From fine dining to creative culinary gems, explore Dubai’s tastiest new restaurant openings this year.
Dubai’s ever-evolving culinary scene has outdone itself in 2025. From award-winning international imports to homegrown concepts celebrating global cuisines, the city continues to cement its place as a world-class dining destination. Whether you’re looking for an elegant steakhouse with views of the Burj Al Arab, a laid-back Mediterranean bistro, or a cultural culinary journey through Korea, Japan, or the Emirates — these new restaurants are worth adding to your must-visit list.
1. Elaia – Mediterranean Soul at Pier 7
Location: 4th Floor, Pier 7, Dubai Marina
Elaia offers a modern Mediterranean bistro experience in the heart of Dubai Marina. With mezze-style starters, wood-fired pizzas, and coastal classics like salt-baked red snapper and grilled octopus, Elaia is all about sharing good food in a relaxed setting. The inviting lounge, open terrace, and lively atmosphere make it a social dining haven.
Must-Try: Smoked eggplant melitzanosalata, handmade keftedes, harissa romesco octopus
2. Culinara – A Sky-High Culinary Playground
Location: 24th Floor, The Link at One Za’abeel, Za’abeel 1
Culinara unites 12 inventive homegrown concepts in one dynamic space suspended 100m above Dubai. Highlights include Mediterranean small plates at The Dish, Japanese ramen at SIO by Reif Othman, and Joumana’s Table’s comforting Levantine flavours. It’s a culinary world tour under one roof.
Must-Try: SIO ramen bowls, Persian bites, Joumana’s Table’s family-style platters
3. Harummanis – Malaysian Heritage on a Plate
Location: Wasl 51, Al Wasl Road, Jumeirah
From hawker stall roots to global acclaim, Harummanis serves up bold Malaysian flavours with flair. Enjoy sambal-infused seafood, rendang tok, and nasi lemak in a Michelin Bib Gourmand-worthy setting that’s both authentic and elevated.
Must-Try: Char kway teow, lontong, sambal squid
4. FORMA – Pizza Meets Art in Jumeirah
Location: Al Safa Art & Design Library, Jumeirah 3
FORMA blends culinary and artistic creativity inside a cultural library. Expect beautifully crafted light pizzas (think miso corn or beef bacon pistachio), inventive small plates, and sunlit interiors perfect for lazy afternoons.
Must-Try: Burrata poppers with hot honey, halloumi panzanella, miso corn pizza
5. Kumo – Grounded Japanese Elegance
Location: 19th Street, Al Wasl Road
Step into a serene Kyoto-style villa where tradition meets minimalism. Kumo’s “grounded Japanese” approach strips away excess and focuses on seasonal, thoughtful dishes prepared with quiet precision and artistic care.
Must-Try: Menu is still under wraps — expect simple, high-quality seasonal dishes with refined execution
6. China Tang – Cantonese Chic at The Lana
Location: The Lana, Dorchester Collection, Business Bay
An institution from London, China Tang offers high-end Cantonese cuisine with Art Deco opulence. Their signature duck oven, expertly prepared dim sum, and Shanghai-inspired interiors redefine fine dining.
Must-Try: Signature roast duck, dim sum, Cantonese steamed fish
7. HANU – Contemporary Korean at Palm Jumeirah
Location: St. Regis Gardens, Palm Jumeirah
HANU is where traditional Korean flavours meet modern technique. Expect elevated Korean barbecue, artistic presentation, and a space that immerses guests in South Korea’s rich food culture.
Must-Try: Korean short ribs, gochujang-glazed chicken, jeon (pancakes)
8. Girl & the Goose – Central American Charm
Location: Anantara Downtown Dubai Hotel, Business Bay
Led by chef Gabriela Chamorro, this Central American restaurant brings bold and colourful flavours from Nicaragua to Panama. Inspired by her supper club roots, it’s an experience that feels both personal and powerful.
Must-Try: Seabass ceviche, gallo pinto, plantain-based starters
9. The Cullinan – Dubai’s Newest Steakhouse Star
Location: Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab
With 25 cuts of premium beef and waterfront views, The Cullinan is a carnivore’s dream. Enjoy Wagyu, Tomahawk, and a refined seafood selection in a luxe, contemporary setting.
Must-Try: A5 Hokkaido Wagyu, prime tomahawk, lobster sides
10. A Normal Day – Comfort in Every Bite
Location: Dar Al Wasl Mall, Al Wasl
This charming bistro brings simple pleasures to the table with breakfast classics, comfort dishes, and a warm neighbourhood feel. Think eggs, fresh breads, and home-style plates, all done right.
Must-Try: Reimagined shakshuka, sourdough pancakes, signature sandwiches
11. Rowley’s – British Steak Frites in DIFC
Location: Central Park Tower, DIFC
This British steakhouse keeps it classic and concise: steak, salad, unlimited fries, and rotating daily cakes. At AED138 for the signature steak, it’s a high-quality experience without the fuss.
Must-Try: Signature steak with secret sauce, daily cake special
12. The Beam – Elegant Bistro by the Beach
Location: Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa, Dubai Marina
Chef Nick Alvis serves up seasonal, European-inspired dishes in a laid-back beachfront setting. From salt cod starters to truffle-braised beef cheeks, this is thoughtful comfort food at its finest.
Must-Try: Artichoke risotto, seafood counter specials, nutmeg custard tart
13. Gerbou – Emirati Heritage Reinvented
Location: Nad Al Sheba 1
Gerbou reinvents Emirati cuisine using modern techniques and sustainable ingredients. Highlights include underground pit-cooked meats, handmade pastries, and interiors inspired by local craftsmanship.
Must-Try: Underground-smoked lamb, date desserts by Sahar Al Awadhi
14. Romeo Lane – Indian-Japanese Fusion
Location: Pullman Hotel Dubai, Business Bay
From tuna pani puri to robata-grilled delights, Romeo Lane blends Indian and Japanese cuisines with bold creativity. Butter chicken with garlic naan gets a modern twist you won’t forget.
Must-Try: Shroom Bomb, tuna pani puri, Romeo’s butter chicken
15. Bar des Prés – French-Japanese Glamour
Location: 51st Floor, ICD Brookfield Place, DIFC
Chef Cyril Lignac brings his Paris-meets-Tokyo concept to Dubai with precision sushi, stylish interiors and unmatched skyline views.
Must-Try: Sushi omakase counter, miso-marinated black cod, foie gras gyoza
16. CQ French Brasserie – Parisian Vibes in JLT
Location: Mövenpick Hotel, JLT
With steak frites, escargots, and pain perdu on the menu, CQ French Brasserie blends classic French dining with contemporary flair in a warm, fine-casual setting.
Must-Try: Croquette de short ribs et comté, poisson frites, crème brûlée
17. folly Brasserie – European Fine Dining in Emirates Hills
Location: Address Montgomerie Hotel, Emirates Hills
A reinvented classic, folly Brasserie serves award-winning European fare in a light-filled conservatory with terrace views over a championship golf course.
Must-Try: Beef tartare, herb-crusted lamb, seasonal tasting menus
18. Duck & Waffle – Playful British Fare in DIFC
Location: Innovation Building, DIFC
Duck & Waffle brings London’s famous comfort food to Dubai with a twist – think duck leg confit on waffles, BBQ lamb ribs, and inventive breakfast combos.
Must-Try: Signature Duck & Waffle, Eton smoothie, BBQ lamb ribs
19. Le Relais de L’Entrecôte – French Icon in Downtown Dubai
Location: ME Hotel, The Opus, Business Bay
This legendary Parisian steakhouse lands in Dubai with its famous steak-frites, walnut salad, and top-secret sauce. A must for Francophiles.
Must-Try: Entrecôte steak with secret sauce, chocolate profiteroles
20. District 8 – Multi-Concept Marina Marvel
Location: Marina Walk, Dubai Marina
District 8 blends dining and entertainment across three unique concepts — Blume (Mediterranean), Rodina (Slavic fusion), and Luxuria (night lounge) — in a beautifully curated venue with botanical flair.
Must-Try: Blume’s seasonal produce-forward dishes, Rodina’s Slavic pierogi
21. MiMi Mei Fair – Chinese Royalty Reimagined
Location: Address Residences Dubai Opera
London’s famed restaurant opens its Dubai doors with lavish interiors and a menu that includes Peking duck, live lobster, and opulent vegetarian creations.
Must-Try: Apple wood-fired duck, XO okra, sesame custard tart
22. Sirene Beach by GAIA – Aegean Bliss by the Sea
Location: J1 Beach, Jumeirah 1
From Greek mezze to fresh seafood, this beachside venue by chef Izu Ani fuses culinary craftsmanship with beachfront luxury. Expect elegant dining, private cabanas, and seasonal flavours.
Must-Try: Sea bream carpaccio, rooster pasta, frozen Greek yogurt
23. FZN by Björn Frantzén – A Michelin-Starred Marvel
Location: Atlantis, The Palm, Palm Jumeirah
One of Dubai’s most exclusive restaurants, FZN offers a 9-course tasting menu that fuses Nordic techniques with Japanese purity. With only 27 seats, it’s intimate, luxurious and unforgettable.
Must-Try: Entire tasting menu — released monthly, book early!
Final Thoughts: Where to Eat in Dubai in 2025
With new concepts launching across Marina, DIFC, Palm Jumeirah, and Downtown, Dubai’s 2025 restaurant landscape offers something for every palate and every mood. Whether you’re a passionate foodie, a curious traveler, or a resident looking for your next favourite spot, these new restaurants are redefining the art of dining in the UAE.