Exciting New Restaurants and Bars Opening Soon in Dubai

In 2023, Dubai welcomed over 100 new restaurants and bars, and the excitement isn’t slowing down as we look forward to even more openings in 2024. From upscale dining establishments to vibrant beach clubs, rooftop lounges, and casual diners, the culinary landscape of Dubai continues to evolve and entice. If you’re eager to explore new dining experiences right now or are curious about the upcoming spots to watch, we have compiled a list of the most anticipated new restaurants and bars opening soon in Dubai.

Restaurants Opening Soon in Dubai

African Queen

Where: J1 Beach, La Mer
Cuisine: Mediterranean
What we know so far: African Queen is set to make its debut outside Europe at J1 Beach, offering a fine dining experience in a laid-back atmosphere. Under the guidance of Chef Thierry Paludetto, guests can expect a delightful twist on traditional Mediterranean dishes, including artichokes with vinaigrette and parmesan, tableside-prepared salade niçoise with tuna belly, and filet au poivre. La Mer.

Bar des Prés

Where: ICD Brookfield Place
Cuisine: French-Asian
What we know so far: This new venue will bring a fusion of French and East Asian flavors to Dubai. Helmed by chef Cyril Lignac, Bar des Prés will be the fourth location of this popular restaurant, following successful openings in London and Paris. Guests can savor seasonal dishes that combine French and Japanese culinary techniques, such as green asparagus with caramelized miso and a crunchy crab and avocado galette. The dessert offerings will include classic French treats like Guanaja chocolate soufflé and pecan praline mille-feuille. ICD Brookfield Place, DIFC.

CARBONE

Where: Atlantis The Royal
Cuisine: Italian American
What we know so far: The famed New York Italian restaurant, CARBONE, is set to grace Dubai with its presence in early 2025. Renowned for its classic dishes like veal parmesan and linguine vongole, CARBONE has gained a celebrity following in the US, hosting stars like Rihanna and Kim Kardashian. Expect an elegant dining experience reminiscent of 1950s New York, complete with tuxedo-clad waiters. Palm Jumeirah.

Duck & Waffle

Where: DIFC
Cuisine: British-American
What we know so far: The beloved London restaurant Duck & Waffle is making its way to Dubai this November. Unlike its towering London counterpart, the Dubai location will feature a spacious 10,000-square-foot setting. Known for its all-day dining options, the restaurant will serve a mix of modern British and American dishes, including its signature Duck & Waffle, which consists of crispy duck leg confit, fried duck egg, and mustard maple syrup. DIFC.

Frou Frou

Where: The Lana Promenade
Cuisine: French
What we know so far: Frou Frou aims to transport guests to the glamour of early 20th-century Paris. This will be the third location for the Frou Frou brand, with another opening planned in Marbella, Spain. Led by chef Leonid Ivanov, the restaurant will put a modern spin on classic French cuisine. Business Bay.

Gatsby Barcelona

Where: Palm Jumeirah
Cuisine: Spanish
What we know so far: “A little party never killed nobody.” That’s the motto of the upcoming Gatsby Barcelona, an exciting dinner show concept set to launch in Palm Jumeirah. This glamorous restaurant promises a unique dining experience complemented by live entertainment. Details about the exact location are still under wraps, but it’s shaping up to be a thrilling destination for a night out. Palm Jumeirah.

Gerbou

Where: Nad Al Sheba
Cuisine: Emirati
What we know so far: Expected to open in late 2024, Gerbou, meaning “welcome” in Arabic, aims to be a celebration of Arab and Emirati cuisine. It will be one of the few restaurants in Dubai dedicated to promoting the rich flavors and traditions of Emirati dishes. Nad Al Sheba. @gerbou.

Il Gattopardo

Where: ICD Brookfield Place
Cuisine: Italian
What we know so far: Drawing inspiration from the classic novel, Il Gattopardo promises to encapsulate the essence of the Italian Riviera and the vibrancy of Milan and Venice. The restaurant will be open from noon until late, focusing on leisurely lunches and late-night drinks, featuring an intimate lounge with resident DJs. Executive chef Massimo Pasquarelli will oversee a menu that includes modern interpretations of Italian classics, using seasonal ingredients like Sicilian Mazara prawns and stracciatella agnolotti. ICD Brookfield Place, DIFC.

Meat the Fish

Where: Marsa Al Arab Marina
Cuisine: Seafood
What we know so far: The well-known Beirut-born restaurant, Meat the Fish, is set to open at Marsa Al Arab Marina, showcasing a seasonal menu infused with Mediterranean flavors. Originally starting as a meat home delivery service, Meat the Fish has grown into a global brand with locations in London and Lebanon, and now it’s bringing its culinary expertise to Dubai. Jumeirah Beach Road.

MiMi Mei Fair

Where: Downtown Dubai
Cuisine: Chinese
What we know so far: MiMi Mei Fair Dubai aims to create an elevated dining experience inspired by the Forbidden Palace of Beijing. The original Mayfair location is renowned for its Peking duck, and we hope to see this beloved dish featured in the Dubai branch when it opens later this year. Downtown Dubai.

Mūn

Where: J1 Beach, La Mer
Cuisine: Asian
What we know so far: The Parisian import Mūn is set to offer a refined ode to Asian cuisine in an authentic oriental beach garden at J1 Beach. This will be the second location for Mūn, promising a picturesque setting ideal for sharing plates by the sea. La Mer.

Sexy Fish

Where: DIFC
Cuisine: Asian
What we know so far: The stylish London-born restaurant Sexy Fish is set to open in Dubai in autumn 2024. This contemporary Japanese restaurant will bring a fusion of Asian and European influences, featuring dishes like black cod, king crab, and gold-flaked sea bass. DIFC.

TANG Restaurant

Where: The Palace Hotel
Cuisine: Asian
What we know so far: TANG promises a luxurious take on izakaya-style dining with classic Cantonese influences. Inspired by the ancient Chinese dynasty known for its creativity, TANG aims to offer a vibrant menu brimming with bold Asian flavors and exquisite presentation. Downtown Dubai.

Bars and Beach Clubs Opening Soon in Dubai

1920

Where: ICD Brookfield Place
What we know so far: The 52nd-floor bar ‘1920’ boasts an Art Deco design and has seating for 78 guests. Offering breathtaking city views, evening entertainment, and a sophisticated drinks menu featuring creative cocktails and vintage bubbly, it’s poised to be the go-to post-dinner spot in DIFC. The design draws inspiration from the Manhattan skyscrapers of the 1920s, blending modern industrial elements. ICD Brookfield Place, DIFC.

Bâoli

Where: J1 Beach, La Mer
Cuisine: Japanese
What we know so far: Bâoli, known for its modern Japanese cuisine infused with innovative Asian flavors, will be a highlight of the new openings at J1 Beach. With locations in Miami, Cannes, and soon Dubai, this jungle-themed venue promises a sanctuary-like atmosphere. La Mer.

Chouchou

Where: J1 Beach, La Mer
Cuisine: French
What we know so far: Launching its first global outpost at J1 Beach, Chouchou will feature a beach and pool lounge, serving upscale family-style French cuisine with a twist. The exclusive members-only beach house will include a living room, rooftop terrace, and a signature pool. Expect signature dishes such as seafood towers with oysters and caviar, salt-crusted chicken, and sweet chouchou. La Mer.

Crazy Horse

Where: Address Downtown
Cuisine: French
What we know so far: Crazy Horse Paris, the iconic cabaret show that began in France in the 1950s, is set to debut in Dubai. After successful tours in the US, UK, and Australia, this marks its first performance in the GCC. The experience will blend captivating dinner service with mesmerizing performances, featuring lounge tables, rich crimson velvet decor, and an intimate theater-like ambiance. Downtown Dubai.

Kaimana

Where: J1 Beach, La Mer
Cuisine: Asian-Polynesian
What we know so far: Kaimana, meaning “spirit of the ocean” in Polynesian culture, will offer a unique dining experience inspired by Asian-Polynesian flavors. Guests can look forward to dishes like flame-broiled short ribs with fragrant furikake rice and tropical salmon salad featuring Pacific salmon, avocado, tomatoes, and tangerine dressing. The venue will also have its own private pool and beach area. La Mer.

La Baia

Where: J1 Beach, La Mer
Cuisine: Italian
What we know so far: From Manhattan, La Baia will bring a touch of the Amalfi Coast to Dubai, featuring an elegant yet understated restaurant with indoor and al fresco dining, as well as its own beach area. With stunning panoramic views of the sea and ample sunbeds, it promises to be another beach-club-style dining destination. La Mer.

LÚNICO

Where: J1 Beach, La Mer
Cuisine: Spanish
What we know so far: LÚNICO will offer “an immersive journey into the world of Spanish-Mediterranean cuisine” at J1 Beach, aiming to establish itself as a lively venue with memorable dining experiences and live entertainment. La Mer.

Ninive Beach Dubai

Where: J1 Beach, La Mer
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
What we know so far: From the creators behind some of Dubai’s hottest restaurants, Rikas Group is set to launch Ninive Beach at J1 Beach. With enchanting lights, lush greenery, and Middle Eastern-inspired decor, Ninive promises to offer a culinary journey through the Middle East and North Africa, drawing influences from Iran, Iraq, Turkey, and Morocco. J1 Beach, La Mer.

Sakhalin

Where: J1 Beach, La Mer
Cuisine: Mediterranean-Asian
What we know so far: Sakhalin will present an enticing blend of Mediterranean and Asian recipes, creating a unique ‘MediterrAsian’ cuisine. Executive chef Alexey Kogay will curate a menu featuring dishes like the goldfish roll—golden nori with bluefin toro and truffle, topped with black caviar—and a decadent Sakhalin tiramisu. The venue will feature a beach-view terrace and a central fountain, with a shimmering illuminated roof installation. La Mer.

Sirene by Gaia

Where: J1 Beach
Cuisine: Greek
What we know so far: Sirene Beach by Gaia, created by chefs Izu Ani and Evgeny Kuzin, will bring a luxurious beachside experience to Dubai, featuring a special menu and live entertainment. This venue is set to offer a delightful combination of Greek-Mediterranean flavors in a stunning seaside setting. La Mer.

Zuma Beachhouse

Where: La Mer Beach
What we know so far: Renowned for its exceptional dining experience, Zuma Dubai is planning to open a new beachside restaurant in 2025. Located at La Mer, adjacent to the upcoming Gran Melia Dubai hotel, Zuma Dubai Beachhouse will feature a sleek pool with day beds, a lounge and bar with sea views, and access to a private beach. Guests can expect Zuma’s creative cocktails and an izakaya menu that mirrors the offerings of the original Zuma Dubai. La Mer Beach.

Need a Reservation in the Meantime?

While eagerly awaiting these new openings, why not explore some of Dubai’s best restaurants that you can visit right now? From casual dining to fine dining experiences, there’s bound to be a new venue that piques your interest.

• These are Dubai’s best restaurants: 85 incredible places to dine in 2024
• All the winners of the Time Out Dubai Restaurant Awards 2024
• 25 of the best restaurants in DIFC: Reservations you have to make now
• Tried, tested, and highly rated restaurants to try in Dubai’s financial district.