New Dubai restaurants to try in 2024

Located on Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard in Downtown Dubai, TOTÓ merges Italian cuisine with the golden era of 1950s and 60s Italian cinema. This stylish restaurant, inspired by the legendary film Cinema Paradiso, features elegant wooden floors, carefully curated artwork and decor that balances classic Italian cinematography with a chic setting. Along with sister concept TATEL Dubai, TOTÓ was developed in partnership with tennis champion Rafael Nadal, LA Lakers star Pau Gasol and football legend Cristiano Ronaldo. The menu at TOTÓ is a tribute to traditional Italian-Mediterranean dishes, crafted by chefs Angelo Santi and Vincenzo Palermo. Chef Angelo’s passion for Italian cuisine shines through in every dish, while Chef Vincenzo, a World Champion pizzaiolo, brings his award-winning pizza expertise to the table.

Located in 77 Valley, Al Khawaneej, Late Eatery offers a modern dining experience where European classics are reimagined with an Asian twist. Step inside Late Eatery, and you’ll find a blend of global aesthetics that draw from American 60s diners, Moroccan clay art and the playful colours of Spanish craftsmanship. The menu, crafted by chef Aadel Ouaoua, features globally inspired dishes with a twist. Start with the baby beetroot labneh, sprinkled with roasted hazelnuts or the charred red pepper topped with feta and pistachios. For mains, the robata steak with house teriyaki sauce and truffle flatbread, made simply with truffle, Parmesan and stracciatella, are must-try dishes.

Kokoro is the UAE’s first hand roll venue, found within Alserkal Avenue. Kokoro, which translates to ‘heart’ from Japanese, offers diners an intimate and personalised experience. This venue allows guests to get up close and personal with the sushi masters behind the bar. Brought to life by the dynamic duo chef Daniel Lee, fondly known as Ducky, and chef Patrick Pham; everything on the menu is made fresh to order. The talented chefs slice, spice and serve a variety of sushi and hand roll dishes live. Committed to using only the finest ingredients, every bite of the Kokoro menu offers a sense of culinary excellence.

Rare is a steakhouse within the new C2 district with a lively atmosphere that’s perfect for group get-togethers. Helmed by head chef Ryan Bernando, Rare serves up European-influenced fare in a beautiful space that is designed like a New York lounge meets art deco Parisian brasserie. An impressive brass-trimmed chandelier sets the tone as diners are greeted by a centrepiece counter. The venue features a spacious outdoor terrace and intimate indoor booth seating, perfect for enjoying a bustling yet intimate dining experience.

Aretha is a live music venue that pays homage to a golden age of music: the swinging sixties and soulful seventies. Brought to you by the team behind Twiggy by La Cantine, Lana Lusa and Eugene Eugene, Aretha aims to be the most memorable place to enjoy live music in Dubai. Soul and funk aficionados seeking a venue to revel in the smooth sounds of both local and international talent will find their haven here. Nestled in the culinary hotspot of St. Regis Gardens, Aretha's retro-chic decor evokes the nostalgia of a time defined by soulful tunes and cultural revolutions. From its rose gold counter to the eye-catching stage design, every corner of Aretha exudes charm and charisma.

SHIMA is a sophisticated Japanese restaurant found within the luxurious setting of One Palm Jumeirah, Dorchester Collection. Here you can indulge in a unique twist on coastal dining, blending vibrant Japanese flavours with serene Arabian Gulf vistas and city skyline views. Helmed by chef Koyi Tanabe, SHIMA aims to make waves in the Japanese culinary scene with dishes crafted from premium ingredients and artistic flair. With 16 years of global culinary experience, chef Tanabe brings a wealth of expertise and a deep understanding of Japanese tradition to every dish.

Dubai-born Fifth Flavor has been delighting hungry foodies with its take on perfect pan-Asian plates since 2021. Helmed by two enterprising Emirati sisters, the aim was to create a culinary concept that was a true social exchange of food and people. Its name is a nod to that all-important fifth taste – umami – that takes a rightful place alongside salt, sweet, sour and bitter. Previously found at Ripe Market, Fifth Flavor now has a permanent space at Wasl Square, where hungry diners can relax, hang out and enjoy delicious eats. The space has been thoughtfully designed with sustainable materials to show that good design can be planet-friendly.

La Dame de Pic, Dubai offers a world where French elegance meets gastronomic excellence. Helmed by the acclaimed chef Anne-Sophie Pic, the restaurant sits at The Link, One&Only One Za’abeel. Here, chef Pic – celebrated for her innovative approach and collection of restaurants that hold many Michelin stars – weaves a menu that marries unexpected ingredients with refined French techniques. The restaurant's legacy, enriched by a family history steeped in culinary excellence, promises an extraordinary dining adventure in Dubai. La Dame de Pic, a one Michelin star restaurant, graces several global food capitals, and its Dubai outpost continues to embody the sophistication and creativity synonymous with Anne-Sophie Pic’s culinary empire.

StreetXO, nestled on the fourth floor of One&Only One Za’abeel, showcases the culinary art of Spanish chef Dabiz Muñoz. This restaurant is a creative nexus where global street food gets an avant-garde twist. Here, chef Dabiz, known for his innovation and the world's best chef title in 2023, blends flavours from across continents, offering diners a menu that surprises and delights. StreetXO embodies the spirit of a Spanish nightspot, with graffiti and unique decor elements adding to its vibrant atmosphere.

Located on the pristine sands of Palm West Beach, Palm Jumeirah, Maison de la Plage offers a slice of the French Riviera's elegance, thanks to the culinary expertise of chef Izu Ani and restauranteur Evgeny Kuzin. This beachside spot combines sophisticated design with a focus on the freshest market ingredients, providing a relaxed yet engaging dining ambience. At the core of the restaurant is Le Marché, where chef Izu’s commitment to quality is evident. The menu, inspired by his experiences in French markets, features dishes like carpaccio de boeuf, lobster linguine and grilled octopus, each emphasising freshness and flavour to bring the essence of French cuisine to the fore.

Take a culinary journey to the south of France at Riviera by Jean Imbert, while admiring stunning views of Dubai Water Canal. Located at The Lana – which opened in Business Bay in 2024 and is Dubai’s first Dorchester Collection hotel – the restaurant serves fresh and inventive Mediterranean fare from 7am daily. Its interior is filled with rich colours inspired by botany, while the outdoor terrace overlooks Burj Khalifa and the city’s famous skyline.

Tapasake is one of Dubai’s most exclusive and glamorous restaurant and pool clubs. The venue sits atop The Link, and features the longest suspended infinity pool in the UAE. With views across Downtown Dubai, the pool is a bucket list-worthy experience, while the restaurant, serving Japanese and Peruvian (Nikkei) fare, is equally memorable. Ideal for basking in the sun from morning until dusk, Tapasake Pool Club has a nautical design theme, taking inspiration from a luxury super yacht, with chic white sun loungers and private cabanas, as well as luxurious lounge beds that float on top of the 120-metre-long adults-only pool.

Two of Japan’s most loved dishes, sushi and yakitori, are celebrated at Souk Madinat Jumeirah restaurant, SushiYaki. Created by the team behind Clay and SAN Beach, SushiYaki aims to offer a fresh perspective on Japanese cuisine in Dubai. Helmed by head chef Jolbi Huacho, the kitchen curates a menu of contemporary dishes that range from salmon tuna tacos, chicken sandos and popcorn shrimp in the starters to wagyu striploin and black cod in the main courses.

Set against the stunning backdrop of Burj Al Arab, Cala Vista, located in Jumeirah Mina A Salam Hotel, is an Italian-inspired restaurant where you can spend long lunches and relaxing alfresco evenings. Towering olive trees, lemon-decorated plates and pretty floor tiles give the space a distinctly Mediterranean feel, while a private pool and endless ocean views complete the venue’s picturesque design.

With views stretching across Downtown Dubai, including Burj Khalifa, Salvaje is a prime location for a premium dining experience. Found in The Address Opera Residences, this lively Japanese restaurant combines food with entertainment, featuring a line-up of dancers, saxophonists and DJs. Under the guidance of chef Fermín Azkue, Salvaje’s menu offers a fusion of flavours with a Japanese twist. Highlights include duck fried rice, sushi and sashimi as well as sizzling robata-grilled steaks.

Under the helm of renowned chef Dani García, comes Spanish restaurant Leña. Described as offering ‘classic charcoal-grilled cuisine’, the concept uses open flames and vibrant Andalusian flavours to deliver fine, smoke-infused dishes. Leña can be found in The St. Regis Gardens and offers both indoor and alfresco seating. The outdoor terrace offers views of Palm Jumeirah while inside, expect a beautifully decorated space with an artistic ceiling design and atmospheric lighting.

Already a bustling hub for dining and entertainment, City Walk has expanded its offering with a 25,000-square-foot dining district, called C2. The area features 11 restaurants, covering cuisines from across the globe. Each restaurant has both indoor and alfresco seating, where you can enjoy the relaxed ambience of three landscaped courtyards. The experience is further enhanced by live entertainment provided by select restaurants each night.

For an elevated Korean barbecue experience, Smoki Moto on Palm Jumeirah is a wise choice. Found on the popular Palm West Beach, this Seoul-inspired venue serves up premium steaks on state-of-the-art on-table charcoal grills. Smoki Moto is split into different sections, including a butcher shop, lounge, Korean pancake station and the main table grill area. The space also features an expansive terrace, ideal for watching the sunset while the resident DJ spins nu-disco, groove and soulful house music.

Franky’s Pizzeria is set atop The Park in JLT, above popular restaurants Hawkerboi and Splendour Fields. This rooftop hotspot fuses vibrant Italian vibes with a bustling atmosphere, enhanced by an array of foliage and art from across Italy, as well as panoramic views of Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT). Choose from casual high seating or a more immersive dining experience in the main restaurant area, which offers a fresh perspective on contemporary Neapolitan pizza and antipasti. The menu begins with starters such as Franky’s signature stracciatella service and the much-hyped meatballs.

Be Beach is a luxury beach club at Dubai Harbour, offering a day-to-night experience sure to excite. Guests can enjoy poolside relaxation and gourmet food throughout the afternoon, and when the sun goes down the vibe picks up, with international DJs and brilliant entertainment. Expect temperature-controlled pools, day beds, cabanas and a Mediterranean restaurant, creating an ideal setting to soak in the sun with tunes from resident DJs Frederick Stone and Mar+Mer. The venue aims to be a blend of music, relaxation and casual dining.

North Audley Cantine (NAC), a beloved dining outlet from Mayfair, London, has expanded to bring its culinary offerings to Dubai. Located in H Residence, Al Safa, NAC Dubai combines the charm of a Parisian bistro with the comfort of a classic diner. NAC Dubai mirrors its London counterpart in both vibrancy and culinary finesse. The menu features a blend of signature dishes such as the flavourful shakshouka with zaatar and feta on the weekend breakfast menu to the flamed aubergine and halloumi fries.

Papas is a vibrant Italian eatery in Intercontinental Hotel Dubai Marina, offering a slice of Italy's social and culinary traditions in Dubai. The venue is found in a prime location, overlooking Dubai Marina from its alfresco terrace. Reflecting a classic Italian trattoria, Papas features red brick arches, vibrant patterned plates and floor tiles, glowing chandeliers and an open kitchen for guests to see the pasta-making in action.