If there’s one thing Dubai’s restaurant scene never seems to pause for, it’s a fresh reason to book a table. This summer, the city’s kitchens are leaning into the season with lunch deals, aperitivo hours, Mediterranean sharing plates and desserts that feel tailor-made for warmer days. From Japanese-Mediterranean combinations to Central American flavours and Italian-style pre-dinner drinks, these are the summer menus to have on your radar.
CÉ LA VI Dubai
Long lunches come with a view at CÉ LA VI Dubai this summer. Available Sunday to Friday until 5pm, the restaurant’s three-course Summer Lunch Menu is priced at Dhs125 and includes signature dishes such as the Black Truffle ‘Sushi Rice’ Risotto and Mango Basil Tart.
Where: CÉ LA VI Dubai, Address Sky View
When: Sunday to Friday, 12pm to 5pm. Children aged 12 and under dine complimentary on Sundays.
Cost: Dhs125 for a three-course Summer Lunch Menu
Contact: @celavidubai
KIRA
KIRA is bringing a taste of Japan and the Mediterranean to weekday lunches with its new Hirugami Lunch Menu. Available Monday to Friday from 12pm to 5pm, the Dhs255 menu includes miso soup, two starters and a main, with dishes such as Hamachi Carpaccio, Ginger Salmon Teriyaki Skewers and Truffle Wagyu Gyozas, followed by a choice of mains including Fish of the Day, Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe, Woodfire Roasted Lobster or Wagyu Tenderloin. If you have room for dessert, favourites including the Kokuto Crème Caramel and Hazelnut Coulant can be added for Dhs40.
Where: KIRA, Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab
When: Monday to Friday, 12pm to 5pm.
Cost: Dhs255 for one soup, two starters and one main. Desserts from Dhs40.
Contact: @kirarestaurant
Jou Jou Brasserie
Aperitivo season has arrived at Jou Jou Brasserie. New for the summer, Jou Jou Social brings the Italian pre-dinner ritual to Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach, with Mediterranean sharing plates, classic cocktails and wines served daily from 3pm to 7pm. Think focaccia caprese, arancini, fried calamari and gambas al ajillo, best enjoyed with an Aperol Spritz or Negroni.
Where: Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach
When: Jou Jou Social, daily, 3pm to 7pm. UAE Residents Privilege, every Thursday.
Cost: 35% off the à la carte food and beverage menu for UAE residents every Thursday (excluding the Jou Jou Social menu).
Contact: @joujoudubai
Gerbou
Gerbou is giving its menu a seasonal refresh with a selection of summer drinks and desserts inspired by local flavours. Created by Chef Ninad Salvi, the new additions include the Lychee Rose Iced Tea, a floral and refreshing cooler for hot afternoons, alongside Awar Qalb, a nostalgic fruit cocktail blending mango, strawberry and vanilla. On the dessert front, there’s a summery Mango Falooda layered with fresh mango, Ghaf honey and vanilla ice cream, plus Booza Ashta, a traditional Middle Eastern ice cream topped with crushed pistachios.
Where: Gerbou, Nad Al Sheba
When: Monday to Friday, 7am to 11pm. Saturday and Sunday, 8am to 11pm
Cost: Summer menu available à la carte
Contact: @gerbou
Girl & the Goose
Girl & the Goose is bringing the flavours of Central America to the table this summer with two limited-time set menus, available throughout July and August. The two-course lunch menu (Dhs119) features dishes such as Gigi’s Guacamole, Guatemalan Lychee Seabass, Duck Pappardelle Pasta and Grilled Prawn Tacos, with desserts including Horchata Tres Leches and Caribbean Coconut Flan. If you are visiting in the evening, the three-course dinner menu (Dhs249) includes favourites such as Tuna Akami Tartare, Hokkaido Scallop, Sweet Chili Prawns, Gigi’s Steak & Frites and Chicken Baleada, finished with desserts like Hojuelas Mille-Feuille or Sweet Yoltamal with Tarragon Ice Cream.
Where: Girl & the Goose, Anantara Downtown Dubai
When: Available daily throughout July and August.
Cost: Lunch menu, Dhs119 for two courses. Dinner menu, Dhs249 for three courses.
Contact: @girl.and.the.goose
Carine
Carine is making the most of summer evenings with the launch of Golden Hour, a new daily offering of French-Mediterranean bar bites paired with its seasonal Summer Highballs. Running from 4pm to 8pm, the menu includes dishes such as truffle tart, salmon tartare, seafood croquettes and crispy calamari, alongside five refreshing cocktails inspired by the flavours of summer.
Where: Carine, Emirates Golf Club
When: Golden Hour, daily, 4pm to 8pm. Summer Highballs available all day.
Cost: From Dhs128 for one Summer Highball and one bar bite
Contact: @carine.ae
Images: Provided and guided by the title