The Dubai restaurant openings to have on your radar this March
The best restaurants in Dubai to book this month…
From celebrity chef-owned restaurants to our homegrown heroes, there are plenty of exciting openings in the restaurant world this month. And, if these latest openings share one thing in common, it’s that they should be added to your to-dine lists immediately.
Here are 9 places to book a table this March:
Jara by Martín Berasategui
Inside Dubai’s first Dorchester hotel, The Lana, Michelin-lauded Spanish chef Martín Berasategui is bringing a taste of Spain to Dubai with his first restaurant in the Middle East, Jara. Located on the 18th floor, guests can expect a bold menu showcasing the finest Basque recipes curated by Martín himself, authentic Spanish pintxos, and cocktails at Jara Bar. What to order? Try the tomato tartare (Dhs80) and the Cantabrian anchovy duo (Dhs90).
Jara by Martín Berasategui, The Lana, Business Bay. Daily 5pm to 1am. dorchestercollection.com
Bellini Café
Bellini Cafe, opening in Dubai on Monday, March 4, is bringing timeless Italian cuisine to Dubai with a brand-new look and feel. Pink and perfectly pretty, from the iconic Cipriani Dolci family, the Bellini Cafe is hidden inside the latest residences set to open in Jumeirah, Mr. C Residences. Bellini Cafe offers a diverse menu inspired by the Cipriani family’s Italian travels, featuring classic dishes like fried mozzarella and beef carpaccio alongside innovative flavors. From pastries to gelato, crepes, paninis, and hand-pressed focaccia, there’s something for everyone, whether you’re enjoying an early breakfast on the terrace or an intimate dinner by the Dubai Canal.
Bellini Cafe, Water Canal, Jumeirah 2, Mr. C Hotels and Residences. Open from Mon, Mar 4. @bellinicafedubai
The Rare
From March 15, City Walk’s new licensed restaurant hub is getting a cool new steakhouse that will have meat lovers reaching for their sharpest steak knives. Somewhere between an elegant art deco brasserie plucked from Paris and a buzzy New York bar, Rare is the new creation from the team behind CMP Bar & Grill, which closed last year at The Pointe. In Rare, the team is set to create a friendly and welcoming steakhouse, that’s personality-packed in both style and service.
Rare, C2, City Walk, opening March 15, 2024. @theraredxb
Bisou
Enhancing the pre-theater dining options around Downtown from March will be Bisou. The fine dining destination is set to bring a novel concept to the city, one that ‘combines French classics and Middle Eastern spirit with the love of French literature.’ Sounds interesting. Inside, the venue will boast warm and spacious interiors exuding an elegant style that will remind you of a romantic restaurant in France. And it looks absolutely amazing.
Bisou, Opera District, Downtown Dubai, opening March 2024. @bisou.dubai
Three Cuts
Three Cuts is a new licensed steakhouse set to open on the rooftop of Nakheel Mall, Palm Jumeirah. A home-grown concept by father and son Joe and Jason Bassili, the steakhouse will blend laid-back elegance with a touch of old-school design featuring intimate booth seating, a chef’s table, a bar, stunning outdoor terrace, and a hidden speakeasy club. The menu will focus on – you guessed it – three cuts of meat: sirloin, tenderloin, and ribeye, along with chef’s selections and a raw bar offering fresh seafood. While the official launch is set for April, you can sneak a taste during the soft opening this March.
Three Cuts, Nakheel Mall rooftop, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai. Soft opening March 2024. @threecutsdxb
Alba
ALBA is set to open at the Dubai Opera District this month, bringing a skilful blend of comfort street food with a gastronomic European touch. 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 which will bring 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, opening March 2024. @albarestduba
Lila Molino
Just over a year ago, Chef Shaw Lash and her husband Tarek introduced Dubai to an authentic taste of Mexico with the region’s first wood-fired taqueria, Lila Taqueria. Now, ready to wow Dubai foodies all over again, the couple are set to open their second concept – Lila Molino. In the past 12 months, Lila Taqueria has become renowned for its genuine Mexican flavours, quality locally sourced ingredients, warm atmosphere, and, not to mention, its iconic homemade corn tortillas made daily from Mexican heirloom corn. Soon-to-open in Alserkal Avenue, Lila Molino will feature a café serving freshly ground single-origin beans from Mexico, a concept store selling handpicked Mexican pottery and dinnerware, and a huge restaurant upstairs serving its moreish wood-fired tacos, tostadas, churros, and more. Vamos!
Lila Molino & Café, Alserkal Avenue, Dubai. Opening March 2024. @lilamolino
Daikan Izakaya
Foodie favourite Daikan Ramen sadly closed its doors in DIFC’s Gate Avenue last year and is (finally) set to reopen a Daikan Izakaya just over the road at City Walk’s C2. This will be the brand’s first licensed restaurant in Dubai, after opening an izakaya in the capital last year. Aspiring to bring you delicious, yet simple Japanese cuisine, they offer a variety of broth bases from soy to miso, spicy and veggie. Pick from a number of delicious toppings that are available to add in. There are many bites to go along with your meal such as kimchi or gyozas.
Daikan Izakaya, C2, City Walk, Dubai. Opening March 2024. @daikanramen
Pitfire Pizza Dubai Hills
Fans of the famous homegrown pizza joint, Pitfire, will be able to get a slice and a beer at the new outpost in Dubai very soon. Set to open this February, Pitfire Pizza is bringing its moreish thin-crust pizza and relaxed vibe to the city’s new foodie hotspot, Dubai Hills Business Park. Unique to the Dubai Hills restaurant, guests will be able to wash it all down with a selection of alcoholic beverages including beer, wine, and cocktails, as well as a few new surprises added to the food menu.
Pitfire Pizza, Dubai Hills Business Park. Opening March 2024. pitfirepizzabakers.com
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