Dubai’s dining scene never stops evolving, and 2025 is no exception. From lofty rooftop bars to hidden gems serving regional cuisine seldom seen here, these new restaurants opening soon in Dubai deserve a spot on your radar. Whether you’re a foodie always hunting for your next favorite table or a visitor keen to dine beyond the usual hotspots, here’s what to watch for.
Why Dubai’s restaurant landscape is always changing
Dubai is a city built on reinvention. Every few months, new restaurants emerge—some backed by global names, others rooted in local vision. What makes them exciting isn’t just novelty, but how each one offers a fresh angle: a twist on tradition, a daring aesthetic, or a location that gives you something extra beyond food (views, vibe, theatre).
As you pore through this list, keep in mind: opening dates sometimes shift, menus may evolve in soft launch periods, and reservations will be coveted early on.
MEI: Day-to-night Asian fine dining
Perched at Jumeirah Mina Al Salam, MEI intends to blur the line between daytime elegance and evening energy. Expect a refined menu rooted in Japanese and Chinese techniques—robata-grilled meats, claypot dishes, sushi flown in daily—during the early hours. Then after dark, MEI switches gears: lowered lighting, DJs, and a bar kept open late.
It’s ideal for those who want one place to span lunch, dinner, and late-night in style.
Orilla: Mediterranean flavors with an Asian twist
Coming to Hotel Local in Jumeirah Village Triangle, Orilla (Spanish for “shore”) channels coastal Mediterranean vibes, embellished by Asian culinary techniques. Chef Saradhi Dakara (formerly of The Maine Group) leads the vision here, bringing both comfort and flair. Light, breezy interiors and permitting a breezy terrace setting, Orilla feels like a summer escape—right in the city.
CARBONE Dubai: New York classic meets Dubai glam
The legendary CARBONE is finally landing in Dubai, at Atlantis The Royal, Palm Jumeirah. Think mid-century Italian-American elegance with tuxedoed service, classic red sauce fare, and that swagger New York made famous. If you’ve loved the original or its offshoots, this is a chance to see how the model translates into Dubai’s luxe dining circuit.
SANA: A modern Uzbek sound
This might be one of the more daring concepts on the list. SANA, located in Jumeirah Mina Al Salam, will reinterpret Uzbek cuisine through a contemporary lens. Under Chef Glen Ballis’s guidance (who has worked across London, Moscow, Melbourne), expect a blend of heritage flavors with unexpected touches that draw from Asia and the Silk Road tradition.
Felicità: Italy meets glamour
Coming soon to Address Sky View, Downtown Dubai, Felicità brings southern Italian charm to the city. Picture hand-painted tiles, vibrant décor, and romantic terraces. There’s also a speakeasy tucked behind the main space, promising late-night cocktails and live music. It’s a spot for those who want their Italian meal dipped in theatrical flair.
Yù & Mì: Retro Hong Kong meets modern Chinese
On the 36th floor of Mandarin Oriental Downtown Dubai, Yù & Mì offers a two-in-one experience: Yù is the cocktail bar (tea and botanicals infused drinks, low lighting), while Mì is the dining room, focusing on Cantonese and Sichuan classics. The tone is nostalgic but sleek—a nod to 1960s Hong Kong with a modern edge.
KIGO: Intimate Japanese omakase & kaiseki
Inside Four Seasons Dubai DIFC, KIGO will be a reserved, 44-seat counter-driven space (aji stone counter), led by chefs steeped in Japanese tradition. The menu pivots to seasonal ingredients—think delicate courses served one by one. Drink pairings follow the same philosophy: rare sake, subtle cocktails. This is for the diner who wants ritual, purity, and focus.
Tattu: Dining in the sky
At Ciel Dubai Marina (the world’s tallest hotel), Tattu aims to seduce with height, views, and design. On the 76th floor, the restaurant and bar pair with a rooftop infinity pool lounge. By day, expect a lighter Asian-fusion menu; by night, tasting menus, cocktails, and dramatic ambiance across indoor-outdoor spaces.
Canary Beach: Seaside vibes & fusion eats
From the minds behind The MAINE and Canary Club, Canary Beach lands at Club Vista Mare, Palm Jumeirah. Japanese-Mexican cuisine dominates: sushi, ceviches, crudos. The setup is laid-back, with lounge bars, terraces, and beachy flair. It’s built for sharing, social hours, and golden hour scenes.
Chôm Chôm: Hanoi to Dubai
In Al Barsha (Galleria Mall), Chôm Chôm channels Vietnamese street food culture. Think pho, banh mi, grilled meats, tropical shakes, and dessert ice creams. Casual, vibrant, and animated—much like you’d encounter in the cafés of Saigon. It promises a taste of Southeast Asia in a friendly, approachable setting.
Must-book alerts & tips
- Reservations open fast: For hotspots like CARBONE or MEI, booking the first available dates will be a challenge. Keep an eye on official channels.
- Soft openings first: Many of these restaurants will begin with limited menus or by invitation—menus might evolve over weeks.
- Dinner dress code & timing: Higher-end locations (MEI, KIGO, CARBONE) may impose smart casual attire and staggered seatings.
- Expect pricing to command premium: New-to-market concepts often price above average, especially during the early months.
- Watch social media & influencer coverage: Many openings are teased via Instagram, giving clues about menus, interiors, and opening dates.
Why these restaurants stand out
- Variety in cuisine: From Uzbek to Japanese to Vietnamese, Dubai’s upcoming roster doesn’t just add more Mediterranean or pan-Asian.
- Atmosphere-first design: These aren’t just places to eat—they’re places to feel something (rooftop thrill, beach calm, retro chic).
- Strong chefs & names behind them: Many are backed by chefs with international reputations or existing hospitality groups.
- Experiential angle: Whether it’s a DJ night, live music, late cocktails, or chef’s counter focus, each spot offers more than a menu.
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