We’ve rounded up the best of the best when it comes to restaurant openings at the beginning of this year.
Gloria Osteria
Gloria Osteria has opened its doors in Ritz-Carlton DIFC, the restaurant that hailed from Milan is a much-anticipated opening here in Dubai. Opening onto a terrace with iconic views of DIFC, making it perfect for a long lunch or dinner with specialty pasta and authentic Italian cuisine. Featuring a special menu by Chef Pietro Zamuner, showcasing Italian classics with a contemporary twist, including Cacio e Pepe, Fiore di Zucca e Ricotta, and Bufala Caprese, in a setting inspired by the spirit of Milan.
Just Opened : Discover more
Nobu One & Only One Za’abeel
Nobu is opening its third location in the city this year. Located on the 24th floor of the Link at One Za’abeel, the menu will feature signature dishes including black cod miso, which is one of Nobu’s favourites as well as world‑famous sushi and as premium wagyu, alongside exclusive creations especially for this location, such as umami mediterranean seabass with tomato dashi ponzu and wagyu beef tenderloin shiitake millefeuille Tozasu.
Just Opened : Discover more
Canary Beach
This season, Club Vista Mare welcomes Canary Beach, the much-anticipated seaside evolution of the award-winning Canary Club. Perfect from day to night, the restaurant offers the laid-back spirit of California with Dubai’s coastal appeal, with favourites on the menu which highlight West Coast and Latin American cuisine with Japanese influence, featuring vibrant ceviche, wood-grilled specialties paired with signature cocktails. Designed for golden hour gatherings and beachfront dining, Canary Beach captures the essence of effortless, social living.
Just Opened : Discover more
Nammos
A firm favourite which has reopened its doors, after closing for renovations last year. It has its same epic energy and a refreshed version which we already adore. It will have a highly creative Mediterranean menu drawing on its Mykonos roots while embracing Japanese touches at the same time. An old favourite which will be bringing in the crowds this winter.
Just Opened : Discover more
The Maine Beach House
The UAE homegrown brand, The MAINE has opened its newest beach house, on Vista Mare on Palm Jumeirah. We’re expecting exciting things from the all-day beachside dining experience with cabanas and a relaxed terrace inspired by coastal living. This is the fourth restaurant location in Dubai for the Dubai-institution. The menu highlights seafood favourites including crispy fish tacos, lobster rolls, chargrilled artichokes, handmade pastas and sticky short ribs, alongside a fish market-style counter showcasing the day’s freshest catch.
Just Opened : Discover more
ZEA
Launching early this year Emirates Towers, ZEA introduces a fresh, modern take on Mediterranean cuisine to the heart of DIFC. The restaurant celebrates a timeless symbol of life, nourishment, and abundance. The menu features everything from fresh seafood dishes and ceviche with subtle Peruvian flavours, to grilled fish and delicious Mediterranean comfort foods.
Opening: Early 2026 : Discover more
Isabel Mayfair Abu Dhabi
Isabel Mayfair Abu Dhabi is set to open in Q1 at The Galleria on Al Maryah Island. The new destination combines Mediterranean-inspired cuisine with cocktails, all designed around a vibrant central bar that is super vibey. It has a concept designed around a social dining concept to bring together people and promises a lively, social dining experience unlike any other in the capital.
Opening: Early 2026 : Discover more
Barrafina
London’s cult favourite tapas spot Barrafina is coming to Dubai in early 2026. Known for its Spanish small plates and counter led dining you can expect signature dishes like croquetas, grilled prawns, and tortilla, all served fresh from the open kitchen in a vibrant, super cool setting that captures the energy of the original Soho phenomenon.
Opening: Early 2026 : Discover more
Hanbock
Due to open in early 2026 at The Galleria on Al Maryah Island, Hanbok feels like stepping inside a modern retelling of Korean heritage. The concept has a strong focus on design which can be seen as you step through the doors, with floating fabric and cool lighting to make the space. With a tabletop BBQ with premium meats prepared at your table, as well as dishes that draw on staples such as jeon and mandu, with banchan-style accompaniments and sauces rooted in South Korea’s regional food traditions. Hanbok arrives as part of the ongoing expansion of Abu Dhabi’s restaurant scene at Al Maryah Island, adding a new Korean dining concept to the destination’s lineup.
Opening: Early 2026 : Discover more
Discover: The best restaurants of 2026
