New Dubai restaurants to try in 2023

Zenon, situated in the Address Dubai Mall hotel, is reshaping the luxury dining and entertainment landscape. This vibrant restaurant and lounge blends art, design and cutting-edge technology, boasting AI-generated digital art and captivating holographic displays. The culinary prowess of chefs Lorenzo Buccarini, Tatsuya Ueda and Thomas Papas shines in a menu that marries Mediterranean flair with Asian influences, presenting standouts like wagyu beef tartare, burnt eggplant, succulent Australian wagyu striploin and indulgent rigatoni pasta.

With its subtle art deco interiors, bold marble counters and statement woodfire oven, 42 Midtown invites diners in for a relaxed yet refined rendezvous with heartwarming dishes to share. It is a welcome addition to the portfolio of dining venues at Zabeel House The Greens, and complements the boutique hotel’s cultured aesthetic. The restobar is a contemporary treat for laidback lunches, refreshing sunset blends and dinners with live music. Its curated New-York-inspired menu reflects the converging influences and leading gastronomic techniques of the metropolitan city, while highlighting chef Fabrizio Vermiglio’s culinary expertise. 

Nestled in Dubai's vibrant DIFC district, Uchi is a sanctuary where culinary artistry and genuine connections flourish. This venue champions a Japanese-influenced culinary ethos, artfully mingling classic and novel tastes to captivate the senses. Uchi distinguishes itself not just by serving exquisite food, but also by fostering a sense of togetherness in the heart of a bustling district. Uchi offers a casual approach to fine dining, greeting every guest with the warmth of familiarity befitting its name, which means ‘home’ in Japanese.

Limonata, a beachfront gem by the team behind February30, brings a slice of the 1960s Italian Riviera to Dubai’s Club Vista Mare on Palm Jumeirah. It marries the era's vibrant charm with modern sophistication, with interiors bathed in sunny hues. Limonata evokes the spirit of Italy’s coastal allure, offering not just dining but a full beach experience with loungers to soak up the Dubai sun. With a large outdoor terrace, where you can enjoy the sea breeze as you dine, this venue joins the ranks as one of the best alfresco restaurants in the city.

The 305 is a beach club on Palm Jumeirah inspired by the sun-soaked glamour of Miami and Palm Springs. Located at The Club, Palm West Beach, the hotspot offers a poolside restaurant, bar and lounge, complete with beachfront views. This day-to-night venue offers a laidback space to enjoy the sounds of a resident DJ as you unwind in the sunshine. The setting includes sun loungers for relaxed days by the private pool. Or, for a more secluded chillout session, book one of the elegant cabanas.

Soul Kitchen, situated in Dubai's bustling Business Bay, offers an innovative blend of Levantine and Latin American cuisines. Hailing from Lebanon, the restaurant aims to bring alternative culture, art and talent to diners in Dubai. The colourful space features art murals on the walls and vibrant interiors to connote a space where creatives come together. Deep green chairs and leafy foliage are paired against red-hued and intricately structured walls in a way that's unique and eye-catching.

Signor Sassi is a chic Italian restaurant found in St. Regis Gardens, Palm Jumeirah. Originating in London in 1984, the venue aims to define its experience with 'Sassi style’, a blend of tradition and modern innovation. The interior, inspired by Lake Como's villas, showcases intricate Italian detailing, hand-painted vases and an open layout with atmospheric greenery. A lush olive tree flown in from Puglia adds a unique touch.

Situated in SO/ Uptown Dubai, The Citronelle Club offers an eclectic blend of Asian culinary traditions with French influences. The restaurant aims to provide a unique gastronomic journey that respects Asia's cultural heritage. Enclosed by 'Mígong maze' walls, the venue offers a vibrant setting complete with open kitchens and live cooking stations, creating an immersive dining experience. The artwork on the walls complements the maze-like layout and incorporates Asian symbolism like koi fish and dragons.

Curated by renowned chef Jason Atherton, this fine dining concept within City Social offers an intimate experience for just 22 guests in a luxury penthouse-inspired setting. The evening is split into three acts, beginning in the lounge for appetisers before moving onto the main dining room, which is complemented by a state-of-the-art show kitchen. A 17-course haute cuisine menu reflects Atherton’s culinary journey and love for worldly ingredients, while each course comes with insights from the talented chefs.

A chic brasserie overflowing with leafy decor, Eugène Eugène is a lush oasis hidden within Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates. Once the hotel’s tennis court, this mesmerising greenhouse is now a picturesque restaurant. The space is relaxed yet elevated, with a green marble bar, rattan furniture and a cosy conservatory. During the daytime, natural light flows through the open space, bouncing off the foliage, while at night the restaurant feels like an atmospheric secret garden.

Street food is a highlight at this trendy Korean and Southeast-Asian eatery. GIMI, which means ‘spice’ in Korean, takes the best of Korea’s culinary traditions and blends them with Southeast Asian flavours to offer a one-of-a-kind dining experience. K-pop, hawker culture and tradition all play a role in influencing GIMI, which is found in Al Wasl Vita Mall, Jumeirah. You’ll be treated to an impressive mix of cuisines, music and design when you visit this unique concept.

Atrangi by Ritu Dalmia offers a diverse culinary exploration of India. Chef Dalmia, best-known for her TV cooking show Italian Khanna, emphasises honest, high-quality cooking over extravagance. This caters to a trend towards comfort and authenticity, with a focus on simple fare done well.

The menu showcases dishes from India's various regions, including Kashmiri Kabargah, lamb cooked in milk and spices and Meghalaya's wagyu beef jadoh. Vegetarian diners are also catered for, with unique offerings like cottage cheese and date kofta.

In DIFC’s bustling ICD Brookfield Place is a creative culinary spot housing many concepts under its roof. Catering to different scenarios throughout the day, The Guild takes inspiration from the brasseries of Europe and New York to combine masterful chefs and artisans in various settings.

Choreographed like a theatrical play, ‘Act I’ of the opening phase reveals The Nurseries and The Potting Shed, two areas of the venue ready to welcome guests. The Nurseries are designed in homage to the bohemian charm and cobbled streets of New York’s Tribeca. Here you can enjoy brasserie-style breakfasts, European mains for lunch and an evening snack menu.

Try a lesser-known cuisine at OSH Del Mar, situated at Address Beach Resort in Jumeirah Beach Residence. Executive chef Alejandro Castro showcases a fusion of Uzbek and Central Asian flavours, blending tradition and innovation.

Explore new tastes with dishes like sea bass tiradito, garnished with Tashkent tomatoes and Holland onions, or the crispy aubergine and goat’s cheese salad. The Australian lamb T-bones, prepared with Uzbek spices and the traditional Uzbek Osh pradznichny, also stand out as must-try highlights.

Discover a culinary gem in Dubai's vibrant dining scene - Hoe Lee Kow, located at Dubai Hills Business Park. Renowned chef Reif Othman has crafted an extraordinary Korean BBQ experience with an unconventional twist that is sure to captivate food enthusiasts. Hoe Lee Kow offers a delightful blend of bold flavours and innovative dishes, taking inspiration from Chef Reif's globetrotting adventures and passion for diverse cuisines. As a newcomer to Korean cuisine, Chef Reif presents his own interpretation of Korean BBQ, infusing it with his creative flair.

Experience the buzz of Dubai's newest culinary hotspot, Chez Wam, nestled in St Regis Gardens. Led by acclaimed French chef Hadrien Villedieu, who was mentored by culinary legends such as Alain Passard and Joel Robuchon, this restaurant is a brainchild of the team behind popular venues Kyma, Twiggy and Tagomago. Chez Wam takes inspiration from the French term chez moi, translating to ‘at mine’, and while it doesn’t identify as a French restaurant, it does present a fusion of the country's cuisine with global influences.

OKKU is a Japanese restaurant and lounge found in Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah. The chic and stylish venue showcases contemporary Japanese cuisine with an international twist. Dishes are sent out from a 20-metre sushi station and robata grill, where skilled chefs put on an impressive show.

While the menu features many classic and contemporary dishes, it’s the sourcing of high-quality ingredients, including fresh fish and super high-grade wagyu beef imported from Japan, that truly elevates the dining experience. Highlights on the menu include the signature starter of spicy tuna crispy rice and OKKU’s take on the famous black cod.

Rascals, having gained a devoted following since their Sole DXB launch pop-up, has now established their first permanent deli in the vibrant Safa neighbourhood. Known for its cool branding and laid-back atmosphere, Rascals quickly became synonymous with fresh ingredients and delicious flavour combinations.

Their focus remains on creating simple yet exceptional sandwiches, using fresh ingredients and homemade sauces to elevate the sandos to new heights. Highlights among their offering include the chicken katsu sando and the pastrami with beef and pickles.

Puerto 99 offers an elevated dining experience, blending modern and traditional Mexican culture. With a diverse and authentic menu influenced by Latin America, you’ll really feel like you’ve stepped into Mexico. The menu pays homage to traditional Mexican cuisine, using traditional recipes and imported ingredients. Highlights on the menu include barbacoa-style crispy lamb tacos, Carabinero jumbo shrimps, and A5 wagyu rib-eye steak.

Acclaimed local chef, Izu Ani, who is behind restaurants such as Gaia, Alaya and Carine, presents his latest concept, Kai Enzo, at Hyatt Centric Jumeirah in La Mer.

The restaurant's name in Japanese means ocean or shell (Kai) and king or owner (Enzo), which reflects the serene coastal setting and the way that the ingredients take centre stage. The menu at Kai Enzo combines both Eastern and Western flavours, drawing on the shared culinary philosophies of quality, freshness, and simplicity.

A German-born steakhouse and seafood concept which launched in 2008, Reef & Beef has become synonymous with good quality steaks. Inspired by the American concept of ‘surf and turf’, Reef & Beef puts a high-end twist on the meat and seafood combination.

Found in Manzil Downtown by Vida Hotel, Reef & Beef’s interior features a sophisticated colour scheme of charcoal, black and red to create a moody ambience, which aims to pay homage to the restaurant's German heritage. The restaurant also features an outdoor seating area and a lounge, both of which are highlighted by a clear view of the iconic Burj Khalifa.

Channelling old-school New York, with some Mafia-themed humour, Wise Guys offers freshly-made sandwiches in DIFC’s Gate Village, aiming to provide an authentic NYC deli experience. Open from breakfast into the late evening, Wise Guys has a special morning menu, along with its usual lunch-until-late sandwich offerings. Early risers can start with the Egg Manifesto, and signature sandwich offerings include the Wise Guy, the Forget About It and the Connie vegetarian sub.

Following the success of his secret supper clubs throughout Dubai, rising culinary sensation Hawkerboi has launched his first ever permanent restaurant. The venue in Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT) specialises in ‘hawker’ food – with dishes such as curry puff dim sum with panang spices, wagyu beef skewers with peanut nahm jim sauce and Peking-style roast duck.

Named after a paradise island off the coast of Ibiza, Tagomago is a beach club and restaurant that brings the same bohemian charm and western Mediterranean flavours to Palm Jumeirah. The family-friendly establishment sits on the east edge of Dubai’s famed archipelago, and has it own beach stretch as well as seaside lounges, a terrace dining area and pretty pergola paths. 

With its bright and natural aesthetic, pairing wooden interiors with plenty of lush greenery, BohoX offers a wonderfully calming culinary experience. Located on Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard in Downtown Dubai, this homegrown concept is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The a la carte menu includes hearty salads, delicious sandwiches, top-notch vegan options, refreshing detox juices and succulent cakes and pastries.

Dinner by Heston Blumenthal is not just for seasoned foodies but anyone looking for an extraordinary dining experience. Immaculate plating and presentation for each dish only elevate the award-winning chef's offerings, like the Meat Fruit, a chicken liver parfait presented to resemble a whole mandarin. Its Atlantis The Royal outpost mirrors the same elegant, upscale ambience as the original Knightsbridge eatery, complete with a private dining room for up to 12 guests.

Famous in its native Singapore for offering the world’s cheapest Michelin-starred meal, Hawker Chan has now arrived in the Chinatown section of Dubai Mall. Don’t miss this chance to try authentic Singaporean street food, especially the signature soya sauce chicken and rice. Based on a Hong Kong recipe, the chicken is marinaded in the sauce for many hours, with chefs braising the meat by hand throughout the day. This method creates chicken which is phenomenally tender, and a sauce with a rich flavour.

This homegrown Italian spot on the ground floor of the Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah combines a homely, rustic atmosphere with authentic fare and has established itself as a neighbourhood favourite. Sip an espresso teamed with a flaky pastry at the Sbarra coffee bar, or take your seat in the main dining room before tucking into well-priced, generous mains like an exceptional veal Milanese. Peek into the dedicated pasta-making room where chef Emanuel Rizzo conjures up ever-changing weekly specials, and don't miss the fresh artisanal pizza. Finish on a sweet note by heading into the retro gelateria – the gorgonzola with balsamic ice cream is a surprise hit.

Japanese food enthusiasts are in for a treat at Itadaku, which offers an extensive menu packed with culinary delights from the Land of the Rising Sun. Located in Jumeirah’s Wasl Vita Mall, the restaurant’s name is inspired by a Japanese word that means “gratitude for receiving”. And you’ll certainly be feeling grateful when the food arrives. Try the bluefin fatty tuna sashimi, the hand-rolled prawn tempura sushi, the skewered wagyu beef with wasabi and the grilled veal gyoza.

Located on the 31st floor of the W Dubai - Mina Seyahi hotel, attiko is a sleek social supper club bringing together Pan Asian flavours and a setting ideal for memorable night-time gatherings. Sweeping over a coveted rooftop space that overlooks Dubai’s glitziest precincts, guests are ushered into a cosmopolitan reverie of lights, sights and sounds as soon as they enter. The lounge’s dark, dramatic interiors are festooned with fairy-lights and a palm motif, standing in striking contrast to the panoramic views offered from its wide window walls and terrace seating. The mood and food are equally elevated, while the service flows as smoothly as the resident DJ’s deep beats.