From Belcanto to The Pods, these are the 20 new restaurants in the UAE to see (and be seen at) this month…
Maté
This newly opened eatery at Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villa combines elements of both Argentina and Lebanon. The contemporary venue promises a distinctive culinary experience that goes beyond food and drink. Smoky and woody flavours reign supreme as most of the dishes are cooked on the open-fire brick grill, with some made directly on charcoal embers. A variety of meats, fish, seafood and vegetarian options are on offer, incorporating marinade, spices, pastes and vegetables from Lebanon. Most of the alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails include a light touch of maté to enhance the conceptualisation of the venue.
Belcanto
Residing on the rooftop of Dubai Opera, Belcanto encourages diners to embrace a menu orchestrated by Chef Giacomo Lombardi, who brings a unique combination of tradition and innovation to his role, with dishes representing modern and classic Italian flavours. Born in Tuscany and gaining experience in France, Germany, Switzerland, Monaco and South Korea, Lombardi is renowned for popularising Italian cuisine and elevating guest experiences at some of the world’s most popular F&B venues.
Bushra by Buddha-Bar
Buddha-Bar group have opened a third concept inside Grosvenor House in the heart of Dubai Marina. Bushra (which translates to “Good Omen, Good News” in Arabic) features a show-stopping modern Middle Eastern menu curated by acclaimed Chef Greg Malouf, where diners can experience the art of mezza through dynamic sharing platters. Inspired by literature, music and the visual arts from the 19th century, Bushra combines elements of Arabian heritage into its interiors to create a truly memorable experience.
Canary Club
The latest Dubai dining concept from Joey Ghazal (the man behind The Maine restaurants) has recently opened its doors in Jumeirah Lakes Towers. Canary Club occupies two floors of the newly opened Banyan Tree Residences, blending the style and flavours of Malibu, Palm Springs, Cabo and Acapulco. The Canary Club experience presents diners with a ‘laidback West Coast eatery’ featuring Californian bites tinged with Asian influences.
Demon Duck
Recently included in Dubai’s inaugural Michelin Guide, Demon Duck is now open on the ground floor of Caesars Palace Dubai. The venue offers intimate seating indoors or on the garden terrace while also featuring a speakeasy-style bar. The culinary offering presents classic Chinese dishes infused with local flavours from acclaimed Chef Alvin Leung, where an innovative twist on Cantonese, Malaysian and Korean classics is presented, in addition to duck specialities.
Electric Pawn Shop
A hedonist, dystopian counterculture Asian Mediterranean bar and restaurant inspired by the 70s Chinatown of New York is now open at The H Dubai. Electric Pawn Shop proudly combines underground music, contemporary design and innovative drinking and dining experiences. Signature dishes include the playfully named Pattaya Disco Prawn, Sizzling Muay Thai Ducking Noodle, and Lucky 777 Beef Volcano. Eclectic underground music surrounds the venue, delivering funk-laced beats from different genres played through a top-of-the-line custom-built sound system.
Ernst
Dubai’s first and only authentic Biergarten and Wirtshaus is now open at 25hours Hotel One Central. The newly-opened Ernst offers classic Bavarian dishes such as Bavarian sausage, traditional pretzels, sauerkraut and veal escalope in a casual yet cosy environment. A spacious outdoor terrace overlooks the Burj Khalifa and is where guests can enjoy the Insta-worthy swing or participate in a curling match, a national sport in Bavaria.
Eunoia by Carine
The second of three new restaurants from acclaimed Chef Izu Ani ro open in recent months, Eunoia by Carine is a French Mediterranean-inspired restaurant on the ground floor of Hyatt Centric Jumeirah Dubai. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and offering a true day-to-night dining experience, signature dishes include French Toast, Sea Bass Carpaccio, Salt Baked Sea Bass, Lobster Linguine, Apple Tart Tatin, and the DSCVR recommended Raspberry Cheesecake.
Eva Beach House
Eva Beach House is Dubai’s latest beachside destination, blending Tulum-style seaside dining with an artisanal culinary experience. While most of the venue is devoted to high-energy dining, there’s also a beach and pool where guests may gather for refreshments or a leisurely weekend while enjoying the sunset against West Palm Beach views and a soundtrack of Tulum’s mystical – and always rhythmic – vibes.
Jun‘s
Described as a progressive dining destination, Jun’s will capture the nostalgic flavours of Asian and North American cuisines to reflect chef Kelvin Cheung’s Chinese heritage, North American upbringing, and French training. It will open its doors later this month in Downtown Dubai, welcoming guests to a sleek, contemporary venue with a rough edge. The menu comprises carefully crafted dishes such as Lamb Neck with Sechuan Chili and Mantou, Gluten-Free Tempura Zataar and Sweet Potato Chaat, Baby Carrots with Smoked Labneh and Furikake Bagel.
L’Amo Bistro del Mare
Situated in the heart of Dubai Harbour, the latest opening from Sunset Hospitality Group brings Southern Italian culture, heritage, and charm to Dubai, reflecting the coastal region’s lively seafood restaurants. L’Amo Bistro del Mare’s extensive seafood menu includes Italian specialities such as Ricci di Mare, Red prawns from Mazara del Vallo in Sicily and fresh catch of the day. The menu revolves around carefully selected fresh ingredients and Italian produce to ensure diners can enjoy an authentic taste of Italy. The décor also features a decidedly nautical feel, with a floor-to-ceiling glass window showcasing the waterfront and Dubai Marina skyline, while the terrace is ideal for al fresco dining under the stars, against a backdrop of berthed yachts.
La Maison Ani
Opening one new restaurant is no mean feat, but Chef Izu Ani has successfully opened two Dubai restaurants in the past couple of months, with a third on the way. Located in Fashion Avenue at The Dubai Mall, the homegrown La Maison Ani serves relaxed French-Mediterranean cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner in an effortlessly elegant setting. Highlights include the escargot, burrata, grilled langoustine and warm chocolate mousse (you can thank us later). La Maison Ani is also home to an exquisite boulangerie and patisserie, both inspired by the daily rituals of French culture.
La Voile Rouge
Dress up and show up to this French-Mediterranean gem, hailing from the shores of St. Tropez, where the revered venue has reigned supreme for over four decades. Serving up a ‘sea of flavours’, you can indulge in rich, delectable flavours including French favourites Escargot, Duck Foie Gras Terrine and Niçoise Salad alongside a selection of steaks and seafood for mains. Famed for its grandiose vibes and exquisite cuisine, the new venue will also host fashion shows from its in-house runway, featuring new and emerging talent as well as globally acclaimed designers.
MayaBay Dubai
Opening this weekend at Jumeirah Al Naseem’s Turtle Lagoon, MayaBay Dubai has been a long time in the making. The latest venue from Orange Hospitality (of Alici and Il Borro fame) is adorned with warm and intricately carved wooden panels accentuated by natural stones and large glass windows that provide uninterrupted views of the Burj Al Arab. The menu is rooted in traditional Asian cuisine, with signature dishes including the Maya Crispy Duck, Pad Thai, MayaBay Sashimi, Yam Ped Tap Tim (duck salad), and Black Cod with miso and honey.
Salmon Guru
It hails from Madrid, it boasts the #24 spot on the World’s Best Bars list, its quirky personality awaits in Business Bay – and there isn’t a hint of salmon on the menu. Meet Salmon Guru, a quirky new concept located at The Opus by OMNIYAT. From start to end, lounge lizards can expect exotic cocktails created right before their eyes with a variety of balanced batches and sophisticated concoctions. In addition to the beverage list, a concise bar menu offers appealing bites that range from a cooling tartare of balfego bluefin tuna loin to plantain chips and dips, grilled chicken skewers and the undeniably moreish 120-day grain-fed beef cheek.
SĀN Beach
Rhythmic, restful, and created for connection, SĀN Beach features an international menu and is designed to feed not only your body but also your mind – we’re told that the daily acts at SĀN Beach, performed meaningfully at the club, will serve to ground, uplift, or reconnect our souls to the earth. Music, meanwhile, will come courtesy of resident DJs, guest musicians and weekend performances by resident band The Nomades. Offering comfort and privacy, guests can book private sofas, sunbeds, floating cabanas, beach cabanas, or even beach villas.
TABU
Featuring different staging areas and multiple acts, TABU on the 23rd floor of The St. Regis Downtown Dubai subverts expectations of the ‘dinner and a show’ trend with entertainment present throughout the venue, even when guests least expect it! Combining avant-garde cuisine and theatrics, the multi-faceted venue boasts an impressive private dining area and an outdoor terrace with views of the Burj Khalifa. Executive Chef Roberto Segura’s experimental menu offers sea urchin and caviar, gold gyoza with burrata and truffle, Japanese Wagyu steamed buns, and traditional Yakimono and Ishiyaki stone bowl dishes.
Talea
This new restaurant at Emirates Palace presents diners with the opportunity to enjoy a highly curated selection of seasonal and authentic Italian dishes in an elegant, yet lively setting with a vibrant open kitchen. Talea’s menu draws on Chef Antonio Guida’s distinctive culinary style to create ‘Cucina di Famiglia’, or family-style cooking. From handmade ravioli, authentic spaghetti alla carbonara and artisanal pizza to osso buco and vitello tonnato (a chilled veal dish that forms an indispensable part of the Assumption Day feast in Milan), the menu fuses traditional techniques with an innovative edge, which is essentially the signature of Guida.
Tàn Chá
An exploration of the new and forgotten, the hidden and the secret, Tàn Chá draws inspiration from the energy and appetites of downtown Hong Kong and the result is a highly-sensory space that combines elevated Chinese-inspired dishes with invigorating drinks, live music and art installations. Spread across two floors and five uniquely different rooms, guests are invited to a labyrinth-like journey of discovery as the evening seamlessly morphs into the night and Tàn Chá intriguingly comes to life. Tàn Chá was also one of the 69 restaurants to be featured in the very first Michelin Guide Dubai.
The Pods
The Pods at Bluewaters have transformed the notion of luxury dining in Dubai with the introduction of 22 private pods for an intimate and exclusive dining experience. Bringing the inside outdoors, each air-conditioned pod features a large central table and rounded plush sofas. The menu of Pan-Asian dishes includes rock lobsters with truffle, Korean chicken bao, an assortment of maki rolls, nigiri and sashimi, dim sums, gyozas, Thai green curry, Burmese khow suey, Sichuan beef, miso ramen, laksa and pad Thai.
