As the culinary scene in Dubai continues to flourish, food enthusiasts are in for a treat this month. With everything from playful pizzerias to sophisticated speakeasies, the city boasts an array of exciting new dining options. Let’s take a bite out of some of the hottest restaurant openings you won’t want to miss.
1206: A Culinary Adventure at Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab
Located on the fourth floor of Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, 1206 is the brainchild of head chef Stephanie Haywood, whose extensive background includes Michelin-starred establishments across the UK, Scandinavia, and the GCC. The menu showcases British cooking with tantalising hints of French, Mediterranean, and Scandinavian influences. Dishes made from seasonal, locally sourced produce include dry-aged beef fat crumpets topped with tartare, horseradish, and caviar, as well as fried chicken wings stuffed with lobster accompanied by house-made fermented hot sauce.
Where: Level four, Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, Umm Suqeim
Visit: @1206.dubai
Keanu’s: Your Local Pizzeria
From the creators of the popular Three by Eva comes Keanu’s, a charming neighbourhood pizzeria nestled in Jumeirah 2. This venue, led by restaurateur Lilian Rihani, focuses on long-fermented sourdough, offering gourmet pizzas like La Clandestina, featuring San Marzano tomato and rose petals, and the spicy Hot Alibi. Don’t miss out on their delectable creamy soft serve with unique flavours, including sourdough bread. The relaxed atmosphere encourages walk-ins, so be sure to arrive early.
Where: Villa 7, Street 23B, Al Wasl Road, Jumeirah 2
Visit: @keanus.bythree
Casea 101: Taste of the Riviera
Casea 101, spearheaded by renowned chef Yannick Alléno at One&Only The Palm, presents a fusion of Italian coastal cuisine and the spirit of the French Riviera. Diners can enjoy fresh seafood towers, crudos, and seasonal catches cooked over open flames, complemented by pizzas crafted in the open kitchen. The pavilion-style architecture and serene surroundings make it an idyllic setting for leisurely lunches that transition into sunset aperitivos.
Where: One&Only The Palm, Palm Jumeirah
Visit: @casea101dubai
Taiga: Teppanyaki Theatre
Adding flair to Bluewaters is Taiga, a unique teppanyaki restaurant that presents an interactive dining experience. With only 19 seats at the counter, diners can watch chefs prepare Kobe and Matsusaka wagyu, along with seasonal seafood flown in from Japan. Situated alongside the new Japanese supermarket Maison Shibuya, Taiga is perfect for those seeking a premium omakase experience.
Where: Bluewaters Island
Visit: @taiga.japaneserestaurant
99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant: A New Waterfront Experience
After relocating from Address Downtown, 99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant now offers a more casual yet high-end dining experience at Dubai Creek Harbour. Renowned for its use of premium ingredients, patrons can enjoy luxurious dishes including gunkan sushi topped with uni, toro, and caviar, as well as spicy tuna tartare in a relaxed waterfront setting.
Where: Dubai Creek Harbour
Visit: @99sushibaruae
LucyLu: A Speakeasy with a Twist
Beirut’s acclaimed speakeasy LucyLu has made its mark in Dubai at 25 Jump Street. Hidden behind a discreet blue door, this intimate bar serves up classic cocktails with a twist, all while offering Latin-inspired sharing plates. The vibrant atmosphere, complete with a live DJ, makes it a perfect destination for nightlife lovers.
Where: 25 Jump Street, One Central, Trade Centre
Visit: @lucyluthespeakeasydxb
Kapitol: Gaming Meets Dining
Kapitol, a new social gaming venue at Rixos Premium Dubai JBR, combines friendly competition with delicious dining options. It offers eight gaming experiences including MLB batting cages and darts, all paired with a menu featuring crowd-pleasers like lobster taquitos and Korean lamb chops.
Where: Rixos Premium Dubai, JBR
Visit: @kapitolsocial
Em Sherif: A Taste of Lebanon
Beloved Lebanese restaurant Em Sherif has relocated to a stunning standalone space in Jumeirah. The menu, crafted by executive chef Yasmina Hayek, brings a contemporary twist to traditional offerings, catering to both lunch and dinner. With an elegant indoor dining area and beautiful gardens, it’s an ideal spot to unwind while enjoying views of the Burj Khalifa.
Where: Huna, Al Wasl Road, Jumeirah
Visit: @emsherifjumeirah
Aatish: Culinary Journeys over Open Fire
Aatish is a passion project from a group of friends known as the Strong Boys. With a focus on dishes influenced by their travels and prepared over live fire in the open kitchen, this unique spot serves up delights such as T-Rex bone marrow and psychedelic lamb chops in a vibrant setting.
Where: Wasl 51, Al Wasl Road, Jumeirah 1
Visit: @aatishdubai
Rocambolesco: Italian Flair in Uptown Dubai
For a taste of Italy mixed with a dash of French charm, Rocambolesco offers a casual yet chic bistro experience in Uptown Dubai. With a menu designed for sharing and overseen by chef Luigi Stinga, diners can enjoy a communal atmosphere with thoughtfully crafted dishes.
Where: Lobby Level, SO/ Uptown Dubai, Uptown Tower, Uptown Dubai
Visit: @rocambolescodubai
Pepe Cucina: Family-Friendly Italian Dining
Pepe Cucina, located at Address Beach Resort, captures the essence of an Italian trattoria with a stunning view of Ain Dubai. The open-air terrace invites you to enjoy freshly made pizzas and signature truffle pasta while accommodating families with a dedicated kids’ area and outdoor cinema.
Where: Address Beach Resort, The Walk, JBR
Visit: @pepe.cucina
Gymkhana: Michelin-Starred Indian Cuisine
The two-Michelin-starred Gymkhana has finally landed in Dubai at DIFC’s Gate Village, offering fine Indian dining across beautifully designed spaces. Specialties include lamb chops and butter chicken, with exclusive dishes created just for the Dubai location. Given its popularity, booking in advance is highly recommended.
Where: Gate Village 7, DIFC
Visit: @gymkhanadxb
Noren: A Japanese Culinary Experience
Noren provides a neighbourhood dining experience in JLT, led by former Zuma managing director Ilir Caushi and executive chef Pawel Kazanowski. Named after the fabric curtain at Japanese restaurants, Noren offers a diverse menu ranging from raw dishes to sushi and grilled options, ensuring a vibrant dining atmosphere.
Where: Pullman Jumeirah Lakes Towers
Visit: @norenrestaurant
Shinobi: Handroll Bar with a Twist
Rounding off our list is Shinobi, an underground-style handroll bar on Al Wasl Road that draws inspiration from the subway cultures of New York and Tokyo. This trendy spot specializes in made-to-order handrolls while also featuring house-made drinks that complement the buzzing atmosphere.
Where: Villa 8, Al Wasl Road, Jumeirah
Visit: @shinobidubai
With such a diverse selection of new restaurants and bars opening across Dubai, the city promises to be a culinary playground. Whether you’re seeking a laid-back meal or an extravagant dining experience, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.