Looking to try somewhere new? Bookmark these…

If you’ve exhausted all of your usual dinner spots, you’re in the right place as new restaurants in Dubai are always popping up. Whether it’s a fancy fine-dining spot for a romantic date night, or somewhere more cool and casual to gather with your mates, we’ve got the inside scoop on the must-visit places across the city.

Here are 15 new restaurants in Dubai you need to try.

SHIMA

From the culinary masters behind Chic Nonna comes SHIMA, the first piece of the drinking and dining puzzle Mine & Yours are creating at One Palm Jumeirah Dorchester Collection residences. Backdropped by sweeping skyline views, this modern Japanese eatery serves up a menu of contemporary and avant-garde dishes that put best-in-class, seasonal ingredients centre stage. Pick from made-to-order sushi fro the sushi bar, with an array of nigiri and maki rolls; or opt for heated sharing plates like the ise ebi tempura, lobster tempura with black truffle and coral mayo; or the king crab leg, cooked in robata with kanimiso, mirin hollandaise, Amalfi lemon gel and togarashi. Book a table on the terrace to make the most of the winter weather, or dine indoors where the sleek and sophisticated interiors are laced with pops of pink. 

SHIMA, One Palm Jumeirah Dorchester Collection, Palm Jumeirah, 12pm to 11pm daily. Tel: (0)56 731 0909. @shimarestaurantdubai

The Rare

Foodies, say hello to Dubai’s sizzling sensation of a new restaurant, Rare. The first and only licensed steakhouse to grace City Walk’s new foodie hotspot C2 is now serving up great food in a cosy, welcoming atmosphere with an inescapable injection of joie de vivre. Homegrown concept Rare is somewhere between a vibrant New York bar and an art deco Parisian brasserie. The sharing style menu, conjured up by head chef Ryan Bernardo, is centered around a custom-made charcoal grill serving the finest selection of classic cuts including the oyster blade with pebre and amarillo chilli, or striploin with wasabi cream and batter crispies. Rare is the sort of go-to spot that’s guaranteed to impress everyone you know. A romantic date night? Wine-fuelled catch-up with friends? Family dinner? Late night night-cap? Use any excuse you can to book a table at Rare…

The Rare, C2, City Walk, Dubai, 7pm to 11pm daily. @theraredxb

Alba

Pan-Asian fare has a brand new address in Dubai Opera’s foodie district, as Alba is one of two new restaurant openings now welcoming diners here. A crowd-pleasing menu that promises to showcase the best bits of Asian and European cuisines, this new restaurant will offer something for everyone. Inside, Alba boasts a groovy vibe, trendy music and a show kitchen creating an atmosphere which marries European elegance with elements inspired by Asian culture and philosophy. A highlight? The one-of-a-kind bar concept bringing together Asian flavours, traditional brewing techniques, and the mystique of Asian wildlife. Expect an extensive selection sourced from breweries across Japan from the delicate flavours of high-grade sake to sips with umami notes.

Alba, Dubai Opera District, Downtown Dubai, 6pm to 12am daily. Tel: (0)4 575 3297. @albarestduba

Bisou

Enhancing the pre-theater dining options around Downtown is Bisou, one of two new restaurants recently added to the Dubai Opera dining district. The fine dining destination promises a unique fusion that ‘combines French classics and Middle Eastern spirit with the love of French literature.’ So on the menu, expect signature dishes like dates with tahina yuzu and black vaciar, a foie gras terrine with sweet apricot, and lamb shoulder with root vegetables. It’s paired with an impressive array of beverages from the bar, which are inspired by a romantic fiction of a French librarian and Arabic poet. Chic interiors match the fancy French vibe, with warm and spacious interiors exuding an elegant style that will remind you of a romantic restaurant in France.

Bisou, Opera District, Downtown Dubai, daily 12pm to 12am. Tel: (0)4 575 3920. @bisou.dubai

Pitfire Pizza at Dubai Hills

We know what you’re thinking: Pitfire Pizza isn’t new. But it serving up its beloved pizzas and garlic knots with a side of hot honey margaritas is, as the brand’s first licensed eatery has recently opened at Dubai Hills Business Park. With the same relaxed vibe, great food, and wallet-friendly prices as the other Pitfire locations, this is the perfect spot for a quick lunch, impromptu date night, family-friendly dinner, and casual catch-up. What to order? Try their classic pepperoni primo with hot honey, a hot honey margarita, and a non-negotiable side of garlic knots.

Pitfire Pizza, Dubai Hills Business Park, Dubai. Daily 11am to 11pm. @pitfirepizzabakers

Jara

Michelin-lauded Spanish chef Martín Berasategui brings a taste of Spain to Dubai with his first restaurant in the Middle East, Jara. Located on the 18th floor of newly opened The Lana, a Dorchester Collection hotel, guests can expect a bold menu showcasing the finest Basque recipes curated by Martín himself. The indoor restaurant is slick and sophisticated in various shades of burnt orange, arranged either facing the open-plan kitchen on one side or the panoramic Downtown skyline vistas on the other. The expansive terrace, littered with trees and sparkly lights, feels like a romantic spot for an evening meal. The menu, which traverses the Basque regions, is a diverse offering of authentic Spanish pintxos, like ‘marriage,’ salted and marinated anchovies topped on brioche, a selection of croquettas, and a whole monkfish cooked on the charcoal grill. It’s paired with inventive cocktails served at the Jara Bar.

Jara, The Lana, Dorchester Collection, Dubai, Business Bay, 6pm to 12am Tues to Sun. @jarabymartinberasategui

StreetXO

Chef Dabiz Muñoz, known for his avant-garde and experimental approach to cuisine, has been recognised as the Best Chef in the World for three consecutive years by Best Chef Awards. At One&Only One Za’abeel, the daring culinary master presents StreetXO. In an informal and relaxed setting, it puts a haute edge on globally-inspired street food. To match the experimental menu, avant garde interiors create a space that feels dramatic and high-impact. Perch up at the bar for cool tunes and master mixology, share plates and sips in the lounge, or drink in the views on the chic terrace.

StreetXO, One&Only One Za’abeel, daily 6pm to 2am. Tel: (0)4 666 1617. @streetxo.dubai

La Dame De Pic

The descendent of a long line of Michelin-calibre chefs, French-born Anne-Sophie Pic grew up surrounded by foodie wizardry. As such, she’s created a culinary style driven by emotion, using her own memories and associations of scents and flavours to constantly innovate. The result is an empire of Star-showered, restaurants around the globe. Among the most prominent is La Dame De Pic, located in London, Megeve, Paris, Singapore – and now Dubai. Its cuisine is best described as modern French, but that doesn’t truly do the creativity poured into each plate at this gastronomic experience justice. It’s a true experiential flavour flight, in a setting of feminine soft pastel hues.

La Dame de Pic, The Link, One&Only One Za’abeel, daily 6pm to 12am. Tel: (0)4 666 1617. @ladamedepicdubai

Smoked Room

Andalusian chef Dani Garcia turned his back on fine dining to focus on bringing casual tapas to global audiences back in 2019. But his return to fine dining came in the form of Smoked Room, a 14-seater restaurant first opened in Madrid in 2021 now found inside his St Regis Gardens steakhouse, Lena. The crescent-shaped wooden table ensures every guest has a front row seat to the open kitchen, where a 14-course fire omakase menu is served in a dimly lit, dramatically designed restaurant setting that’s rustic yet grand. As the name suggests, much of the culinary action revolves around smoke, and even the beverage pairing plays into that – the opening glass of Riesling served in a truffle-smoked glass. As this is omakase, the menu changes depending on what ingredients the team have access to, although you can be assured of deep, impactful flavours in dishes like charcoal grilled pigeon, smoked duck aniline and A5 Wagyu.

Smoked Room, inside Lena, St Regis Gardens, Wednesday to Saturday, 6.30pm and 9.30pm, Dhs950 food only. Tel: (0)4 453 7548. @smokedroom.dubai

Birds

Dubai’s dinner and a show scene has welcomed a new addition by way of Moscow and Bodrum: get ready to shake your tail feathers at BIRDS. Soaring above the city on the 63rd floor of Address Downtown, it pairs Burj views with master mixology, daring dishes, and bold performance. On the menu, it’s a Mediterrasian fusion of flavours is self-described as a ‘dinner theatre,’ orchestrated by group executive chef Alexander Raylan. Must-try dishes include perfectly plated options like king crab with soba matcha noodles and Japanese Wagyu tataki with white asparagus. You’ll want to make reservations late, as performances start from 11pm, and continue into the early hours alongside the after-party.

BIRDS, Level 63, Address Downtown, 7pm to 3am Tues to Sat, 4pm to 11pm Sun, closed Mon. Tel: (0)50 275 4844. @birds.dxb

Maison De La Plage

Bringing coastal charm and chic French Riviera vibes to a stunning new seaside spot is Maison De La Plage. The latest addition to The Club at Palm West Beach, it comes from the culinary mastermind chef Izu Ani. The warmly hued beach house is a love letter to France, so get ready for fruits de mer, fresh produce and all your quintessentially French dishes. On the menu, expect to dive into plates of beef carpaccio topped with parmesan and truffle, the signature Izu burger, a creamy lobster linguine and grilled octopus with bell pepper sauce and roasted potatoes. Whether you come for breakfast, a day of topping up the tan, sunset drinks with friends or a delightful dinner, this beachfront venue promises to provide its guests with the ultimate taste of the French Riviera.

Maison de la Plage, The Club, Palm West Beach, Palm Jumeirah, daily 10am to 2am. Tel: (0)4 452 3344. @maisondelaplage_

Samakjé Harbor

After departing its location at The Pointe, Samakjé Harbor has found a new location on the rooftop of Nakheel Mall West, the same side as Soho Garden. The Lebanese-Mediterranean restaurant is bright and earthy, with a breezy and verdant feel. There’s plenty of tables for big groups, and the menu matches that welcoming, family feel, with sharing plates of modern Lebanese flavours designed to be shared. There’s a strong focus on seafood, and already a roster of offerings that includes a weekly business lunch, evening entertainment, and weekend lazy lunch menu for guests to enjoy dishes like shrimps kibbeh and Lebanese salmon sashimi.

Samakjé Harbor, Nakheel Mall Rooftop West, Palm Jumeirah, 12pm to 1am Sun to Weds, 12pm to 3am Thurs to Sat. @samakjedubai

Zula

A contemporary new restaurant Zula has opened its doors at Shangri-La Dubai, promising to put Turkish and Greek flavours centre stage. The homegrown eatery, brightly lit and furnished in warm, neutral tones, means immersing oneself in the warmth and hospitality of the Mediterranean – which is exactly what this restaurant wants you to do. On the food front, mezze of Aegean tomato with feta, grilled artichoke with stracciatella, and boreki, a mix of beef mince and caramelised onions inside parcels of flaky filo pastry. Then for mains, try options like the Manti—beef served with tomato sauce and yogurt; or Kuzu Siz, marinated lamb cooked on the grill accompanied by eggplant puree, sweet green chili and manda yogurt.

Zula, Shangri-La, Sheikh Zayed Road, daily 6pm to 1am. Tel: (0)56 943 9887. zularestaurant.com/

Cala Vista

Backdropped by stunning Burj Al Arab views, this sea-facing alfresco restaurant serves up long, leisurely lunches, dreamy pool days, and relaxed yet romantic evening by the beach. Set among olive and lemon trees, the venue is an oh-so-pretty ode to the Amalfi Coast, with its printed blue tiles, whitewashed marble and stunning lounge. The menu is based around Italian comfort foods, given a modern twist befitting of the chic beachfront setting in Dubai. From homemade pastas to wood-fired pizzas and delicious grills, the sharing menu is all about hearty Italian cooking. Must-try dishes include the chef’s signature fritto misto, a tortelloni alla Norma, and orecchio di elefante.

Cala Vista, Jumeirah Mina A’Salam, Jumeirah, daily 12.30pm to 12am. Tel: (800) 323232. jumeirah.com/minaasalam 

Agatha

Oh-so-glamourous Agatha is here to bring a touch of experiential dining to Habtoor City. In a venue that’s nothing short of show-stopping: think crushed crimson booths, crisp tablecloths, and a warmly lit grand bar, diners can look forward to a seamless blend of Asian flavours and contemporary French influences, harmonising the two for an Asian-fusion menu. To go with this, a selection of cocktails will be available, flaunting expert mixology. While you wine and dine with delicious food and artisanal cocktails, resident DJs will add to the lively atmosphere spinning cool house beats.

Agatha, Habtoor City, daily 7pm to 2am. Tel: (0)4 883 2118. @agatha__dubai