Dubai’s restaurant scene never sits still, and this season is proof of it. From a two-Michelin-starred London institution making its Gulf debut to a UFC legend’s homage to Dagestani cuisine, here’s your complete guide to the 18 openings worth clearing your calendar for.
1. Gymkhana — Gate Village 7, DIFC
Opening: 1 September 2026
The most talked-about arrival of the season. Gymkhana, JKS Restaurants’ two-Michelin-starred London institution, brings its take on contemporary Indian cuisine — inspired by the elite social clubs of colonial India — to a two-level, 137-seat space complete with a peacock bar, mirrored ceilings and a terrace. Expect chaat-style sharing plates, tandoori specialities and biryanis, plus dishes created just for Dubai.
2. Hikiniku To Come — CMPLX, Al Quoz
Opening: September 2026
A cult Japanese Wagyu hamburg steak concept where freshly ground Wagyu patties are grilled right in front of you at an intimate counter. Expect an interactive, foodie-favourite experience built around the “just ground, just grilled, just cooked” philosophy.
3. Rocambolesco — SO/ Uptown Dubai, Uptown Tower
Opening: September 2026
A playful, two-storey contemporary Italian concept from Eclectic Hospitality, led by Michelin-recognised chef Luigi Stinga (formerly of one-star Talea by Antonio Guida). Built around la convivialità — the joy of shared dining — with indoor seating, a terrace and bar, plus an elevated dinner-only floor to follow later in the year.
4. Cyrano Maison Sociale — City Walk
Opening: September 2026
The Beirut-born favourite is moving from its relaxed lunch roots into a full aperitivo, dinner and late-night drinks concept. Chic, social European-inspired brasserie cooking with an effortlessly cool crowd expected.
5. 99 Sushi Bar — Dubai Creek Harbour
Opening: October 2026
The acclaimed Japanese haute cuisine brand begins a new Dubai chapter with an elegant new home, taking guests from refined lunches into sophisticated evening service.
6. Bobo Bagels — 51st Street, Jumeirah
Opening: Mid-October 2026
Beau. Bon. Bobo. A neighbourhood bagel shop built on 72-hour sourdough fermentation, house-made cream cheese and gravlax. Casual, cool and exactly the kind of spot to become a weekend ritual.
7. Kricket — Vida Emirates Hills
Opening: Coming soon, date TBC
The cult London restaurant known for its creative, contemporary take on Indian flavours lands in Dubai for its first international location. Cool, relaxed and modern.
8. Roka The Palm — Six Senses Residences The Palm, Palm Jumeirah
Opening: Coming soon, date TBC
Roka’s second Dubai address brings its signature robata-grilled dishes to a stylish, sophisticated rooftop setting on The Palm — Japanese robatayaki with sweeping views.
9. Café Kira — Across H by HUNA, Jumeirah
Opening: Later in 2026
A more casual sister concept to KIRA, moving through the day from morning pastries and coffee to lunch, sundowners and dinner. Relaxed, elegant and neighbourhood-chic.
10. The Duck & Rice — DIFC Square
Opening: Coming soon, date TBC
Alan Yau’s beloved London concept combines Cantonese roast duck and dim sum with the atmosphere of a classic British pub. Lively, quirky and unlike anything else opening this season.
11. Chotto Matte — The Ritz-Carlton, DIFC
Opening: 2026, date TBC
The bold, glamorous Japanese-Peruvian Nikkei hotspot is known globally for sushi, ceviche and robata dishes served against dramatic, art-led interiors with live DJs.
12. La Môme — Dubai Hills
Opening: 2026, date TBC
The Cannes-born favourite brings its glamorous French Riviera dining style — and lively evenings — to Dubai Hills, serving French-Mediterranean cuisine with Riviera flair.
13. LaVita Beach House — One at Palm Jumeirah, Dorchester Collection
Opening: 2026, date TBC
An Italian beach-house concept centred on seafood, pasta and leisurely Mediterranean dining, set within the Dorchester Collection’s Palm Jumeirah address. Luxe, relaxed and beachfront.
14. LucyLu — 25 Jump Street, One Central
Opening: 2026, date TBC
A Beirut-born restaurant and bar built to transition from intimate dining into a livelier late-night experience, serving Asian-inspired sharing plates in a moody, speakeasy-style setting.
15. Papakha — Downtown Dubai
Opening: 2026, date TBC
UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov’s restaurant and café concept celebrating the food and culture of Dagestan, with traditional flavours presented in a modern Dubai setting.
16. Osaka Nikkei — 35th floor, Mandarin Oriental Downtown Dubai
Opening: Coming soon, date TBC
An international Nikkei concept blending Japanese technique with bold Peruvian flavours, elevated high above the city with skyline dining views.
17. Pavyllon Dubai — Mandarin Oriental Downtown Dubai
Opening: Coming soon, date TBC
The gourmet counter concept from chef Yannick Alléno, whose restaurants collectively hold an extraordinary Michelin pedigree. Refined, elegant and thoroughly chef-led contemporary French cooking.
18. Levengi — Silver Tower, Business Bay
Opening: Coming soon, date TBC
A celebration of Azerbaijani flavours and traditional dishes in a warm, heritage-inspired, contemporary setting — a cuisine Dubai hasn’t seen much of until now.
Opening dates for concepts still marked “TBC” are subject to change — worth following each restaurant’s own social channels for confirmed booking dates closer to launch.
