Photo: @lisa.ariana, Instagram

It’s officially October – and Dubai residents have had the month marked down in their calendars for the past year. As Dubai summers begin to fade, with it goes the infamous heat – meaning it’s time for the city to return to life outdoors. With a rich culinary scene, the new season calls for the opening of brand-new restaurants. Bringing refined interiors, resounding flavours and culinary expertise. Luckily, we’ve done all the planning for you.

From Japanese cuisine at Roka The Palm to a lively evening at Lucy Lu – we bring you everything you need to know about the best restaurant openings in Dubai. All that’s left is to decide where to head first.

Enjoy Refined Japanese Dining At ROKA The Palm

Opening at Six Senses The Palm on November 20, ROKA brings a refined menu of acclaimed Japanese cuisine. Overlooking panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf, the spot will bring its signature robatayaki dining style to the luxurious shores of the Palm Jumeirah. Let your evenings linger longer alongside the company of cocktails and exquisite dishes. The ambience sets the tone for a refined evening. Come November, prepare for your evenings to be overflowed with refined cuisine in an environment with a chic allure.

Experience the spirit of A Salotto by the Sea

Bringing a captivating new atmosphere, Pierchic returns to Dubai reimagined as A Salotto by the Sea concept. Taking inspiration from the traditional Italian salotto, a living room where community gathers to bond over exquisite flavours and vibrant conversation, the spot’s renovated interiors draw on the glamour of the 1970s. Centred on a Milanese design and cinematic Italian decor, adding a distinctive new character to Pierchic’s celebrated overwater setting. Bringing the spirit of Italian dining celebrated above panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf. At the heart of the reopening is Chef Emanuele De Leo, whose Sicilian roots strongly influence the atmosphere. Embracing the warmth and conviviality of Italian dining, where conversations flow endlessly, and warmth sets the tone. 

Beirut’s hidden gem comes to Dubai 

The most alluring spots are often hidden in plain sight, and now Beirut speakeasy Lucy Lu is making its way into Dubai. The Gemmayze-born spot brings its signature moody persona to One Central. Bringing the perfect opportunity for a night of ambience, accompanied by cocktails with a twist. Experience the night get livelier as soon as the lights dim and the DJ takes over. The key to the spot lies in its warrior rabbit motif – guiding you to the hidden spot and atmospheric room. Expect sharing plates, exquisite cocktails and a lively evening. 

Savour a taste of Levantine cuisine

Taking inspiration from Lebanon, Syria and the wider Eastern Mediterranean, Nayara brings you a taste of Levantine. Bringing an array of meaningfully curated contemporary plates designed for sharing, staying true to the spirit of generosity and togetherness that Levantine is known for. Opening at One&Only Royal Mirage, the interiors feature a collaboration with Emirati couture designer Hamda Al Fahim, including an artistic floral motif created exclusively for the space. Putting the region’s creativity front and centre, the spot brings a polished atmosphere that puts food, fashion and design under one roof. 

An intimate dining experience

A Japanese spot that keeps things intimate – Taiga makes its way to Bluewaters. Bringing a nineteen-seat omakase teppanyaki counter-led experience plus an eight-seat private room, brought to life by chefs Takashi Namekata and Hisao Ueda. Expect seasonal seafood, brought to Dubai shores from Japan. With Matsusaka and Ozaki beef and yakiniku, shabu-shabu and sukiyaki. The menu changes alongside Japan’s seasonal calendar, so each visit comes with a unique allure.

From Brunch To Late-Night Drinks At Cyrano Maison Sociale

A European brasserie that moves seamlessly throughout a versatile menu. Born in Beirut, Cyrano Maison Sociale is making its debut in Dubai, housed in City Walk, transforming throughout the day from brunch and lunch into aperitivo, dinner and late-night drinks. Its unique menu will bring an array of French classics, Mediterranean plates and Spanish-style sharing platters. From chorizo croquettes, beef tartare, tuna crudo, lobster rolls, steak au poivre, homemade linguine and fish and chips. Beyond the menu, the restaurant elevates its ambience with a dedicated aperitivo programme, roaming guéridon service and regular music, design and food collaborations. Providing a versatile culinary experience. 

A taste of the French Riviera & Italian coast

Having recently opened at One&Only The Palm, Casea 101 brings the allure of the French Riviera and the Italian coast. Brought to life by Yannick Alleno, the waterfront restaurant brings seafood towers, crudos, seasonal bites and pizza from an open kitchen. The restaurant follows a philosophy centred on generosity, with plenty of dishes designed for sharing. The ambience leans into the spot’s seaside allure, with natural textures, a shaded overwater terrace and a central indoor-outdoor bar. 

A refined Japanese experience

Offering an intimate experience, L’Abysse brings the precision of Japanese omakase and the elegance of the French Riviera. Entering Dubai’s exquisite culinary scene, the restaurant has made itself at home at One&Only The Palm. As Japanese craftsmanship sets the scene, the intimacy of the sushi counter takes the spotlight, elevated by the allure of the French Riviera. The restaurant brings to life a distinctive philosophy centred on precision, artistry and connection between the restaurant and its guests. 

Experience Parisian Cabaret Glamour

Opening on November 12, Crazy Horse Paris will make its journey from Paris to Dubai. Unveiling a new chapter, the new destination brings the unmistakable signature of Crazy Horse Paris’ refined, luxurious ambience paired with exquisite cuisine. As one of the hottest spots for Parisian nightlife, the cabaret will bring an array of live performances, centred on creating a lively evening paired with the allure of an enjoyable menu.