Life
New restaurants appear in Dubai on an almost weekly basis, making it a challenge to stay current with the city’s dynamic culinary landscape. This year has welcomed acclaimed international imports and exciting homegrown concepts alike. We have explored the latest openings to curate a list of the most compelling new venues worth discovering this very weekend.
DIME
With DIME, the focus is laser-sharp, offering just two burgers prepared and plated to absolute perfection. Every element, from the buns to the pickles and signature sauce, is made in-house after months of testing. The concise menu is rounded out with crispy nuggets, waffle fries, pies, and classic milkshakes. The vibe is effortlessly retro, featuring polished metal, warm wood, and booth seating lit by custom fixtures, creating a timeless diner aesthetic dedicated to burger excellence.
Kumo
In a converted villa on Al Wasl Road, Kumo offers refined Japanese cuisine from the team behind Independent. The name means “cloud,” and the space feels like a sophisticated, minimal Japanese residence filled with natural light. The villa is divided between a dedicated matcha bar, an open sushi counter, and a serene dining room. The modern menu balances tradition with contemporary approaches, featuring standout yellowtail tiradito, wagyu tataki, and exceptional A5 wagyu nigiri. It represents a successful evolution into elevated casual dining.
Forma
At the doorstep of Jumeirah’s public library, Forma brings together handcrafted pizzas and specialty coffee. The space is inspired by its bookish neighbour, with artsy decor and thoughtfully placed books creating an intellectual yet approachable atmosphere. The concise menu impresses with both classic and inventive combinations. The Six Cheeses pizza showcases technical excellence, while the meatless Miso Corn option, with its complex textures and flavours, is surprisingly memorable and deeply satisfying.
Mayg
In Dubai Design District, Mayg elegantly bridges Japanese precision with French technique under executive chef Aadel Ouaoua. The philosophy of “simplicity and complexity” translates to restrained flavours met with intricate execution on every plate. Cloud-like chandeliers and copper accents define the elegant interior, which includes a private dining room. The menu features buttery escargot, flavour-layered burgers, and perfect pasta, though the rich mi cuit dessert alone warrants a return visit. Sustainability is key, with local sourcing prioritized alongside exceptional Japanese imports.
Address: Building 11, Dubai Design District
Gusto
On the ground floor of Burj Daman Tower in DIFC, Gusto unfolds like a perfect day in Milan. The intimate, 42-seat space transitions from a morning café to an elegant evening restaurant with marble tables and art-lined walls. Founder Carlo Tinelli distilled his favourite Milanese details into this polished concept. The restrained menu focuses on Italian basics done exceptionally well, from creamy burrata to a blistered margherita pizza. The standout tagliolini al tartufo is luxuriously creamy with a lingering truffle finish, embodying the restaurant’s refined yet warm hospitality.
Address: Burj Daman Building, Al Mustaqbal St 16, DIFC
Ostura
Ostura is a modern Middle Eastern restaurant inspired by the enchanting tales of One Thousand and One Nights. The venue masterfully combines refined regional cuisine with contemporary design and live entertainment for a truly immersive experience. Warm lighting and opulent details set the stage, while a narrative of a hidden genie adds a theatrical element to the evening. The menu spans from traditional mezze to wood-fired mains and desserts, all balancing authenticity with elevated technique. Stay after dinner for Oriental house music that continues into the night.
Elaia
On the fourth floor of Pier 7, Elaia brings a confident Mediterranean ease to Dubai Marina. Named after the Greek word for olive, the restaurant draws inspiration from shared tables and lingering meals. The intimate space, washed in soft blues with potted olive trees, offers wraparound views of the marina. The sharing-style menu spans from crisp baby calamari to Oscietra caviar and lobster. Standouts include the seabass carpaccio and the rich, comforting paccheri elaia pasta, with thoughtful options for gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian diners.
Address: Pier 7, Dubai Marina
Mirabelle
Mirabelle is an unapologetic celebration of hardcore French cuisine, plated with a contemporary touch at Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab. Chef Sacha Enjalbert’s devotion to tradition is clear in dishes like garlicky Burgundy snails and homemade foie gras. The modern setting shimmers in oyster and gold, with a multi-tiered terrace offering stunning Burj Al Arab views. Mains are deeply committed, from a pink veal chop with morel sauce to Dover sole meunière. While plant-based options are limited, the exceptional sides and fatal, deeply French desserts more than compensate.
Address: Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, Jumeirah Road, Umm Suqeim 3
