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Food & Drink

New Dubai restaurants to try in 2023

Wed, August 23, 2023

From fine dining to creative culinary gems, check out some of the newest tasty spots in town.

From fine dining to creative culinary gems, check out some of the newest tasty spots in town.

Atrangi by Ritu Dalmia

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 jadohVegetarian diners are also catered for, with unique offerings like cottage cheese and date kofta.

The Guild

Lush greenery in The Nurseries at The Guild

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.

OSH Del Mar

chicken dish at Osh Del Mar Dubai

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.

Hoe Lee Kow

hoe lee kow korean BBQ dishes

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.

Chez Wam

chez wam french fusion cuisine dish

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.

Ida Bakery

Ida Bakery & Bistro, a beloved homegrown café, has opened its first Dubai branch on the bustling Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard. Known for its exceptional food, Ida uses fresh, high-quality ingredients to craft its menu. The bistro has warm, whimsical décor and offerings include sourdough bread and artisan baguettes, and pastries crafted using the Spanish masa madre (mother dough) method. These carefully prepared treats are not to be missed if you’re visiting Downtown Dubai.

RARE

RARE is no ordinary food truck. This is a unique outlet serving high-grade wagyu beef and other Japanese-influenced dishes with a touch of South American flair. Expect all the best parts about a food truck (wearing your pyjamas, staying in the car, enjoying quick and tasty food) but with a menu that emulates a high-end restaurant. You can find RARE under Al Wasl Bridge and opposite Safa Park.

OKKU

okku carpaccio fish sushi japanese

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

rascals deli sandwich

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

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.

Kai Enzo

Acclaimed local chef, Izu Ani, who is behind restaurants such as GaiaAlaya 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.

Reef and Beef

reef and beef dubai

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.

Wise Guys

Wise Guys sandwich shop, DIFC, Dubai

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.

Hawkerboi

 Hawkerboi restaurant in JLT

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.

Tagomago

tagomago

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. 

KRASOTA Dubai

Taking immersive dining to the next level, KRASOTA Dubai is a gastro-theatre destination at Address Downtown hotel. This one-of-a-kind culinary experience blends art, moving imagery and haute cuisine within an exclusive 20-seater venue. Dinner here is essentially an entire production and comes with a price tag of around AED1,800 per person. Each 'show' consists of a multi-course menu featuring innovative plates curated by award-winning chef Vladimir Mukhin and paired with an engaging visual act.

Fouquet's Dubai

fouquets dubai
This famous French eatery has been delighting customers since it opened on the Champs-Elysees in 1899, and now Dubai’s gourmands can discover what makes Fouquet’s so special. The restaurant’s Downtown Dubai outpost can be found in a similarly iconic location to its Parisian counterpart, located just a stone’s throw from Burj Khalifa.

BohoX

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

Heston Blumenthal

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.

Hawker Chan

hawker chan restuarant dubai mall

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.

Hawker Chan
Food & Drink
  • 1st Floor, Dubai Mall, Cinema Parking

Cucina

The Trattoria Sbarra and Gelateria in Dubai

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.

Itadaku

itadaku restaurant japanese 1

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.

Above Eleven

Enjoy a feast at Above Eleven
Perched on the rooftop of the Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah, Above Eleven brings all the fine flavours of its Bangkok predecessor to Dubai. Overlooking the buzzing Palm West Beach stretch from its ample terrace seating, guests have unparalleled views over the Arabian Gulf. Using specially-sourced ingredients and intricate techniques, Above Eleven offers a reimagined Nikkei feast. Under the vision of head chef Luis Gavancho, the culinary culture of Peru is infused with Japanese precision to create a delicious and memorable menu.

Bungalo34

Bungalow34
Its secluded setting, looking out on an endless expanse of blue sea, instantly evokes holiday vibes. But that's just one of the reasons to visit this all-day spot at the Nikki Beach Resort & Spa that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Helmed by restaurateur Natasha Sideris, Bungalo34's Mediterranean menu puts the spotlight on seafood specials, and serves them in a casual yet chic space – complete with changing booths for swimmers and an artisanal boutique. Book a prime table located in the soft sand on the beach

Estiatorio Milos

estiatorio milos dubai seafood
The revered chef Costas Spiliadis has brought his simple yet sumptuous dishes to Atlantis The Royal Dubai, where you can discover the culinary wonders of Greece. Fresh seafood is a speciality here, whether it's wild oysters or delicate ceviche, all served with uncomplicated touches such as a pinch of Aegean rock salt or a dash of olive oil.

Josette

Josette Dubai interiors
From the moment you step into Josette, located in DIFC's prestigous Brookfield Building, you'll feel like you've been transported to 1920s Paris. Celebrated designer Luke Edward Hall has put his stamp on Instagrammable interiors with pastel-pink and deep green hues, opulent chandeliers and gold accents combining with regular live musical acts and accomplished French cooking to make this a must-visit hotspot.

City Social

City Social Dubai
Acclaimed chef Jason Atherton is at the helm of City Social Dubai. Taking up the entire top floor of Grosvenor House’s Tower 2, City Social offers floor-to-ceiling views of Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah and modern European cuisine based around the idea of “uncomplicated luxury”. Enjoy some of Atherton’s most famous dishes, including roasted sea bass with shellfish ragout, and Sicilian pistachio soufflé – along with new editions such as Scottish salmon with king crab.
City Social
Food & Drink
  • Grosvenor House Dubai, Tower 2, Al Emreef St - Dubai Marina - Dubai - United Arab Emirates

The Pit - House of Barbeque

The Pit House of Barbecue
Aiming to bring the tastes of traditional American barbeque to Dubai, The Pit at City Walk offers a wide range of smoked meats and all the trimmings. Pit masters smoke meat in front of diners, and in true barbeque style, diners are encouraged to get messy, and dig in with fingers, in keeping with the laid-back atmosphere of the casual spot. Highlights from the menu include smoked brisket slices, fall-off-the-bone short ribs, a spiced jerk chicken, and tender lamb.

Ariana's Persian Kitchen

Arianas Persian Kitchen Atlantis The Royal Palm Jumeirah
Discover a unique take on classic Persian cuisine at celebrity chef Ariana Bundy's restaurant in Atlantis The Royal Dubai. Dishes are inspired by family recipes handed down between generations, such as rose-scented sea bass, Caspian-style filet kebab and ice cream with saffron, pistachios and rose water. To drink, try a specially created cordial or a traditional Persian tea. The venue itself offers superb sea views of Palm Jumeirah and the Dubai skyline from the garden terrace, and there's also a show kitchen with a huge charcoal grill and a private dining room for anyone wishing to celebrate a momentous occasion in style.

Sumosan

Sumosan Dubai
Sumosan Dubai offers authentic Japanese cuisine with a modern gastronomic approach. Located in The Dubai EDITION Hotel in Downtown Dubai, the restaurant brings Japanese minimalism and an elegant, earthy palette to its design, and features the JBar indoor terrace. Sumosan specialises in bringing novel twists to traditional Japanese food, with favourite dishes including the Sumosan surprise lobster salad, 24-hour miso-marinated black cod and wagyu fillet sando with truffle fries – and an extensive sushi selection.

Andina

Andina restaurant in Dubai Marina
Arriving from trendy Spitalfields in London, Andina provides a taste of the traditional culture and food of the Andean mountains – which is also completely gluten-free. Guests are immersed in Peruvian culture from the moment they enter, and can enjoy the universally-popular drink “chicha morada” made from purple corn. Highlights from the menu include punchy ceviches, grilled octopus, hearty vegan stews, and glazed beef brisket. Enjoy offers including business lunches and a relaxed Saturday brunch.

La Table

La Table
La Table takes the pop-up restaurant concept to new heights. This intimate 50-diner space in the heart of DIFC will see not just a new chef and menu every three months – but an entirely new appearance. Each new chef will set the ethos for their months in charge – all the way from the cuisine to the décor. La Table says its chefs are those that “live, breathe and bask in food and storytelling”.

Mott 32

Mott 32 Dubai
Mott 32 restaurant has opened its doors on the 73rd floor of the Address Beach Resort in JBR. Originally from Hong Kong, the famed fine dining Cantonese eatery offers delectable dishes with paranoramic sky-high views. Popular dishes include its signature applewood-roasted Peking duck, the jasmine flower-smoked black cod and a exquisite selection of dim sum.

Lila Taqueria

Lila Taqueria
Lila is a casual, homegrown spot on Jumeirah Beach Road, helmed by chef Shaw Lash, and is a bit of an insider foodie find.  Take your seat in the intimate, open-plan space or on its terrace if you're looking for alfresco eats, and get ready to have your tastebuds tickled by authentic Mexican street food like tuna crudo tostadas, Oaxacan-style lamb shoulder Al Pastor tacos, and mains like grass-fed rib-eye served alongside fried plantains, caramelised onions and chipotle salsa.
Lila Taqueria
Food & Drink
  • 786 Jumeirah Street, Umm Suqeim, Jumeirah 3, Dubai

attiko

Attiko venue Dubai Skyline

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.

CouCou Dubai

Coucou at Palm Jumeirah food
Extend your visit to The View at The Palm with an exuberant evening at its high-end dining concept, CouCou Dubai. Perched 240m above ground, the rooftop restaurant and lounge offers panoramic vistas of spectacular Arabian Gulf sunsets and Palm Jumeirah’s scintillating nightscapes. As day slips into dusk, CouCou comes alive, beckoning guests over from the observation deck for fantastic food, music and festivities.
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