Looking to try a new culinary destination this year? You’ve come to the right place. From outdoor restaurants to magnificent lounge spots, here’s everything you need to know about what’s upcoming in the region and where to dine.
Yù & Mì
Yù & Mì has opened on the 36th floor of Mandarin Oriental Downtown, Dubai, offering a modern take on Chinese cuisine inspired by the lively spirit of 1960s Hong Kong. The restaurant combines classic flavors with contemporary techniques, set against panoramic city views. The menu features standout dishes such as Crispy Duck Salad, King Crab Xiao Long Bao, Sichuan-glazed beef short ribs, stir-fried king prawns with chilli and walnuts, and crispy rice in lobster broth. A highlight of the dining experience is the signature Peking Duck, carved tableside, adding both authenticity and theatrical flair to the meal.
Noia By The Pool
Mandarin Oriental Downtown, Dubai has introduced Noia by the Pool, a contemporary Greek rooftop venue located on the 11th floor, offering sweeping views of the Arabian Gulf. Led by Head Chef Michalis Margaritis, the restaurant presents a menu inspired by fresh, seasonal Greek and Mediterranean flavors. Guests can enjoy raw seafood, colorful salads, Seafood Orzo, Beef Giouvetsi, expertly grilled fish, and premium meats, followed by modern Greek desserts. The relaxed poolside terrace serves light, nourishing dishes, fresh juices, and cooling beverages, delivering an easygoing Mediterranean vibe in a stylish, sunlit setting.
TEZUKURI
TEZUKURI has launched in Dubai as a new destination dedicated to freshly prepared temaki, with each hand roll served directly by the chef and centered on premium-quality seafood. The menu offers a range of temaki selections, including Akaebi with Argentine red prawn and a hint of lime zest, Unakyu combining grilled eel and cucumber, and Takana Mentai made with spicy cod roe and Japanese mustard. Guests can also enjoy nigiri and sashimi, along with hot dishes such as avocado tempura, tebasaki karaage, ebi garlic butter, and indulgent A5 Japanese wagyu tenderloin. The experience is complemented by Japanese-inspired drinks, fine wines, and sparkling selections.
Sip Song
Sip Song, originally from Hong Kong and now based in the UAE, brings the vibrant flavors of Thai cuisine to life. The venue blends neon lighting with lush greenery, while a lively bar design takes inspiration from Thailand’s energetic street culture. Designed for sharing, the menu offers a variety of bold and comforting dishes, including zesty salads, crispy Thai fried chicken, and classic mango sticky rice. The experience is rounded off with creative beverages that add a refreshing, modern twist to well-loved Thai favorites.
The Magic Table
The Magic Table is set to open last December at Andaz Dubai The Palm, introducing its world-renowned immersive dining concept to Dubai for the first time. Created by illusionist duo The Clairvoyants, the experience combines interactive magic with refined dining as part of a limited six-month residency. Guests can choose between two evening sittings, each offering a carefully curated five-course set menu alongside a two-hour journey of captivating illusions and live performance.
FALCONE
FALCONE has opened in Al Barsha, introducing a slice of Naples to Dubai with its focus on wood-fired pizzas, handmade pasta, and freshly prepared gelato. Led by Chefs Roberta de Sario and Josh Stumbaugh, the menu blends traditional Italian comfort with inventive touches. Guests can enjoy classics like Margherita and Salame Piccante pizzas alongside standout dishes such as Spinaci e Scamorza and the indulgent Neapolitan Pizza Fritta, offering an authentic yet contemporary Italian dining experience.
China Tang Dubai
China Tang Dubai, located at The Lana Promenade in Business Bay, brings the elegance of 1930s Shanghai and the renowned Cantonese culinary heritage of Sir David Tang to the city. Set across two levels, the restaurant features striking Art Deco design, mirrored ceilings, bespoke stained glass, and a theatrical duck oven room. Led by Chef Li Zhenjun, the menu blends timeless favorites such as Sir David’s Hot and Sour Soup, tableside-carved Beijing Duck, and prawn har-gau with Dubai-exclusive creations including Honey-Glazed Beef Char Siu, Foie Gras Cherries, and Sichuan oil–poached coral grouper.
The Banc
London’s renowned restaurant The Banc has made its Dubai debut with the opening of a stylish new venue at the Renaissance Business Bay Hotel. Known for attracting celebrity diners and its bold Mediterrasian flavours, the Dubai outpost reflects the brand’s North London heritage through distinctive design elements such as vault-style doors, Fornasetti artwork, and atmospheric lighting. The menu showcases signature dishes including Bluefin Tuna Tataki, Wagyu short rib, and Alaskan crab legs, while decadent desserts like White Truffle Ice Cream add a luxurious finish to the dining experience.
Madame Li
This elegant Asian fusion restaurant is inspired by a well-travelled woman whose handwritten recipes combine exploration with tradition. Under the guidance of Chef Mehmet Ipar, the menu offers a harmonious mix of classic and modern dishes from China and Southeast Asia, designed for sharing. Signature offerings include Beef & Shimeji Mushroom Rice, Lobster Cheung Fun, and indulgent Wagyu & Foie Gras Dumplings, delivering a refined yet approachable dining experience.
CARBONE
CARBONE is making its Dubai debut at Atlantis The Royal, introducing its iconic New York–style Italian cuisine to the city. The restaurant combines nostalgia with luxury, featuring tuxedo-clad service captains, rich jewel-toned interiors, Venetian glass details, and a vibrant terrace that evokes the energy and charm of 1950s New York.
