New restaurants in Dubai? Here’s what’s cooking
Is Dubai a foodie city? Short answer: yes, very much so. Every new restaurant that opens brings its own story – a unique concept or a twist that makes it stand out. With a new wave of openings across the city in 2026, here are 10 new restaurants in Dubai to check out.
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Nobu One Za’abeel
Image: Provided
Gymkhana
Image: Gymkhana Instagram
DOTS
Image: platinumlist website
L’Avenue
Image: L’Avenue Instagram
Neo Temaki
Image: Neo Temaki Instagram
Osaka Nikkei
Image: Osaka Nikkei Instagram
Scott’s
Image: Scott’s Instagram
Window
Image: Window Instagram
Nobu One Za’abeel
Nobu is opening at The Link in One Za’abeel, bringing its Japanese-Peruvian menu to one of the city’s most striking addresses. This will be the brand’s third location in Dubai, set high above the skyline with a spacious dining room, private areas, a lounge and a bar framed by floor-to-ceiling windows. The design stays true to Nobu’s signature style with a more futuristic edge, and for the first time in Dubai, the restaurant will introduce live entertainment as part of the experience. Founded by chef Nobu Matsuhisa with Robert De Niro and Meir Teper, this opening is already one to watch for 2026.
Where: Nobu, The Link, One Za’abeel
Contact: @therealnobu
Gymkhana
Gymkhana is set to open in DIFC, bringing one of London’s most celebrated Indian restaurants to Dubai. Originally from Mayfair, the restaurant is known for its contemporary take on classic Indian cooking, inspired by the social clubs of colonial India and updated for a modern dining crowd. The menu is expected to focus on North Indian flavours, with much-loved dishes like tandoori masala lamb chops, kid-goat methi keema with pao and richly spiced biryanis. With its reputation firmly established in London, Gymkhana’s Dubai debut is shaping up to be a big moment for Indian dining in the city in 2026.
Where: Gymkhana, DIFC
Contact: @gymkhanalondon
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AVLU
AVLU is set to open on Palm Jumeirah, bringing Greek and Turkish flavours together in a relaxed, contemporary setting. Inspired by the Aegean, the menu will focus on familiar dishes with a modern touch. Expect signature dishes like grilled Greek octopus, salt-cooked wild seabass and slow-cooked Turkish lamb shoulder, all paired with a warm, welcoming atmosphere. With its coastal influence and crowd-pleasing menu, AVLU is one to watch among the new restaurants opening in Dubai in 2026.
Where: AVLU, Palm Jumeirah
Contact: avlurestaurant.com
DOTS
DOTS is heading to Al Fattan Currency House, bringing its first international outpost from Vienna to DIFC. The concept sits between restaurant, art space and late-night spot. By day, it’s all about robata-grilled plates, sushi and spicy salmon tartare in a gallery-style setting. After 11pm, the lights drop, the music comes up, and the room transforms into an after-dark vibe.
Where: DOTS, Al Fattan Currency House, DIFC
L’Avenue
L’Avenue is set to open in Dubai Mall’s Fashion Avenue, bringing a slice of Paris to one of the city’s most glamorous shopping districts. Created by the Costes group, the restaurant is known for its elegant interiors and effortless café-restaurant style. The Dubai opening will look out over the Dubai Fountains, with a menu inspired by international flavours. Expect dishes like yellowtail ceviche alongside the brand’s much-loved crackers cheesecake.
Where: L’Avenue, Fashion Avenue, Dubai Mall
Contact: @lavenuedubai
Neo Temaki
Neo Temaki lands at JW Marriott Marquis Dubai in 2026, bringing its playful, high-energy take on Japanese handrolls to the hotel’s F&B scene. After a hit pop-up at Sole DXB, the colourful, flavour-packed temakis are ready to roll again. Watch chefs in action, snap vibrant plates for the ‘gram, and enjoy a casual, lively Japanese dining experience.
Location: Neo Temaki, JW Marriott Marquis Dubai
Contact: @neotemakidxb
Osaka Nikkei
Osaka Nikkei is coming to the Mandarin Oriental in Downtown Dubai, bringing its celebrated Japanese–Peruvian fusion straight from Peru. Known for blending Nikkei flavours with modern touches, the restaurant promises a menu packed with tiraditos, quinoa rolls, sushi with an Andean twist, and desserts that combine yuzu or lucuma with miso. Already iconic in Lima, Osaka Nikkei’s Dubai outpost is set to become a must-visit spot for 2026, bringing a vibrant, flavour-forward experience in the heart of the city.
Location: Osaka Nikkei, Mandarin Oriental, Downtown Dubai
Contact: osakanikkei.com
Scott’s
Scott’s is bringing its legendary London seafood experience to DIFC, opening in Gate Village in 2026. Known for impeccably sourced fish, pristine oysters and a dining room that has long drawn A-listers, the Mayfair original has been a mainstay of fine dining for over a century. Founded in 1851 as a humble oyster warehouse, Scott’s grew into the iconic Mount Street restaurant before earning its global reputation. The Dubai outpost promises the same polished British seafood, timeless glamour and classic dishes that have made it a favourite for generations.
Location: Scott’s, Gate Village, DIFC
Contact: @scottsmayfair
Window
Window, the new concept from FYTE Hospitality (the team behind Kokoro), is opening in Alserkal Avenue in January 2026. This intimate, chef-driven spot focuses on live-fire cooking, with ember-charred vegetables, flame-grilled meats and smoke-infused dishes crafted with precision. The space is quietly expressive, featuring natural textures, warm woods and a central hearth that gives it a calm, neighbourhood vibe.
Location: Window, Alserkal Avenue
Contact: @window.dxb
ZEA
ZEA is opening in DIFC this January, bringing a new Mediterranean lounge and dining concept to Emirates Financial Towers. The space feels warm and inviting, with olive-toned interiors and soft golden lighting that set the tone for relaxed, stylish meals. The menu focuses on vibrant starters, seafood, ceviches with Peruvian touches, fire-kissed mains, handcrafted pastas and elevated comfort dishes. The bar complements the food with herb- and citrus-infused cocktails and a curated wine list from France, Italy, Spain, Lebanon and North Africa, making ZEA a versatile spot for everything from casual lunches to evening gatherings.
Location: ZEA, Emirates Financial Towers, DIFC
Contact: @zea.dubai
Images: Provided/Instagram
