Dubai‘s culinary landscape is evolving rapidly, showcasing an impressive array of new dining destinations that promise to tantalize your taste buds. If you’re on the hunt for the best new restaurants to try in Dubai right now, you’re in for a treat. From vibrant seaside eateries to some of the finest imports from around the globe, these spots are making waves in the food scene. We’ve compiled a list of the 10 best new restaurants to try in Dubai right now, ensuring your next dining experience is both memorable and delicious.
Cocina Tres
From the innovative minds behind Honeycomb Hi-Fi, Cocina Tres is a vibrant homage to Mexico’s diverse culinary heritage. Conveniently located next to Honeycomb, this restaurant merges bold flavors with rustic charm and heartfelt Latin hospitality. The striking design, inspired by renowned architect Luis Barragán, features wooden beams, textured walls, and captivating geometric elements. Guests can enjoy the seamless blend of indoor and outdoor spaces, whether they’re perched at the bar, settled in a cozy booth, or sampling delights at the ceviche bar. Must-try dishes include the Baja fish taco, rich in coastal flavors, and the pescado zarandeado, a whole fish grilled Nayarit-style over open flames.
Where: Pullman Downtown, Business Bay
Why go: For some of the best tacos in town
Book: @cocina_tres
Lion in the Sun
Introducing a fresh perspective on fine dining at the Mandarin Oriental Downtown, Lion in the Sun redefines elegance. Conceptualized by Majestas, known for the award-winning Billionaire, this restaurant emphasizes open-fire cooking. Crafted by chef Batuhan Piatti, the menu features exquisite dishes meant for sharing, combining gourmet flavors in a warm, inviting atmosphere. Guests can relish their meals on the striking terrace, which offers breathtaking views from the 61st floor, or within the intimate dining area featuring a semi-open kitchen.
Where: Mandarin Oriental Downtown
Why go: For dinner with a view on the terrace
Book: @lioninthesundubai
Maison Mer
Maison Mer delivers a taste of Provençal dining at Nikki Beach, infusing the spirit of the French Riviera into Pearl Jumeira. Decorated in fresh, neutral tones, the restaurant elegantly transitions from indoor luxury to a beautiful terrace overlooking the Arabian Gulf. The Riviera-inspired menu celebrates shared family meals, showcasing regional ingredients like anchovies, goat’s cheese, garlic, and figs, all bound to create memorable culinary moments.
Where: Nikki Beach Club, Pearl Jumeira
Why go: For a long, leisurely weekend lunch
Book: @maisonmerdubai
Tattu
Tattu makes a grand entrance as its first international location opens in Ciel Dubai Marina, embracing the mantra of ‘go big or go home.’ Occupying three floors at the world’s tallest hotel, the 81st-floor Tattu Sky Lounge provides sweeping views and a vibrant setting. Guests can sip on fruity cocktails while enjoying a diverse menu that spans Asian cuisine, featuring everything from dim sum and sushi to lavish plates like Wagyu ribeye and Shanghai black cod.
Where: Ciel Dubai Marina
Why go: For drinks in the sky lounge at sunset, followed by dinner in the restaurant
Book: @tattudubai
Tezukuri
Tezukuri, newly established in Downtown’s Dubai Opera district, showcases a fusion of modern Japanese minimalism. This temaki restaurant, founded by talented leaders Panchali Mahendra and Neha Mishra, features counter dining with dark wood accents, offering an immersive experience. The menu boasts a variety of temaki alongside small plates that highlight seasonal ingredients, making it a must-visit for food lovers.
Where: Opera Grand, Downtown
Why go: To dine at the hands of one of Dubai’s top talents
Book: @tezukuridubai
Carbone
Making headlines since its October launch, Carbone at Atlantis The Royal arrives with a star-studded opening event. Known as one of New York’s most esteemed culinary spots, this intimate restaurant enchants diners with its sultry décor of midnight blue and ruby red. The menu features generous portions of classic Italian-American cuisine, including the must-try spicy rigatoni. Enjoy a pre-dinner drink at the bar, then keep the party going upstairs at Ling Ling.
Where: Atlantis The Royal
Why go: For the spicy rigatoni
Book: @carbonedxb
MEI
Situated at Jumeirah Mina Al Salam, MEI offers a luxurious new Chinese dining experience. The restaurant’s beautiful interiors feature a striking chandelier of glass birds, perfectly complementing the breathtaking view of the Madinat waterways and Burj Al Arab. The menu draws from various Asian influences, but the standout dish remains Peking duck, expertly carved tableside for a touch of theatrical dining.
Where: Jumeirah Mina Al Salam
Why go: For the Peking duck carved tableside, set against picturesque views
Book: @mei.dxb
Woohoo
Venturing into the realm of futuristic dining, Woohoo claims the title of the world’s first AI-led restaurant. Located at Kempinski the Boulevard, the dining space is designed around a central bar, with high-tech projections that create a sci-fi atmosphere. The innovative menu, crafted by AI Chef Aiman, combines global culinary techniques with modern presentation.
Where: Kempinski the Boulevard, Downtown
Why go: Because this is dining in another dimension
Book: @woohoo.dubai
Felicita
Felicita offers a vibrant dining experience at Address Sky View, combining lively brunches with high-energy evening meals. The restaurant’s decor features bold colors and an impressive terrace that boasts stunning views of the Burj Khalifa. The menu includes hearty Italian classics designed for sharing, paired with a lively entertainment schedule featuring musicians and dancers.
Where: Address Sky View
Why go: For a fantastic night out
Book: @felicitadubai
Kraken
Acclaimed chef Gregoire Berger has ventured into innovative territory with his independent venture Kraken, located in a villa in Al Wasl. This unlicensed restaurant celebrates the bounty of the sea, with a theatrical dining experience that unfolds in front of its guests. The cuisine emphasizes local ingredients, with 70% sourced from nearby fishermen and farmers, ensuring each dish tells a story.
Where: Al Wasl
Why go: For a meal that’s as much about storytelling as it is about dining
Book: @krakendubai