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Food & Drink
Hottest new Dubai restaurants to try in 2021
Sun, November 7, 2021
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
Mimi Kakushi
Located in the Restaurant Village at Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach, Mimi Kakushi is in good company, counting celebrated restaurants such as Coya and Nusr-Et as neighbours. Step inside and you’ll feel transported to another world with generous use of wood, vintage paintings and pops of green foliage creating an almost homely vibe, while the jazz soundtrack treats you to nostalgic tunes and chefs work on artfully-plated dishes at the open kitchen.
2
ZETA Seventy Seven
Get ready to be impressed at ZETA Seventy Seven. Perched on the rooftop of the Address Beach Resort, located 310m above sea level, you’ll be treated to incredible views of the city skyline as you dine on the finest contemporary Asian dishes. The sky-high venue presents two seafood-inspired menus – one for light snacks poolside with poke bowls, sandwiches and burgers, while the a la carte menu has signature flavours such as miso lobster, iced oysters and crispy prawns.
3
Orfali Bros
Three brothers, one dream. At Orfali Bros ‘bistronomy’ the brothers are proud to serve up dishes that reflect their shared culinary passion. You’ll want to factor in repeat visits to try everything on the menu, including favourites such as the shish barak a la sgyoza (beef dumplings with a Middle Eastern twist), salmon with miso and creamy tahini, and Umm Salah torrijas (Spanish-style French toast with a touch of spice). They also support local farming, so look out for homegrown produce across the menu.
4
Hunter & Barrel
Straight from the lands of Australia to the shores of Dubai, Hunter & Barrel is an exciting addition to the city’s culinary scene. Located in Vida Emirates Hills, the restaurant presents an array of signature charcoal-roasted meats and vegetables – think open fire prawns, smoky chicken wings and, of course, prime steaks that are a cut above. There's even a dedicated 'Steak Programme' menu, so you can choose your dream dish across fillet, rump, sirloin and rib-eye options.
5
Kinoya
One of the city’s most exciting ramen hotspots, Kinoya is a dream come true for resident Neha Mishra, fondly known as Dubai’s very own ‘ramen queen’. Having started out with sell-out supper clubs as the chef behind @storyoffood on Instagram to spearheading her very first restaurant in Dubai, loyal fans are flocking to Kinoya for a taste of Neha's take on izakaya. Taking the everyday ramen and transforming it to a foodie revelation, everything here – right down to the noodles – is handmade with love.
6
Just Vegan Jumeirah
The cosy spot reflects a back-to-nature theme that’s evident as soon as you walk in. Promoted as a place where nature and veganism comes together, the menu is filled with flavourful signatures, including the Thai yellow curry pizza, plant-based bunless burger, and truffle mac and cheese stacks. The café takes great pride in preparing all the food in-house too, which means that all the sauces are also produced by the expert chefs, ensuring everything is 100% vegan.
7
Ikigai
Located at Millennium Place Marina, Ikigai is a passion project of delicious proportions. Acclaimed homegrown chef Reif Othman is the restaurant’s menu consultant while head chef Minho Ted Shin impresses with unbridled talent, so you can expect only the best flavours here. Taking its name from the Japanese concept, 'Reason for Being', the laidback restaurant serves up an array of treats such as crispy tempura burgers, salmon with black pepper, and wagyu with truffle sauce.
8
The Orangery
Reflecting a real sense of occasion, The Orangery serves up inventive dishes amid stunning views overlooking the Montgomerie golf course and city skyline. The special 'Around the World' menu sees Asian, Middle Eastern and European flavours abound. Think miso salmon with wasabi crème fraîche, barbecued tiger prawns with Madras curry spice, zingy Thai seabass, and freshly-made pizzas. It’s also wonderful to see a full vegan menu that’s brimming with starters, mains, sides and desserts to choose from.
9
Twiggy by La Cantine
A sunshine-filled spot that will brighten your day, Twiggy by La Cantine is a refreshing beach club and restaurant at Park Hyatt Dubai. Dine by the 100m infinity pool, which has its own menu complete with small plates such as poke bowls, lobster rolls, sushi and caviar, or swap the sun beds for a table on the terrace because the a la carte menu is more than worth it, filled with celebratory Mediterranean dishes.
10
Rumba
With views overlooking the waters of Palm Jumeirah, tables on the sand and colourful vibes all round, Rumba promises an intriguing culinary journey across Cuba. Arrive early to watch the sunset before diving into a world of flavour with feel-good sharing favourites such as beef empanadas, smoked veal croquetas, perfectly-prepared guacamole, fish tacos and more. Vegetarians are well catered for too, with fresh salads, an inventive cauliflower and peanut mole, and lentil burgers.
11
WAWA Dining
You’d be forgiven for doing a double take as your walk past WAWA Dining. Located on the ground floor of the Golden Tulip Hotel in Al Barsha, its entrance is straight out of Tokyo and designed to resemble a traditional storefront with lanterns, handwritten signs, and warm colours. The food is just as authentic with some of the best sushi, sashimi and ramen you’ll have the pleasure to taste in Dubai.
12
Carna
The region’s first dining concept by Dario Cecchini takes pride of place at SLS Hotels & Residences in Business Bay. The sleek address is a fitting new venue for the enigmatic, award-winning butcher with a dining area that’s filled with welcoming tones, an open kitchen and stylish chandeliers. Visitors can expect prime cuts of the finest meats and supreme steaks, as well as a few signatures. As expected, red meat is the showstopper here, but there’s also a selection of seafood to try.
13
La Casa del Tango
Bringing Argentinian flair to Dubai’s financial district, La Casa del Tango is part restaurant, part dance studio and part boutique. The vision of famous dancer Enrique Macan, the venue celebrates the art of tango, complemented by deliciously fluid motions in the kitchen. Designed by master asador Jorge Rivero, the menu features bestsellers such as the chorizo parrillero con provolone (grilled sausage with provolone) and huevos gramajo trufados (truffle scrambled eggs).
14
Fi’lia Dubai
The name Fi’lia is derived from ‘daughter’ in Italian, and the restaurant is an ode to honest, family-style Italian food. Think housemade pastas, rustic breads and cheesy pizzas straight from a firewood oven, all served in a homely setting that delights. One bite of the classic Margherita pizza with buffalo mozarella, and you’ll know you’re in the right place for fine flavours. Fi'lia also stands out for its talented all-female team, led by chef Sara Aqel who trained under the legendary Massimo Bottura.
15
Lucky Fish
Located in Palm West Beach, Lucky Fish enjoys a dreamy shoreline setting that it shares with other dining hotspots such as the Bali-inspired Koko Bay and Mexican eatery Señor Pico. Lucky Fish stands out thanks to its coastal charm and complementary Mediterranean menu. As expected, the restaurant celebrates seafood but also works with local fisherman, showcasing the finest catches of the day on ice or as the star ingredient in enticing dishes. There's also a zero-plastic policy that we can all get behind.
16
CZNBurak Burger
If you're craving a juicy burger with all the trimmings, you're in luck as CZNBurak Burger is now open at The Dubai Mall. The Insta-famous chef Burak Özdemir is renowned for meaty creations in epic proportions, and has already generated a buzz with his fine dining namesake restaurant on Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard. At CZNBurak Burger however, the vibe is more laidback with a focus on perfectly-grilled, flavour-packed patties – and yes, there's also a 'giant' version.
17
Dishtrict
Inspired by food districts around the world, Dishtrict at Wasl 51 in Jumeirah presents a culinary adventure to savour. The emphasis is on fusion flavours, and it's all done brilliantly well. Think shatta crab salad – a Middle Eastern twist to a traditional dish elevated by a kick of hot sauce – Thai-inspired arancini, popcorn-style button mushrooms with truffle and parmesan, and lamb galouti tacos where a softshell base is topped with spiced lamb kebab and mint sauce. It's inventive and irresistible – come hungry!
18
Moon Slice
Moon Slice is a tasty tribute to the humble pie. Emirati restaurateur Mahmood Al Khamis consulted chef Reif Othman to create an experimental menu that is fun and irresistible. Expect extravagant toppings such as truffle and fresh octopus, alongside crowd favourites. The secret sauce however is in the dough – instead of just water, milk joins the fold and the dough is fermented for a full 48 hours before being rolled out, generously topped, and fired in a custom Italian oven. Molto bene!
19
Glo
Get ready to 'glo' up at this new restaurant and lounge in the trendy Dubai International Financial Centre area. In keeping with its setting, Glo's interiors are sleek and sophisticated, while the open terrace is a popular choice thanks to sweeping views of the city's urban lights and sights. The international menu doesn't disappoint either with incredible hand-rolled sushi, wagyu sliders, chicken dumplings, grilled mains and more, including vegan pasta.
20
Terra
More Mediterranean magic takes shape in the Jumeirah neighbourhood. With a deep, intense colour palette, stone pillars and pops of green foliage, dining at Terra feels like an occasion. The down to earth approach is also felt on the menu with a strong sustainability focus. Starters such as the beef carpaccio roll, tuna crudo, sweet aubergine croquettes, and lentil salad with zaatar dressing give way to tasty pizzas, pastas and moreish mains. Just don't leave without trying the sticky, sweet date pudding.
21
The Name
The Name at Dubai Design District is full of surprises. It combines restaurant and café offerings with co-working space and even a concept store filled with trendy gifts, many of which can be personalised. This is a place you’ll want to linger, complemented by a magical menu of Mediterranean and Levantine dishes – think flatbreads with spicy beef and labneh, smoked pastrami and cheddar sandwiches, and tasty potatoes with vegan cheese.
22
ALACA
ALACA impresses at The Pointe, a sun-filled destination that’s home to an incredible array of restaurants. This new Mediterranean-inspired spot transports you to the ancient region of Anatolia for culinary discoveries filled with flavour. Try the kalamar tava (fried calamari with a special chef’s sauce), Alinazik (featuring lamb, spices, smoked eggplant infused milk and yoghurt), and karisik izgara (butcher’s selection of meat treats). There’s also brilliant breakfast dishes and freshly-baked pastries.
23
Rhain Steakhouse
Combining entertainment, a chic setting and the finest cuts, Rhain Steakhouse at Conrad Hotel on Sheikh Zayed Road serves up a dining experience worth savouring. At Rhain – derived from Celtic language, meaning 'spear' – high-quality steaks are always the main act. There’s a huge selection of wet and dry aged meats, prime steaks and Wagyu to choose from but, for something out of the ordinary, try the Japanese-inspired meat sushi and steaks coated with gold.
24
Sedap Asian Street Kitchen
Enjoy the aromas and flavours of your favourite dishes from the streets of Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia at Sedap in Al Seef. Meaning 'tasty' in Malay, a few of the restaurant's bestsellers include the BBQ sambal seabass, black pepper crab, beef rendang and seafood laksa. Thanks to the friendly service, inviting vibes and a dedicated kids menu, Sedap Asian Street Kitchen is fast becoming a hit with hungry families.
25
SUSHISAMBA
Bringing the best of Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian culture and cuisine to Dubai's shores, the first Middle East location of SushiSamba can be found on the 51st floor of the Palm Tower at Palm Jumeirah. Think sweeping views of the city skyline and vibrant aesthetics, perfectly complementing a menu of distinction. Signature dishes to try include the crispy Hokkaido scallop, Japanese wagyu beef gyoza, ceviche platter and the special Samba Dubai sushi roll.
26
ULA
ULA – which means 'sea jewel' – lives up to its name. Located next to DUKES The Palm, a Royal Hideaway Hotel, the beachside escape is a great outdoor spot to enjoy a lazy lunch or sunset dinner, effortlessly combining magical meals and beachside lounging. Discover a Mediterranean-inspired menu that celebrates the freshest ingredients – the clay pot slow-roasted lamb, Japanese wagyu beef tenderloin and delicious mille-feuille are highlights.
27
Garth
Garth's location is part of its charm as it's tucked away in The 9 Lounge, a private members club at Kempinski Mall of the Emirates. Thankfully, the neo-bistro is open to all and blends the best of Southern European cuisines for an elevated menu designed by celebrity chef Sergei Andreychenko and Mohammed Musthafa. Comprising a chic terrace, lounge and restaurant, there's plenty to enjoy from seafood plates at the raw bar to flavourful vegan options. Reservations are essential.
