The 18 best new restaurants in Dubai right now
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 18 new restaurants in Dubai you need to try.
Sirene Beach
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Completing the line-up of fabulous alfresco beach clubs and restaurants at J1 Beach is Sirene. Now welcoming guests to enjoy a taste of the Aegean on the shores of Jumeirah 1. A seaside iteration of beloved DIFC restaurant Gaia, there’s a pool and beach experience, as well as a beautifully adorned restaurant and duo of bars that gaze out towards the golden sand. The menu is masterminded by chef Izu Ani, inspired by his Mediterranean travels. Of course, you’ll find some Gaia signatures here – such as the seabream carpaccio and frozen yoghurt, as well as new dishes like the caviar and oyster experience, and the rooster pasta.
Sirene Beach by GAIA, J1 Beach, Jumeirah 1, daily 10am to 1am. @sirene_dxb
Duck and Waffle
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The London-born, 24/7 restaurant Duck and Waffle is now bringing its playful take on comfort food, inventive cocktails, and vibrant atmosphere, to a sprawling 10,000 square-foot space overlooking the Burj Khalifa, redefining all-day dining in the heart of the city. Inside, the restaurant features an open kitchen and a 360-degree bar, but it’s out on the terrace where you’ll want to snap up a seat, where a perforated metal tree and lush greenery frame stunning views of the Burj Khalifa. The restaurant’s signature dish is–of course–duck and waffle – a decadent combination of crispy duck leg confit, fried duck egg, and mustard maple syrup. With over two million plates served globally, this dish is sure to win over the hearts (and palates) of foodies in Dubai. Other notable dishes include the foie gras crème brûlée, spicy ox cheek doughnut, and the popular whole roasted chicken with ratte potatoes and truffle. Initially, the restaurant is open from 12pm to 1am, serving up lunch, dinner and all-day delights. But from early next year, you can expect to dine 24/7 at Duck and Waffle, meaning sunrise breakfasts, late-night tipples, and a special after-hours menu.
Duck & Waffle, Innovation One, Concourse Level, DIFC, daily 12pm to 1am. Tel:(0)56 981 6655. @duckandwaffledubai
Tang
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A new addition to Palace Downtown is Tang, which just opened its doors. Named after the Tang dynasty, the restaurant is a fusion of Asian flavours backdropped by jaw-dropping Burj Khalifa views. The 10,000 square foot venue is a dramatic and elegant dining destination, with luxe aesthetics and grand features. The menu showcases a modern take on the Japanese izakaya, with a robata grill, array of sushi, and authentic wok creations.
Tang, Palace Downtown, Downtown Dubai, daily 12pm to 1am. Tel: (0)55 663 3071. @tang_dubai_downtown
Jou Jou
Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach has a new jewel in its glittering gastronomic crown, the stunning Jou Jou Brasserie, is now open and serving . A dazzling tribute to the golden allure of the Mediterranean, Jou Jou exudes authentic French sophistication with a laidback chic coastal charm. The menu is a masterclass of Med-inspired indulgence. Think octopus carpaccio with espelette pepper vinegarette, buttery gambas sizzling in lobster garlic oil, and a platter that celebrates everything Jou Jou stands for – artisanal cured meats, a connoisseur’s collection of cheeses, and Provençal sunshine on a plate. Feeling generous? There are great sharing plates too. Dishes like the sensational moules marinière that’s best enjoyed with frites and rustic bread for dipping in the briny marinade. Or how about the signature wagyu tomahawk, for a real taste of Mediterranean family feasting?
Jou Jou Brasserie, Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach, Jumeirah Beach, daily 7am to 11pm. @joujoudubai. @FSDubai
Il Gattopardo
ICD Brookfield Place got a double serving of culinary excellence at the start of December with the arrival of two new restaurants. Firstly, Il Gattopardo, inspired by its namesake novel, is a sultry and frivolous ode to the glamour of the Italian Riviera. The restaurant has a glamorous nostalgia to its aesthetic, inviting guests to embrace their own slice of La Dolce Vita over leisurely lunches, after-work aperitivo, and late-night date nights. On the menu, masterminded by executive chef Massimo Pasquarelli, highlights including traditional antipasti like arancini and creamy bufala, artisanal pizzettes and the oh-so-Instagrammable tiramisu.
Il Gattopardo, ICD Brookfield, DIFC, daily 12.30pm to 1am. Tel: (0)4 498 1727. @gattopardodubai
Bar Des Pres
From Paris and London comes Bar des Prés, a Franco-East Asian restaurant helmed by star chef Cyricl Lignac. The restaurant serves French sophistication, Japanese individuality, and breathtaking Dubai views from its lofty 51st floor location. To pair with soaring city vistas, guests can enjoy starters like crab and avocado galette infused with Madras curry, a black cod main with baby spinach and sesame, and the sweet vanilla mille-fuielle for dessert.
Bar Des Pres, ICD Brookfield, DIFC, daily 12pm to 3am and 6pm to 1am. Tel: (0)4 498 1616. @gattopardodubai
MiMi Mei Fair
Pairing elegant aesthetics with upscale Chinese cuisine, MiMi Mei Fair is a London-born restaurant now welcoming diners to the Downtown Boulevard. From the creative minds at LSL Capital, also behind next door’s smash-hit restaurant Jamavar, it houses show-stopping interiors with details everywhere you look. Blending oriental glamour with an eclectic, modern aesthetic, trinkets, antiques and artifacts from owner Samyukta’s personal collection dot the multi-room space. Must-try dishes include an apple wood-fired Peking duck served with pancakes and condiments, black pepper crab and Singapore chili prawns. There’s also a decadent dim sum experience, which features delicious options like lobster and scallop or baked Wagyu.
MiMi Mei Fair, Address Residences, Opera District, Downtown Dubai, 12pm to 1am daily. Tel: (0)4 570 0825. @mimimeifair.ae
Baoli
From Cannes to Dubai comes Bâoli, now welcoming guests at J1 Beach. Across 2,000 square metres, the destination features a pool and beach, sun deck, sunset lounge, a speakeasy moon room, and the main restaurant – where there’s both indoor and alfresco dining. It’s here where Bâoli really comes to life, where a menu of Mediterranean flavours dominates, laced with Asian influences. Signatures include maki rolls, a selection of tartares and carpaccio, robata dishes, and veggie delights like grilled corn and Italian aubergine. For those with a sweet tooth there’s options like strawberry cheesecake kakigori, sesame & dark chocolate fondant, and Ispahan Rose milk cake with matcha and white chocolate.
Baoli Dubai, J1 Beach, Jumeirah 1, daily 10am to 1am. @baoli.dubai
FZN
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Chef Björn Frantzén’s second concept, FZN, is the newest addition to the culinary line-up at Atlantis, The Palm. Sibling to the three-Michelin-starred Frantzén in Stockholm and Zén in Singapore, this intimate 27-seat fine dining restaurant presents intimate and immersive experience that brings together modern European cuisine with Japanese influences. The nine-course tasting menu, priced at Dhs2,000 per person, features dishes like duck “bbq” with yuzu, Kampot pepper and foie gras, chawanmushi with smoked beef broth and caviar, and turbot with Cecina de wagyu, with guests taken from the lounge, to the restaurant, and back to the lounge again, as they journey through the greatest hits of this deliciously decadent menu.
FZN, Atlantis The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, Tues to Sat, from 7pm. Dhs2,000 per person. Guests aged 13 and above welcome. @restaurantfzn / Book a table here
Maison Revka
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Already renowned in Paris and St Tropez, in Dubai Maison Revka provides a rich and regal gastronomic and aesthetic journey, inspired by the fictional residence of a Slavic bourgeois family, who relocated after the revolution to Paris in the 20th Century. A collision of Slavic culture and Parisian glamour creates a place that’s sophisticated and refined, with minute attention to detail. Located at Delano Dubai on Bluewaters, it’s both a gloriously chic beach club for relaxing by day; and a dazzling restaurant for dining at night. On the menu, quintessential Slavic flavours get an injection of Dubai multiculturalism, through gourmet options like an extensive caviar offering, grilled lobster, and smoked salmon. The whole experience is designed to transport guests on a decadent and sophisticated journey, whether reclining poolside, dining alfresco, or enjoying a date night in the intimate dining room.
Maison Revka, Delano Dubai, Bluewaters, off JBR, daily 10am to 1am. Tel: (0)4 543 2900. @maisonrevkadubai
Sexy Fish
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One of London’s most glittering restaurants, Sexy Fish is now open in DIFC atop the exciting new Innovation One building. The venue is known for its opulent and glamorous interiors, which is exactly what we can expect from Sexy Fish Dubai, with a custom marble flooring and bar, artworks by Damien Hirst, and those Instagrammable toilets that parent company Caprice Holding are renowned for. At the culinary helm, global chef director Bjoern Weissgerber presents Sexy Fish signatures like caramelised black cod, crispy duck and watermelon salad, as well as new-for-Dubai dishes like the scallop ceviche with cucumber and shiso.
Sexy Fish Dubai, Innovation One, DIFC, daily 6pm to 2am. @sexyfish_dubai
Jato
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Taking the spot formerly occupied by beloved bar Q43 is Jato, a new Peruvian restaurant and lounge now welcoming diners to Media One Hotel. The new eatery is perched on the hotel’s 43rd floor, and serves up creative South American flavours and innovative cocktails against the backdrop of sweeping views. Meaning “home” in the Quechua language of Peru, Jato features a spacious restaurant with an open kitchen, a stylish bar and lounge where a live DJ sets the vibe, and versatile private dining areas perfect for intimate gatherings and celebrations. The menu is as impressive as the setting, with bold Peruvian flavors taking centre stage. Signature dishes include the zesty ceviche carretillero and melt-in-the-mouth short rib estofado, while the cocktail menu is every bit as inventive. Don’t miss the Chicha Royale or the Andean Mule – perfect for sipping as you take in those incredible skyline views.
Jato, Level 43, Media One Hotel, Dubai Media City, 12pm to 1am Mon to Sat. @jatodxb
Gitano
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Part beach club, part restaurant, Gitano is a Tulum-born concept that’s one of a dozen new options at J1 Beach. Its rustic-luxe aesthetic spans across a beach, pool, indoor restaurant, alfresco restaurant and even a rooftop with Burj Khalifa views. A tropical aesthetic with a glamorous touch, verdant plants and trees surround wooden tables, all of which fall under the twinkling of disco balls and the bright neon pink Gitano logo. Perch up in the high-octane ‘Jungle Room’ restaurant for modern Mexican dishes and signature mezcal cocktails; or dine alfresco, where their authentic twists on Mexican dishes are presented by a passionate team keen to showcase the restaurant’s best bits. As well as a restaurant for more formal lively dining, part of the Gitano DNA is a lively beach lounge for dancing into the early hours, especially on weekends.
Gitano, J1 Beach, Jumeirah 1, 11am to 1am weekdays, 11am to 2am weekends. Tel: (0)58 566 2320 @gitanodubai
Khadak
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A new mint from the Culinary Class of 2024, Khadak is the brainchild of Chef Naved Nasir, the captain of the ship that was the Dishoom brand for 15 years as it grew into a chain of beloved restaurants across the UK, introducing Indian food to curious diners. The attention to detail is beautifully thoughtful: The electricity metre outside the door, an old typewriter, a miniature art of yesteryear on the walls – it’s kitsch and quirky and everything tells a story. Some of the dishes you can sample include the kheem pao (Dhs48) from the iconic Radio Cafe in Bombay, the N.M. chicken shami (Dhs62) from the legendary Noor Mohammadi at Bhendi Bazaar, the kathal ki haleem (Dhs65), a vegetarian take on Hyderabad’s culinary staple with jackfruit as the new star and loads more.
Khadak, Al Wasl Road, Jumeirah, Mon to Fri, 12pm to 12am, Sat and Sun 12pm to 1am, Tel: (0)4 558 3787. @khadak_ae
Tête à Tête
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Described as a culinary destination where French indulgence meets Dubai glamour, Tête à Tête is the final piece of the culinary puzzle at FIVE LUXE. Now open alongside Japanese fun-dining restaurant Ronin; Barcelona’s renowned Paradiso bar, and Ibiza-born Playa Pacha, Tête à Tête is a swanky Monte Carlo-inspired brasserie. The restaurant is split between a gorgeous terrace, where Marie Antoinette-style chairs are arranged around tables adorned with crisp white tablecloths; and the indoor restaurant, where you’ll find a bar inside a jewellery box, multiple private dining spaces, and a ceiling covered with faux lavender. On cooler evenings, the windows fully open allowing one to lead into the other. On the menu, guests can look forward to refined Southern French fare, with dishes like niçoise salad, foie gras terrine and escargot to start; followed by roasted duck, grilled lamb chops, and dover sole for main.
Tête à Tête, FIVE LUXE, The Walk, JBR, 6pm to 1am Mon to Thurs, 6pm to 3am Fri to Sun. Tel: (0)4 455 9989. @teteatetedubai
Studio Frantzen
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Studio Frantzén is the first of two new restaurants acclaimed chef Björn Frantzén is bringing to Atlantis, The Palm. Taking the spot formerly occupied by Nobu, the restaurant offers a star showcase of the best of Chef Frantzén’s creative Nordic cuisine in a relaxed yet immersive setting. Seating up to 220 guests, the restaurant features a lively bar, private dining area, intimate booths, as well as space at the kitchen counter for an intimate dining experience. Serving Nordic gastronomy with Asian influences, menu highlights include porterhouse steak, as well as blistered lobster with curry hollandaise, pomegranate-infused mirin, dried cloudberries, ginger and coriander butter.
Studio Frantzén, Atlantis, The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, daily 6pm to 1am. @studiofrantzendubai
Dragonfly
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The first restaurant at The Lana Promenade, Dragonfly is an elevated Japanese eatery bringing bold, vibrant flavours to Business Bay. It’s set to bring star flavours to the city, serving up a menu of Japanese cuisine with a wider pan-Asian influence, with the menu curated by star local chef, Reif Othman. Gourmet flavours to look forward to are options like Hokkaido scallop with Uni and Cristal bread topped with black caviar. A must-try will be the Dragonfly Peking Duck, complemented by foie gras. And for dessert, a matcha molten cake provides a sweet and Instagrammable end to any meal. For alfresco dining, the Burj Khalifa facing terrace snakes its way around the whole outside of the restaurant, and features an array of lounge seating and restaurant tables. Inside, the dining room boasts 8-metre high ceilings, and sits under a super-sized dragonfly hovering above the restaurant. At the centre, a red glass bar adds a touch of drama to the space, while the open kitchen invites diners to watch the culinary artistry unroll.
Dragonfly, The Lana Promenade, Marasi Marina, daily 6pm to 2am. Tel: (0)4 834 8278. @dragonfly.dxb
Gigi
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The first venue at J1 Beach is St Tropez hotspot, Gigi Rigolatto, and it’s now welcoming guests.At the beach club’s 5,000 square meter space, there’s loungers on the beach, a gorgeous pool area lined with around 40 loungers, and a Bellini bar where the signature tipple gets a chic Gigi upgrade. But it’s mostly about the culinary experience, and guests dine on an Italian menu either indoors or out on one of two picture-perfect terraces. Start off with bites of truffle arancini, move on to a zesty lemon-infused octopus, then round out your meal with a classic tiramisu or the beloved pistachio gelato. As for its aesthetic, a timeless and enchanting atmosphere has been created, complete with lush green foliage.
Gigi Rigolatto, J1 Beach, pool 10am to sunset, restaurant 12pm to 6pm and 8pm to 1am. Tel: (0)4 558 2067 @gigi_beach_dubai