The Dubai restaurants to see (and be seen at) this month…
Keeping track of new restaurant openings in the UAE is a full-time job. But if you love finding the latest hotspots for dinner and drinks before anyone else, then this is the place for you.
February
Ariana’s Persian Kitchen
Experience the flavours of Persian cuisine at Ariana’s Persian Kitchen, where the aromas of fruits, nuts and flowers blend with meats, grains, and vegetables in a nostalgic reminder of traditional Persian households. This female-run establishment, led by TV chef and cookbook author Ariana Bundy, offers a contemporary take on classic Persian dishes, enriching timeless recipes with a modern flair.
GO: Follow @arianaspersiankitchen on Instagram for more information.
City Social
One of the most eagerly awaited openings of 2023, Jason Atherton’s City Social is now open, spanning the top three levels of Grosvenor House Dubai. The venue pairs modern European cuisine with panoramic views of Dubai’s ever-changing skyline. And in keeping with the dining style of City Social’s sister property in London, the Dubai venue has been created to give diners a venue and a menu to be enjoyed any way they wish.
GO: Follow @citysocial_dubai on Instagram for more information.
Estiatorio Milos Dubai
Under the leadership of renowned chef Costas Spiliadis, Estiatorio Milos is a Mediterranean seafood restaurant that promises a gastronomic journey that revolves around Hellenic cuisine, fine wine and exceptional hospitality. Milos Dubai is a tribute to age-old customs and the art of communal dining. The menu showcases exclusively the freshest ingredients, ranging from Greek wild oysters to succulent ceviches and tzatziki, all presented in their purest form with a sprinkle of Aegean rock salt or a splash of olive oil sourced from ancient Koroneiki olive trees.
GO: Follow @milosdubai on Instagram for more information.
Fouquet’s Dubai
Fouquet’s Dubai has an entrance fit for a celebrity, thanks to the red carpet, velvet ropes and shiny gold logo above the door. The restaurant includes different spaces for different moods: La Brasserie, Le Café, Le Toit, Salon Diane and Studio Harcourt. Chef Pierre Gagnaire has created all of the Fouquet’s menus worldwide. Fouquet’s Dubai is no different. Expect duck confit with gherkins, Burgundy snails in garlic butter, onion soup, beef tartare and veal blanquette. In true romantic fashion, Fouquet’s Dubai has swoon-worthy views of the world’s tallest building and a photo booth in the downstairs Studio Harcourt.
GO: Follow @fouquets.dubai on Instagram for more information.
Jaleo Dubai by José Andrés
Jaleo Dubai at Atlantis The Royal transforms dining into a communal occasion to be enjoyed with conviviality and engaging conversation. The eatery, envisioned by esteemed chef José Andrés, honours the varied regional tapestry of Spanish gastronomy by highlighting his beloved childhood delicacies. Patrons can indulge in a diverse menu of signature tapas, flavorful paellas, refreshing sangrias and a selection of Spanish cheeses and wines.
GO: Follow @jaleodubai on Instagram for more information.
Ling Ling Dubai
Nestled on the 22nd and 23rd levels of Atlantis The Royal, Ling Ling Dubai delivers a culinary adventure and a dynamic ambience that transitions from a dining establishment to a lounge club and a thriving nightlife hub. Showcasing breathtaking panoramas of Palm Jumeirah and Dubai’s impressive skyline, revellers can bask in nocturnal revelry. The contemporary Asian menu seamlessly fuses with sleek decor and a diverse soundtrack, promising an evening that progresses from feasting to dancing. Ling Ling stands out as the most vivacious dining destination at Atlantis The Royal.
GO: Follow @linglingdubai on Instagram for more information.
MASTI
Challenging perceptions around traditional Indian cuisine, MASTI is raising gastronomy and mixology levels at their new location. The restaurant has recently shut up shop in La Mer and moved into The Dubai EDITION. Expect all of your MASTI favourites, using the bold flavours of Indian cuisine injected with a quirky global twist in dishes such as messy chicken tikka, cauliflower steak and the famous burrata butter chicken.
GO: Follow @mastidubai on Instagram for more information.
Nobu By The Beach
Luxuriate at the world’s first Nobu-branded pool and beach club located in Atlantis The Royal. Relax in a personal cabana, sip on refreshing libations and delight in the melodies of local and global DJs. The menu showcases the fusion of Japanese and Peruvian cuisine, commonly referred to as Nikkei, and comprises inventive small plates, communal platters and renowned Nobu classics. And when the ambience becomes overwhelming, cool off with a rejuvenating swim in the pool or the ocean.
GO: Follow @nobubythebeach on Instagram for more information.
January
August
Located on the 12th floor of Address Fountain Views, the French Baroque-inspired August promises an explosion of flavours, art and entertainment. Here, diners are taken on a journey through three specially curated spaces – The Dining Room, The Cocktail Room, and The Terrace Garden – each designed to offer a different experience. A menu of French-Mediterranean favourites from chef Juan Pablo Rey Nores includes the likes of Wagyu Carpaccio, Escargots, Lobster Tagliatelle, Sea Bass Papillote, Steak Frites and French classics like Crêpes Suzette and Caramel Fondant.
GO: Follow @august.dubai on Instagram for more information.
Babylon
Are you a fan of hedonism? Well, get ready for some serious fun at Babylon in upmarket DIFC. Inspired by the Mesopotamian city, which was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, guests at Babylon can expect avant-garde cocktails, a fine dining experience and live entertainment. A sharing menu covers hot and cold amuse-bouches, a sushi selection and a raw bar. As the night goes on, the dining set-up seamlessly transitions into a nightlife backdrop with never-before-seen live shows, transforming into a hedonistic playground filled with high-energy dancing, seductive performances, and extravagant costumes.
GO: Follow @babylondifc on Instagram for more information.
Bungalo34
A new Mediterranean restaurant has taken up residence on Pearl Jumeira, courtesy of Tashas Group. Curated by restaurateur Natasha Sideris, the menu at Bungalo34 brings a touch of Greece, France and Italy onto each plate while honouring the custom of enjoying leisurely meals with friends and family. Guests can select from an array of nostalgic options such as the Strapatsada, a Greek favourite of scrambled eggs, roasted peppers, feta and crushed tomatoes. Other classics include a decadent Lobster Benedict, the Three Cheese Souffle Omelette, and a housemade Glyko Koutaliou of sweet pumpkin served on vanilla Greek yoghurt. The chic terrace also features wood-fired pizzettes, baked on the spot, topped with truffle, artichokes or stracciatella.
GO: Folllow @bungalo34 on Instagram for more information.
Cala Beach Dubai
Cala Beach is located at Jumeirah Beach Hotel and boasts Insta-worthy Burj Al Arab Jumeirah views. The chilled beachfront escape offers long lunches, super sundowners, and suppers under the stars. Plus, if you want to make a night of it, the venue welcomes DJs who will spin tunes ranging from European electronic beats to vintage disco. Chef Andrea Brugnetti draws inspiration from his Italian hometown, with a menu of antipasti, salads, pizzas and pastas. Elsewhere, Cala Beach presents a beguiling beverage menu featuring classic cocktails, mocktails, spirits and wine. Highlights include a Capri Martini, Italian River, Negranita, Sober Coffee and Vincero Venice.
GO: Follow @calabeachdubai on Instagram for more information.
Dinner by Heston Blumenthal
The Dubai outpost of the two-Michelin-star restaurant in London, UK, is now open at Atlantis The Royal. Inspired by historical British cuisine dating back to the 1300s, the restaurant comes to us from Heston Blumenthal, a chef and restauranteur known for his scientific and playful approach to cooking. Diners at Dinner by Heston Blumenthal in Dubai can expect cutting-edge British cuisine across a menu that encompasses everything from the signature Meat Fruit, made with chicken liver parfait and mandarin, to Savoury Porridge, Powdered Duck Breast, and the Tipsy Cake, a trifle made with spit-roasted pineapple.
GO: Follow @dinnerbyhbdubai on Instagram for more information.
Josette
Orange Hospitality, the team behind Alici, Il Borro Tuscan Bistro and MayaBay Dubai, has opened the chic Parisian concept Josette inside ICD Brookfield Place. Here, guests are invited to embark on a journey of nostalgia with refined cabaret shows that evoke the spirit of Parisian glitz and glamour. Josette’s à la carte menu offers reimagined classics such as cuisses de grenouilles, escargot, moules marinières, foie gras and crêpe Josette. Guests can also indulge in traditional French baguettes, viennoiseries and pâtisseries from the boulangerie, freshly baked in-house and handcrafted to perfection. A first-of-its-kind afternoon high tea experience will also launch soon.
GO: Follow @josettedubai on Instagram for more information.
La Mar by Gastón Acurio
Situated on the mezzanine level of Atlantis The Royal, La Mar offers a formal dining room or comfortable seating at the raw bar. The restaurant comes to Dubai from Gastón Acurio, a Peruvian chef, restaurateur, and culinary ambassador who is regarded as one of the most influential figures in Latin American cuisine. Diners can expect King Crab Causa, Hokkaido Scallops with Avocado, Octopus with Chimichurri, and Crispy Calamari with Yuca and Aji Amarillo to start. Followed by Lomo Saltado, Grilled Lobster Cooked in Choclo Leaf, Obsie Blue Shirmp and Wagyu Beef Striploin for the main course. With an open kitchen and a charming terrace overlooking the resort’s Skyblaze Fountain, La Mer looks set to be one of the hottest reservations in town this winter.
GO: Follow @lamardubai on Instagram for more information.
La Table Dubai
The new pop-up kitchen concept in DIFC promises a memorable dining experience. What makes it unique is that the restaurant welcomes a different chef every three months, each offering a different cuisine. La Table’s first chef-in-residence is Hattem Matter, who is famous for his BBQ experience. Hattem has been making a name for himself as the UAE’s BBQ master. The menu will feature some of Hattem Mattar’s most popular sandwiches, such as the Pastrami Rueben, Brisket Grilled Cheese, Pastrami On Rye and the Brisket Sandwich.
GO: Follow @la_table_ae on Instagram for more information.
Mi Amie
Overlooking Museum of the Future, the newly-opened Mi Amie is rooted in Miami vibes, pairing Latin and Afro-house music with Asian-Peruvian food and creative cocktails. Ambient turquoise and flamingo pastels with bright neon accents drive the venue’s aesthetics, drawing inspiration from Miami’s artistic legacy, Art Deco. Guests can relax with shisha on the lounge sofas or unwind in a private cabana, whilst Salsa Tuesdays add a little spice to the workweek, and live shows will complement the dining experience on weekends.
GO: Follow @miamie.dubai on Instagram for more information.
MOTT 32
Located on the 73rd floor of the Address Beach Resort, Mott 32 celebrates the culture and food of modern Hong Kong. Here, diners can look forward to a menu that pays homage to the brand’s culinary creativity, savouring bold flavours of Mott 32’s gastronomy through adapted versions of its classic dishes. Here, signature dishes include the famed Mott 32 Apple Wood Roasted Peking Duck, taking 48 hours to prepare and expertly carved for patrons tableside, as well as jasmine-smoked black cod, a selection of dim sum freshly made daily, and plant-based options for those looking for a more sustainable approach. As for signature cocktails? The Fujian Negroni, Hanami, and Forbidden Rose are on the menu, all of which come with views across Bluewater Island, Palm Jumeirah and Ain Dubai from the restaurant’s open-air terrace.
GO: Follow @mott32dubai on Instagram for more information.
North Miznon Dubai
We love a celebrity chef at FACT. So, we were excited to hear that Chef Eyal Shani has made his UAE debut. The chef’s Miznon restaurant, which is already a success in New York, has spawned North Miznon Dubai at DoubleTree Hilton in JBR. Serving Mediterranean cuisine with a Levantine touch, the menu emphasises locally sourced ingredients and sharing plates. As for the décor, North Miznon Dubai is an industrial-chic space with exposed pipes, shimmering mirrors and a lush terrace. It is also home to a secret garden.
GO: Follow @northmiznondubai on Instagram for more information.
Rüya Dubai
Rüya Dubai specialises in Anatolian cuisine, and the menu is inspired by restaurateur Umut Ozkanca’s Istanbul heritage. Guests can enjoy food hailing from Western Asia’s Anatolian region, as well as the Mediterranean and the banks of the Black Sea. Expect to see a mixture of Rüya signatures and old favourites, such as Levrek (raw sea bass with mustard, apple and shaved radish), Isli Patlican (aubergine and walnut purée served with crispy-coated aubergine chips), 24-hour Slow-cooked Short Rib, and Oxtail Pide. Savour Hazelnut Baklava or the Çikolata ve Türk Kahvesi for dessert on the poolside terrace with views of the Burj Al Arab whilst sipping on a cup of warming Turkish tea. Incidentally, the name Rüya means ‘dream’ in Turkish, and the venue effortlessly creates an enchanting and ethereal dining experience.
GO: Follow @ruyadubai on Instagram for more information.
SumoSan Dubai
Sumosan has restaurants across the world in Berlin, Doha, London, Montenegro, Riyadh and now Dubai. At Sumson Dubai inside The Dubai EDITION, the chefs draw inspiration from traditional Japanese culinary techniques, and dishes range from sushi to sashimi. The menu features the restaurant’s signatures including lobster salad, spicy king crab, truffle tiradito and salmon rice pizza. Plus, classic and speciality cocktails are created by the team’s mixologists. The venue includes J Bar, an outdoor terrace to dine and drink, and a slate sushi bar, which offers sushi masterclasses and the chance to watch the chefs at work.
GO: Follow @sumosandubai on Instagram for more information.
Verde Beach Dubai
The brand-new beach club brings a touch of the South of France to the heart of Dubai at the newly renovated Jumeirah Beach Hotel. Dubai’s newest beach club offers a winning combination of beats, bites and Burj Al Arab views. With direct views of the iconic Burj Al Arab, guests at Verde Beach Dubai can unwind on the sand at this beach club and restaurant, before exploring the menu of Mediterranean fare from executive chef Julien Thibault. If Verde Beach Saint-Tropez’s menu is anything to go by, diners in Dubai can expect prime cuts of meat, fresh seafood, salads, pastas and pizza. For a toes-in-the-sand experience, look no further.
GO: Follow @verdebeachdubai on Instagram for more information.
