Hunting for a fresh spot to check out? Save these for later…
Bored of your regular dinner haunts? You’re in luck—Dubai’s restaurant scene is constantly evolving with new spots to explore. Whether you’re craving a chic fine-dining experience for a romantic evening or a laid-back hangout for a night out with friends, we’ve got the inside track on the hottest new places to check out across the city.
Here are 14 new restaurants in Dubai you need to try.
Tête à Tête
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Tête à Tête is where French decadence meets Dubai’s glitzy vibe—a stunning addition to the dining scene at FIVE LUXE. This glamorous Monte Carlo-inspired brasserie joins an all-star lineup of dining spots, including Ronin, a Japanese fun-dining hotspot, Barcelona’s Paradiso bar, and Ibiza’s Playa Pacha. Split between an elegant terrace, featuring Marie Antoinette-style chairs and pristine white tablecloths, and a stylish indoor space with a bar tucked inside a jewel-box design, private dining rooms, and a ceiling draped in faux lavender, Tête à Tête is as much a visual feast as it is a culinary one. On cooler nights, the space opens up seamlessly, blending the indoor and outdoor areas. As for the menu, expect refined Southern French classics like niçoise salad, foie gras terrine, and escargot to start, followed by indulgent mains like roasted duck, grilled lamb chops, and Dover sole.
Tête à Tête, FIVE LUXE, The Walk, JBR
Hours: 6pm – 1am (Mon to Thurs), 6pm – 3am (Fri to Sun)
Tel: +971 4 455 9989 @teteatetedubai
Studio Frantzen
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Studio Frantzén is the first of two exciting new restaurants from acclaimed chef Björn Frantzén, now open at Atlantis, The Palm. Taking over the space once occupied by Nobu, this venue showcases the very best of Chef Frantzén’s innovative Nordic cuisine in a laid-back, yet immersive atmosphere. With seating for up to 220 guests, Studio Frantzén boasts a vibrant bar, private dining spaces, cozy booths, and an intimate kitchen counter experience for those looking for a more personal touch. The menu fuses Nordic flavors with Asian influences, featuring standout dishes like porterhouse steak and blistered lobster with curry hollandaise, pomegranate-infused mirin, dried cloudberries, and ginger-coriander butter.
Studio Frantzén, Atlantis The Palm, Palm Jumeirah
Open daily: 6pm – 1am @studiofrantzendubai
Dragonfly
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Located at The Lana Promenade, Dragonfly is an upscale Japanese eatery bringing bold, vibrant flavors to Business Bay. Curated by renowned local chef Reif Othman, the menu blends Japanese cuisine with wider pan-Asian influences, offering a fresh, star-studded dining experience. Must-try dishes include Hokkaido scallops with uni and Cristal bread topped with black caviar, as well as the iconic Dragonfly Peking Duck, elevated with foie gras. For dessert, don’t miss the Instagram-worthy matcha molten cake.
The stunning terrace, with sweeping views of the Burj Khalifa, wraps around the restaurant and features both lounge seating and dining tables for the perfect alfresco experience. Inside, the dramatic 8-meter high ceilings are highlighted by a super-sized dragonfly sculpture that hovers above the space. At the heart of it all is a striking red glass bar, adding a bold touch to the atmosphere, while the open kitchen allows guests to watch the culinary magic unfold.
Dragonfly, The Lana Promenade, Marasi Marina
Open daily: 6pm – 2am
Tel: +971 4 834 8278 @dragonfly.dxb
GIGI
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The first venue to open at J1 Beach, Gigi Rigolatto, is a chic St Tropez hotspot now making waves in Dubai. Spanning 5,000 square meters, the beach club features beachside loungers, a stunning pool area with around 40 loungers, and a Bellini bar offering a signature twist on the classic cocktail. But the real star here is the food—guests can enjoy a mouthwatering Italian menu either indoors or al fresco on one of two gorgeous terraces. Start your meal with truffle arancini, followed by a zesty lemon-infused octopus, and finish off with a classic tiramisu or indulgent pistachio gelato. The setting is equally enchanting, with a timeless vibe enhanced by lush greenery, creating the perfect backdrop for a truly memorable experience.
Gigi Rigolatto, J1 Beach
Pool: 10am – Sunset
Restaurant: 12pm – 6pm & 8pm – 1am
Tel: +971 4 558 2067 @gigi_beach_dubai
Arrogante
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Nestled in the Opera District of Downtown Dubai, inside the trendy Salvaje, you’ll find Arrogante. True to its name, this spot keeps things refreshingly authentic—no wild fusions or crazy combos, just classic, high-quality Italian fare. Arrogante is the epitome of premium casual dining, offering a laid-back atmosphere perfect for everything from weekend dinner dates to spontaneous mid-week lunches. The menu features the finest of traditional Italian cuisine, from handmade pastas to wood-fired pizzas, along with seasonal specials. The drinks menu is equally impressive, showcasing expertly crafted cocktails to complement the experience.
Arrogante, The Address Opera Residences, Opera District, Downtown Dubai
Open daily: 12pm – 12am
Tel: +971 4 570 3653 @arrogantedubai
Adaline
From Fundamental Hospitality, the minds behind Gaia, Shanghai Me, and Alaya in DIFC, comes Adaline—a sultry supper club now open in DIFC. This hotspot effortlessly merges traditional Italian cuisine with live music, creating an unforgettable, glamorous vibe. Think old-school glamour with a twist: marble, velvet, and gold set the stage for an intimate yet lively atmosphere, complete with a no-photos policy to maintain the exclusivity.
The venue is split into a chic, relaxed lounge and a more formal dining area, where tables are arranged around a stage that hosts live performances blending jazz and modern soul. It’s the kind of place where you’ll feel like you’re in an intimate jazz club just as much as you are at a refined DIFC restaurant.
On the culinary front, acclaimed chef Izu Ani curates a menu of classic Italian dishes, paired with a carefully selected drinks list that features traditional Italian aperitifs and timeless cocktails, offering the perfect blend of culture and cuisine.
Adaline, Gate Village, DIFC
Open daily: 5pm – Late @adalinedubai
The Spaniel
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The Spaniel is the latest addition to the dining scene at Bluewaters, bringing a cosy, traditional British brasserie to life. This charming two-floor gastropub, complete with a crackling fireplace, offers a warm and inviting atmosphere where you can indulge in classic British flavours, including the beloved Sunday roast.
Led by former Marina Social head chef Will Stanyer, The Spaniel brings a creative twist to British classics. Expect playful, flavour-packed takes on dishes like Welsh Rarebit, beef Wellington, and sticky toffee pudding. With a fully licensed bar, a premium selection of beers, and live sports, it’s the ideal spot for a relaxed family meal or a lively night out with friends.
The Spaniel, The Wharf, Bluewaters Island
Open daily: 12pm – 11pm
Tel: +971 4 554 3728 @thespanieldxb
REN
Ren, the latest culinary gem from the team behind Sushi Library, brings an elevated Nikkei dining experience to Grand Plaza Movenpick Media City. Fusing the best of Japanese and Latin American flavours, Ren offers a menu filled with shareable Izakaya bites, gyozas, signature rolls, and robata grills, all complemented by a vibrant selection of cocktails. The atmosphere is sultry and lively, making it the perfect spot for a night out.
The sleek and sophisticated decor adds to the venue’s allure, with a unique twist—a private karaoke room for when you’ve enjoyed the delicious food and want to take the fun up a notch. Sing your heart out in the exclusive setting of a private karaoke pod, making your experience at Ren a true celebration of great food, drinks, and entertainment.
Ren by Sushi Library, Grand Plaza Movenpick Media City
Open: 12pm – 12am (Sun to Thurs), 12pm – 1am (Fri and Sat)
Tel: +971 50 670 4922 @ren_dubai
The Lighthouse
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The Lighthouse has opened a chic new licensed spot in Dubai Hills, offering a more refined take on the original D3 location. Describing itself as an “elevated dining and social experience,” the venue features a stylish bar with a mix of high tables and cozy lounge seating, perfect for sipping on drinks or enjoying casual bites. For a full dining experience, guests can indulge in Mediterranean-inspired dishes, paired with an exclusive cocktail menu. True to its community-focused roots, The Lighthouse will also host unique events like wine tastings, book readings, and other special experiences, adding an extra layer of vibrancy to this already dynamic space.
The Lighthouse, Dubai Hills Business Park
Open: 12pm – 12am (Sun to Thurs), 12pm – 1am (Fri and Sat) @thelighthouse_ae
Casa Amor
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Straight from the glamorous shores of St Tropez, Casa Amor has arrived at Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai, bringing its chic beach club vibes and vibrant energy to the city. The dreamy beach club serves up a heady mix of lively music, art, food, and wellbeing, perfect for enjoying the best of Southern French cuisine. By day, guests can relax and unwind in the carefree atmosphere, with signature dishes that blend the flavors of the South of France with a hint of Latin flair.
As the sun sets, the tempo picks up, and Casa Amor transforms into the perfect spot for sundowners, with expertly crafted cocktails at the world-class bar. The space itself is a visual treat, featuring a blend of palm trees, earthy textures, and light wood, all set against the backdrop of a warm and unpretentious ambiance—making it the ideal place for a laid-back yet stylish experience.
Casa Amor, Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai
Open daily: 9:30am – 11pm
Tel: +971 4 777 2223 @casaamordubai
Lucia’s Mare
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After closing its doors at Address Sky View, Lucia’s has been reimagined as Lucia’s Mare, now located on the beachfront at Jumeirah Beach Hotel. This new, smaller iteration of the Capri-inspired eatery offers a relaxed, seaside vibe with breathtaking views of the Burj Al Arab. The charming Capri-inspired interiors are still very much alive, featuring bright pops of lemon, a fresh fruit display, and plenty of greenery scattered throughout.
When it comes to food, Southern Italian flavours are the stars of the show. Think fresh salads, homemade pastas served from giant wheels, and locally-sourced fish—perfect for sharing in this laid-back yet stylish setting. Whether you’re dining with friends or enjoying a romantic meal, Lucia’s Mare offers the ideal spot to indulge in fresh, flavorful Italian cuisine by the sea.
Lucia’s Mare, Jumeirah Beach Hotel
Open daily from 6pm
Tel: +971 4 422 4321 @luciasdubai
Jamawar
Fresh from London’s posh Mayfair neighbourhood, Jamavar brings its upscale Indian dining experience to Downtown Dubai. The restaurant boasts a stunning, detail-oriented dining hall, an elegant bar, and a picturesque outdoor terrace—each space radiating glamour and sophistication.
Under the guidance of culinary director Surender Mohan, the menu presents a masterful blend of pan-Indian flavours, combining traditional techniques with locally-sourced ingredients. Drawing inspiration from the royal kitchens of India’s north, coast, and south, Jamavar offers a rich and diverse culinary journey. Standout dishes include Andhra lamb uttapam slow-cooked in guntur spice, crab pepper masala, and Hyderabadi pathar gosht—A5 Wagyu served on a hot stone with bone marrow salan.
Jamavar, Dubai Opera District, Downtown Dubai
Lunch: 12:30pm – 2:30pm (Mon to Fri), 12:30pm – 3:30pm (Sat & Sun)
Dinner: 6pm – 10:30pm (Sun to Thurs), 6pm – 11pm (Fri & Sat)
Tel: +971 4 553 7852. @jamavardubai
Isabella Cucina Italiana
Isabella Cucina Italiana is the latest culinary gem at Vida Emirates Hills, bringing a fresh, European flair to the Dubai dining scene. Born from the same team behind the popular Hunter and Barrel, Isabella follows the philosophy of letting quality produce shine. The space itself exudes a warm, earthy vibe, with low-lit tones, a glass-fronted pasta-drying station, and a grand brasserie-style bar. Horseshoe dining booths, dainty frilled lamps, and soft-edged Art Deco influences complete the cozy yet stylish ambiance.
On the menu, Isabella offers playful twists on Italian classics. A standout is their 48-hour proofed pizza tonda, baked to perfection in a statement wood-fired oven, making it a must-try for any visitor. Whether you’re craving comfort food or something a bit more refined, Isabella’s takes on traditional Italian fare are sure to impress.
Isabella Cucina Italiana, Vida Emirates Hills, Emirates Hills
Open daily: 11:30am – 1am
Tel: +971 4 323 7347 isabellas.ae
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Spica
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A dazzling new addition to the dining scene at Dubai Marine Beach Resort & Spa, Spica takes its name from the brightest star in the Virgo constellation, offering a star-worthy dining experience by the waterfront. With a blend of global inspirations, Spica delivers a sophisticated yet laid-back atmosphere, featuring a warm and inviting indoor dining room and a stunning alfresco terrace where you can enjoy your meal to the soothing sounds of the waves.
Opening daily at 6pm, the menu is a diverse selection of culinary delights, with highlights including an extensive raw bar featuring scallop crudo and hamachi tiradito, a variety of sushi rolls, wood-fired pizzas, and fresh pastas. For those seeking heartier options, premium cuts of steak are also on the menu, ensuring there’s something for every palate to enjoy.
Spica, Dubai Marine Beach Resort & Spa, Jumeirah 1
Open: 6pm – 2am (Tues to Sun) @spica.dxb
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