro: Dubai Marina. moevenpick-hotels.com
Chop Suey
Chinese
Dhs195 for two
A cute and casual Chinese place with surprisingly good food. Tick your choices on the menu with a pencil and hand it to the waiter. The spicy mushrooms must be ordered.
Beach Park Plaza, Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai, daily 11.30am to 11.30pm. Tel: (04) 3442212. Taxi: Opposite Jumeirah Beach Park. chopsuey.ae
Tashas
Café
Dhs210 for two
This South African import heaves at weekends, thanks to delicious breakfast dishes like Mariachi eggs and hummus toasties. The coffee is great and the staff are friendly.
Galleria Mall, Al Wasl Road, Jumeirah, daily 7.30am to 11pm. Tel: (04) 3855500. Taxi: Galleria Mall. tashascafe.com
China Grill
Chinese
Dhs600 for two
You’ll find Asian-inspired cuisine with international touches at this sleek new addition to the Westin Mina Seyahi. Great for sharing dishes, try the spicy beef and scallion dumplings.
Westin Mina Seyahi, Al Sufouh, Dubai, Sat to Wed 6pm to 2am, Thur and Fri 6pm to 3am. Tel: (04) 5117333. Metro: Dubai Marina. chinagrilldubai.com
Swich
Middle Eastern
Dhs85 for two
Gourmet shawarmas with fillings such as chicken and duck are beautifully done at this tiny Marina shop. The sweet potato fries are a must-order.
Marina View Tower, Dubai Marina, Dubai, daily 11am to 11pm. Tel: (800) 79424. Metro: Dubai Marina. myswich.com
Shake Shack
Burger
Dhs130 for two
This cool, wooden cabin is always full to bursting. Well-made burgers, fries, malt shakes, and frozen custard make for a quality change from the tasteless fast food nearby.
Mall Of The Emirates, Dubai, daily 10am to midnight. Tel: (04) 3475513. Metro: Mall Of The Emirates. shakeshack.com
ALSO: The Beach on JBR
Green Spices
Thai
Dhs650 for two
A lively restaurant with two open kitchens that spit out fresh, crunchy vegetables and fiery fried flavours from Thailand.
Sofitel Downtown, Downtown Dubai, Mon to Sat 6.30pm to 11.30pm. Tel: (04) 5036666. Metro: Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall. sofitel.com
Zengo
International
Dhs600 for two
The menu from Mexican Richard Sandoval and Singaporean Akmal Anuar dances daringly around Asia, South America, and Europe.
Le Royal Méridien Beach Resort And Spa, Al Sufouh, Dubai, Mon to Sun 7pm to midnight. Tel: (04) 3165550. Taxi: Le Royal Méridien Beach Resort. zengo-dubai.com
The Rib Room
Steakhouse
Dhs820 for two
Expertly cooked steaks, a range of salads and side orders, plus a lovely cheese board make Dubai’s second Rib Room a premier steakhouse.
Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, The Palm, Dubai, daily 7pm to 11pm. Tel: (04) 4530444. Taxi: The Palm, west crescent. jumeirah.com
Sea Fu
International
Dhs750 for two
A beachside restaurant serving Mediterranean-Asian meat and seafood. There’s Vietnamese hot pot, black cod, plus coriander and beetroot mousse for dessert. Fascinating food.
Four Seasons Jumeirah Beach, Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah 2, Dubai, Tue to Sun 12.30pm to 4pm and 7pm to 11pm. Tel: (04) 2707777. Taxi: Four Seasons Hotel. seafudubai.com
Bosporous
Turkish
Dhs180 for two
The terrace is always heaving at this Turkish restaurant, which tells you all you need to know. Simple, unfussy grills and salads attract diners seven days a week.
Jumeirah Beach Road, Umm Suqeim, Dubai, Sun to Thur 10am to 2am, Fri and Sat 10am to 4am. Tel: (04) 3808090. Taxi: Near Umm Al Sheif Road junction. bosporusdubai.com
Burger Joint New York
Burger
Dhs120 for two
An industrial burger shack with a sense of humour, the menu comes on a piece of cardboard and there are posters of Homer Simpson on the walls. The meat and baps are imported from the US and the quality shines through.
City Walk, Jumeirah 1, Dubai, Sun to Wed 10am to midnight, Thur to Sat 10am to 2am. Tel: (04) 3444459. Taxi: City Walk. facebook.com/burgerjointnyuae
Hong Loong
Chinese
Dhs380 for two
A compact menu of tantalising Chinese dishes covering seafood, meat, noodles and standout dim sum. Make sure you rub the belly of the marble Buddha on the way in for luck.
Sofitel The Palm, The Palm, Dubai, daily 7pm to 11pm. Tel: (04) 4409300. Taxi: The Palm, East Crescent. sofitel.com
OK, that’s enough temptation. Grab a fork – we’re hungry.
