The start of a new year is always the perfect excuse to change scenery, refresh your palette and try out new flavours. Dubai is a city that never disappoints and that holds truth when it comes to delectable food choices. This year, there is a variety of new restaurants that have just opened with more coming soon.
GRAZIA brings you the ultimate guide to the new Dubai restaurants to dine at in 2024.
Tapasake
If you want uninterrupted views of the Dubai skyline, then this restaurant at the newly launched One&Only One Za’abeel is a good place to start. Tapasake is now home to the longest suspended infinity pool in the UAE and invites diners to indulge in authentic South American cuisine in the company of some of the best skyline views the emirate has to offer.
Franky’s Pizzeria
EatX has opened a three-story dining establishment called Franky’s Pizzeria in JLT. Franky’s specializes in modern antipasti and pizza in the Neapolitan style. There’s a charming rooftop patio overlooking JLT and a cosy indoor restaurant. This eatery is all about the pizza, with selections like black truffle and mushroom or the mussel and prawn, prepared fresh from the wood-fired pizza oven.
Franky’s Pizzeria, Rooftop at The Park, JLT. To reserve call +971 50 427 5217
Leña
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The chic steakhouse of Chef Dani Garcia has opened on the Palm Jumeirah in Dubai. Guests are welcomed into an opulent dining area with an open kitchen, as well as an outstanding bar and lounge area. The menu offers quality cuts and sharing plates including the Angus ribeye and roasted duck breast and a special section dedicated to steaks. Additionally, there is a “green section” with vegetarian alternatives including grilled avocado and a house tomato salad. Seafood options include oven-baked tuna steak and grilled king crab. It’s already received an A-list stamp of approval from Georgina Rodriguez and Cristiano Ronaldo, so we’re definitely adding it to our must-visit list.
St Regis Garden, Nakheel Mall, The Palm. To reserve visit here
NAC
NAC, a Mayfair-based restaurant has opened another branch in Al Safa 1. The contemporary eatery serves crowd favourites like flame-grilled aubergine and halloumi fries and shakshuka with zaatar and feta from the weekend brunch menu. But that’s not all. Truffle burgers are also part of the menu.
Al Wasl Road. To reserve visit here
Ninive Bab al shams
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Ninive Bab Al Shams is tucked away in the heart of the Arabian Desert. It offers a brand-new dining experience that is exceptional, drawing inspiration from the rich heritage of the region. The striking location promises an exquisite and remarkable dining experience that embodies the spirit of the Middle East in a lively yet laidback setting.
Bab Al Shams, Al Qudra Desert. To reserve call +971 4 809 6203
Papas
Solutions Group’s quirky Italian restaurant, Papas, is full of character. The kitsch décor is cosy and welcoming, designed to resemble a wholesome trattoria that was taken directly from the streets of Florence. Traditional Italian flavours may be savoured outside on the venue’s stunning terrace overlooking the Marina, which has some of the most sought-after tables in the city. If you’re heading there you should try the Burrata Pizza.
Intercontinental, Dubai Marina. To reserve visit here
Sushiyaki
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Sushiyaki is a Japanese restaurant in Souk Madinat Jumeirah, from the same team that brought Taverna and Ristorante Loren. The contemporary eatery, which serves sushi, yakitori and other dishes, has breathtaking views of the Madinat.
Sushiyaki, Madinat Jumeirah. To reserve call +971 4 451 9170
XU
Situated on the second floor of the Kempinski hotel is XU, a super trendy Cantonese-influenced new Dubai restaurant. It boasts a hip lounge, bar, restaurant and terrace. The menu features delectable items such as crispy lemongrass chicken, charcoal-grilled Wagyu beef ribeye and dim sum.
XU, Kempinski Mall of the Emirates, Al Barsha. To reserve call +971 4 394 6252
Coming Soon
Maison De La Plage
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This new Dubai restaurant is headed by Chef Izu Ani so you know it’s going to be good. Maison De La Plage is a beachfront restaurant by Fundamental Hospitality, set to open on Palm Jumeirah. It is inspired by the South of France. Head there for delicious food and refresh your Instagram feed with beachfront views.
Pitfire Pizza Dubai Hills
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Another pizza addition to new Dubai restaurants, Pitfire Pizza is a household name amongst residents for a reason. The foodie hotspot serves up thin-crust pizza with a variety of toppings. And the hot honey drizzled on top is a must-try when eating their pizza. Following their success, they are opening a branch in Dubai Hills with new surprises on the menu.
Ralph’s Coffee
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Speaking of new Dubai restaurants, New York is being brought to Dubai. American fashion designer Ralph Lauren is bringing his very own opulent café brand, Ralph’s Coffee, to the UAE. We will be adding this to our list of fashion cafes in Dubai. The café will be located next to the Polo Ralph Lauren store in Mall of the Emirates if you’re looking to sip on a designer espresso or indulge in some delicious baked goods.
Shima
The stunning on-site Japanese restaurant SHIMA is set to open at One Palm Jumeirah Dorchester Collection’s coastal escape LAVITA. The newest culinary destination promises vibrant flavours and the creativity of Japanese cuisine, which is sure to add an exciting twist to seaside dining. Leading the way in the Japanese culinary scene is SHIMA, led by the internationally renowned chef Koyi Tanabe. The menu, which has been meticulously chosen, boldly presents a variety of delectable dishes, such as Chutoro Sogigiri, Hamachi Nigiri and Ise Ebi Tempura.
