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Food & Drink
Hottest new restaurants to try in Dubai
Mon, August 24, 2020
From authentic street food to gourmet gems, check out our shortlist of the newest tasty spots in town.
From authentic street food to gourmet gems, check out our shortlist of the newest tasty spots in town.
1
Hutong
If you're in need of a little luxury, the opening of Hutong is perfectly timed. This upscale eatery in the Dubai International Financial Centre serves contemporary North Chinese cuisine, with signature dishes such as the 'Red Lantern' – crispy soft-shelled crab with dried chilli – and Peking duck, served alongside an exceptional array of seafood, dim sum and more. Inspired by the Silk Road, the decor lends a chic touch across the indoor dining area, lounge, terrace and private dining rooms. Hutong's original location in Hong Kong was one of the first ever Chinese restaurants to be given a Michelin star, so you know you're in good hands here.
2
Nassau
Proving that good food isn't limited to the city centre, Nassau takes advantage of the chic, greenery-filled setting at Jumeirah Golf Estates. Silvena Rowe is the star chef behind the new eatery, which focuses on serving healthy, plant-based dishes. Carnivores needn't fear though; there are also meat and fish options available. With Rowe already having successful dairy-free cafe Omnia Gourmet under her belt, you can expect great things from this foodie heaven in one of the city's most picturesque districts.
3
Indochine
The latest addition to the city's thriving culinary scene, Indochine's launch in Dubai International Financial Centre has been highly-anticipated. Its sister location in New York has been delighting customers since 1984 and counts many celebrities as regulars. The restaurant's first branch outside of that famed location gives visitors the chance to experience its exotic French-Vietnamese offerings. Much-loved signature dishes such as Vietnamese ravioli are on the menu, as well as inventive new creations such as a special steamed seabream.
4
Alice
Set inside the Sheraton Grand, Alice Lounge not only offers its diners tantalising food, but also a thrilling dining experience. The fairytale-inspired restaurant features optical illusions and hidden story-themed surprises, while the food is equally extravagant with Japanese twists on European classics, including chicken teriyaki pizza and fish risotto. When dinner service ends, the lounge is transformed into a party venue, complete with light shows and live performances.
5
Aya
Chef Izu Ani is something of a legend in Dubai, having already set up several successful restaurants in the city. He also previously worked as head chef at much-loved foodie favourite LPM Restaurant. His latest offering, Aya in City Walk, serves a (very) wide range of Asian delicacies – everything from Korean fried chicken and prawn gyoza to Wagyu sirloin and octopus with a yuzukosho glaze. The highlight? The restaurant's own Japanese cherry blossom garden ensures it lives up to its name – 'beautiful' in Japanese and 'wonderful' in Arabic.
6
Chingón
If you're looking for somewhere to share a meal with friends or loved ones, look no further than the lively Mexican restaurant Chingón in Business Bay. Dishes here are served in larger portions, perfect for sharing. Refuel with innovative meals like black tortillas pressed with 24k gold leaf, and Wagyu beef tartare with quinoa crisps, all while enjoying the quirky decor and stunning skyline views. If you find yourself in the mood to party, hang around as some of the city's top DJs settle in and set the tone with South American-fused deep house music.
7
Shanghai Me
Step inside Downtown Dubai's latest culinary addition and you'll find yourself instantly transported back to 1930s Shanghai. The glamorous decor here includes bright red seating and quirky art lining the walls. Taking inspiration from traditional East Asian dishes, there are plenty of recognisable favourites on the menu, including sushi, dim sum and bao. These dishes are anything but ordinary, however, and with every plate being flavourful and meticulously-crafted, you'll leave more than satisfied.
8
Soul Street
Hungry but can't decide what cuisine to go for? Soul Street is here to help. This new eatery based in FIVE Jumeirah Village offers street food from all over the world, and whether you settle on a dish from the Middle East or Latin America, you're in for a treat. Each dish is served in an impressively creative way, and coupled with the vibrant decor, this place is Instagram heaven. The menu is truly diverse (and long), but if you're looking for filling comfort food done right, Soul Street is a great option.
9
Reif Kushiyaki
Award-winning chef Reif Othman has made a name for himself in Dubai, with successful stints in Zuma Dubai, PLAY Restaurant & Lounge, and Sumosan. He’s now taking charge at Reif Kushiyaki Dubai in Dar Wasl Mall in Jumeirah. Focusing on sustainability, the eatery minimises food wastage, uses seasonal ingredients and sees its staff kitted out in T-shirts made from recycled plastic bottles. You'll find modern Japanese street food such as steamed bun burgers and sublime gyozas starting from just AED16. We recommend the chef’s table menu.
