21 new restaurants to see (and to be seen at) this month

Enjoy culinary adventures this March across Dubai and Abu Dhabi with these new restaurants – if you can get a reservation…

Dubai

AVATARA

With Trèsind Studio moving to a new location at the Nakheel Mall Rooftop, a new restaurant from the Passion F&B team has taken up residence in the space. An exclusively curated vegetarian degustation experience, dubbed ‘a reincarnation of soulful Indian food’, now awaits at the newly opened AVATARA. Here, the menu showcases a modern avatar of the techniques, philosophy and story of soulful Indian food owing to the fact that, originally, Indian cuisine was predominantly vegetarian. AVATARA has a capacity of only 24, making for a highly personalised dining experience. Two seatings – 6:30pm and 9pm – are on offer every night from Tuesday to Sunday, with the experience priced at AED 375 per person.

GO: Call 058 143 2867 for reservations or more information.

Bar du Port

Combining the relaxed charm of the Ligurian Riviera with the glamour and playfulness of the Côte d’Azur and the subtle simplicity of the Greek islands, this bar and brasserie exudes an aura of sophisticated comfort through bohemian décor that defines understated luxury. Executive Chef Hadi Saroufim’s menu features French-influenced cuisine and Mediterranean coastal flavours, including escargots, oysters, langoustine linguine, wood-grilled octopus, slow-cooked grain-fed Angus short ribs and pain perdu with caramel sauce. A spacious terrace with views of the new Dubai Harbour provides the feeling of being transported to the shores of an enchanting Mediterranean island.

GO: Follow @barduportdubai on Instagram for reservations or more information.

Belcanto

Residing on the rooftop of Dubai Opera, Belcanto will open its doors this month. Diners are invited to embrace a menu orchestrated by Chef Giacomo Lombardi, who brings a unique combination of tradition and innovation to his role, with dishes representing ultra-modern and classic Italian flavours. Born in Tuscany and gaining experience in France, Germany, Switzerland, Monaco and South Korea, Lombardi is renowned for popularising Italian cuisine and elevating guest experiences at some of the world’s most popular F&B venues.

GO: Follow @belcantodxb on Instagram for more information.

Bistrot90

At Bistrot90 inside Fairmont Dubai, authentic Italian flavours are paired with modern flair, served alongside sustainable grape from vineyards across Italy and beyond, and accented by varying interactive performances and a resident DJ taking to the decks each night. Over in the kitchen, Italian Head Chef Umberto Esposto has crafted a menu comprising handmade pastas, risottos and pinsas, as well as specialities from land and sea.

GO: Visit www.bistrot90.com or call 058 532 1447 for reservations or more information.

BeefBar

Breaking the classical and stiff codes often associated with steakhouses, Beefbar Dubai offers modern luxury, combining Parisian Art Deco flair with Dubai’s contemporary desert lifestyle. Beefbar Dubai’s menu features street food dishes with a twist, including Japanese gyoza, Chinese bao buns and Mexican quesadillas filled with smoked Kobe beef. For meat lovers, there’s corn-fed Black Angus from the United States, grain-fed Wagyu from Australia and Japanese Kobe beef. In addition, the signature shawarma is unique to the Dubai and London locations, filled with grain-fed Angus and Wagyu beef and presented with special Beefbar tahini and fries.

GO: Visit https://dubai.beefbar.com for reservations or more information.

Café Beirut

Café Beirut, also known as Kahwet Beirut, is now open in Al Murooj Complex. Stunning views of Burj Khalifa can be enjoyed from the outside garden, while a large indoor area is enhanced by a traditional ceramic water fountain and an olive tree, evocative of Beirut in the 1950s. An extensive menu caters for every taste, starting with an all-day breakfast that includes firm favourites such as ballila with pine nuts, eggs and soujouk, fattet hummus, and grilled halloumi. The lunch menu has a wide choice of cold mezza items including mouttabal, warak enab, shanklish, and labneh with garlic. The grilled items section, meanwhile, feature chicken, cutlets, kafta meat, lamb fillet and shawarma. Daily dishes are also available, as is a dedicated children’s menu. Those with a sweet tooth will appreciate knefeh, osmalieh cheesecake, um Ali, qatayef with Nutella, and daaoukyeh.

GO: Follow @cafebeirutdxb on Instagram for reservations or more information.

Demon Duck

Demon Duck is expected to open this month on the ground level of Caesars Palace Dubai. The venue offers intimate seating indoors or on the garden terrace while also featuring a speakeasy-style bar. The culinary offering will present classic Chinese dishes infused with local flavours from three Michelin starred Chef Alvin Leung. Chef Alvin will bring an innovative twist to Cantonese, Malaysian and Korean classics, in addition to duck specialities. 

GO: Follow @demonduckdubai on Instagram for more information.

DREAM

Featuring eccentric design and spectacular live shows using advanced 3D mapping and showcasing acts from all over the world, guests are transported into another dimension at DREAM. Dubai’s latest dinner and a show concept combines Mediterranean culinary art with an eclectic mix of avant-garde performances, including dancers, singers, acrobats, aerialists and monthly international guest performances. Guests can expect to be taken on a journey from the streets of Paris to an extravagant Broadway musical in New York via the vibrancy of Bollywood, while enjoying signature DREAM dishes such as pan-seared scallops, foie gras terrine, roasted chicken breast or the Angus tenderloin. 

GO: Follow @dreamdubaiofficial on Instagram for reservations or more information.

Hidemasa

Indulge in a delectable and dynamic menu of Japanese favourites by Michelin-starred chef, Hide Yamamoto. Food aficionados are sure to be familiar with the Japanese chef who has been awarded multiple culinary accolades through his illustrious career. Chef Yamamoto has held the honour of serving numerous American presidents while stationed at Washington’s Ritz-Carlton Hotel. Previously at Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands, he brings with him elegantly executed plates ranging from sushi and sashimi to charcoal-grilled meats, fish and vegetarian options.

GO: Email info@dolcehospitality.com or call 04 220 0321 for reservations or more information.

INTI

The new Peruvian restaurant at The Dubai EDITION boasts incredible views overlooking Burj Khalifa and the Downtown Dubai neighbourhood owing to its stunning rooftop location. At INTI, seafood is the star of the menu, including original and non-traditional ceviches such as the Hamachi accompanied by jalapeño leche de tigre or the platter, perfect for sharing. To commence, choices are endless with the Tar-Tar, the Bao (a perfectly smoked brisket with Panca BBQ and cabbage), or culinary favourite Guacamole (prepared freshly at the table). The culinary journey into Peru continues with Tiraditos – the Peruvian flavoured sashimi technique – with an unmissable Lubina, seabass dressed with maracuja and jalapeño for a zesty and flavourful touch. Anticuchos are a staple on this menu, with options such as the squid, corn and chicken. Over in the mains, fish, meat and vegetarian options span dishes like the Yakiniku (a 72-hour braised beef short rib covered in yakiniku sauce) and the Cordero (lamb chops flavoured with togarashi and topped with nori), complemented by a dedicated sushi counter. 

GO: Call 04 602 3377 for reservations and more information.

L’Amo Bistro Del Mare

Situated in the heart of Dubai Harbour, the latest opening from Sunset Hospitality Group brings Southern Italian culture, heritage, and charm to Dubai, reflecting the coastal region’s lively seafood restaurants. Lamo’s extensive seafood menu includes Italian specialities such as Ricci di Mare, Red prawns from Mazara del Vallo in Sicily and fresh catch of the day. The menu revolves around carefully selected fresh ingredients and Italian produce to ensure diners can enjoy an authentic taste of Italy. The décor also features a decidedly nautical feel, with a floor-to-ceiling glass window showcasing the waterfront and Dubai Marina skyline, while the terrace is ideal for al fresco dining under the stars, against a backdrop of berthed yachts.

GO: Follow @lamobistrodelmare for more information.

La Voile Rouge

Dress up and show up to this French-Mediterranean gem, hailing from the shores of St. Tropez, where the revered venue has reigned supreme for over four decades. Serving up a ‘sea of flavours’, you can indulge in rich, delectable flavours including French favourites Escargot, Duck Foie Gras Terrine and Niçoise Salad alongside a selection of steaks and seafood for mains. Famed for its grandiose vibes and exquisite cuisine, the new venue will also host fashion shows from its in-house runway, featuring new and emerging talent as well as globally acclaimed designers.

GO: Email info@dolcehospitality.com or call 04 220 0321 for reservations or more information.

Lucia’s

The newly opened Lucia’s at Address Sky View features a Mediterranean in aesthetic (read: shades of blue and lemon offset by olive trees) and boasts an incredible terrace offering unobstructed views of Burj Khalifa. Over on the menu, the dishes are equal parts sophisticated and authentically Italian, each meant to be shared with friends in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. The finest seafood from Sicily is on offer, with the likes of Lucia’s Torre di Crudi di Mare (sliced Mediterranean red snapper with a citrus dressing) big enough to serve up to four. There’s also Beef Carpaccio (seared beef tenderloin, rocket, parmesan cheese and shaved black truffle), Ricotta Ravioli (homemade ravioli, buffalo ricotta, caviar and red prawn tartare with Amalfi lemon zest), and Milanese di Vitello (500 grams of milk-fed veal chop cooked in butter with rocket and cherry tomatoes). Vibe-wise, a banging post-dinner club set-up makes it one of Dubai’s liveliest restaurants, with each DJ set entirely distinct.

GO: Call 04 422 4321 for reservations and more information.

Mamounia Middle East

Anyone who has frequented London’s thriving food scene will be thrilled to learn that beloved Mayfair haunt Mamounia will soon open in Dubai. Here, you can enjoy a vibrant social atmosphere with shisha, belly dancers and other live entertainment, all set amongst wonderful flavours and textures from the region. A delicious sharing concept awaits, merging authentic Middle Eastern cuisine with a little West London flair. Enjoy beautifully marinated mezze plates whilst soaking up the expansive outdoor terrace, tastefully designed with Arabic calligraphy and traditional design elements.

GO: Email info@dolcehospitality.com or call 04 220 0321 for reservations or more information.

Monkey Bar

Inspired by the German flagship that looks onto the monkey enclosures at Berlin zoo, Monkey Bar on the sixth floor of the new 25Hours Hotel Once Central forgoes wildlife for striking views over the soon-to-open Museum of The Future. If the decision between highballs, classics and signatures is difficult, the bar team will be happy to help. Ultimately, Monkey Bar is a place for drinking, dining and dancing, offering revellers an infectious vibe that will take you late into the night.

GO: Visit www.monkeybardubai.com for reservations and more information. 

Tàn Chá

An exploration of the new and forgotten, the hidden and the secret, Tàn Chá draws inspiration from the energy and appetites of downtown Hong Kong and the result is a highly-sensory space that combines elevated Chinese-inspired dishes with invigorating drinks, live music and art installations. Spread across two floors and five uniquely different rooms, guests are invited to a labyrinth-like journey of discovery as the evening seamlessly morphs into the night and Tàn Chá intriguingly comes to life.

GO: Visit https://tanchadubai.com for reservations and more information. 

The Crossing

The Crossing presents diners with a modern dining space featuring potted greenery, colourful tiled floors, gold accents and leather seating, offering a playful backdrop that perfectly sets the scene for a menu bursting with innovation. The Crossing’s appealing menu features food from the Rajput kitchens, hidden gems from northeast India and robust yet straightforward recipes from India’s coastline. In addition to traditional favourites, The Crossing presents a series of unique dishes not usually found in Indian restaurants that spotlight foreign influences from the Caribbean, Portugal, France and Great Britain that have historically found their way into Indian cuisine.

GO: Visit https://crossingtherestaurant.com for reservations and more information. 

Sublimotion

Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai has extended the residency of Dubai’s most exclusive dining experience until 4 May 2022. This once-in-a-lifetime culinary experience is only available to 12 diners at a time and features ten courses. Guests are taken on an immersive journey from a sushi bar in Tokyo to a jazz club in New York City with plenty of surprises along the way.

GO: Follow @sublimotiondubai on Instagram for reservations and more information.

Abu Dhabi

Emmy Squared

Renowned for its Detroit-style pizza and handcrafted sandwiches, Emmy Squared is now open at Yas Bay Waterfront in the capital. Emmy Squared’s pizza is known for its square shape, crispy bottom, fluffy focaccia-like dough, caramelised cheesy “frico” crust and signature sauce stripes. In addition to the signature pizzas, guests can enjoy handcrafted sandwich options served on a buttery pretzel bun, seasonal salads, Sriracha glazed wings, cheesy garlic sticks and other signature dishes.

GO: Follow @emmysquaredpizzauae on Instagram for reservations and more information.

Talea

This new restaurant at Emirates Palace presents diners with the opportunity to enjoy a highly curated selection of seasonal and authentic Italian dishes in an elegant, yet lively setting with a vibrant open kitchen. Talea’s menu draws on Chef Antonio Guida’s distinctive culinary style to create ‘Cucina di Famiglia’, or family-style cooking. From handmade ravioli, authentic spaghetti alla carbonara and artisanal pizza to osso buco and vitello tonnato (a chilled veal dish that forms an indispensable part of the Assumption Day feast in Milan), the menu fuses traditional techniques with an innovative edge, which is essentially the signature of Guida.

GO: Visit www.mandarinoriental.com/abu-dhabi for reservations and more information.

Ting Irie Pon Di Beach

For a fresh modern take on Caribbean Cuisine and food for the soul, look no further than the newly opened Ting Irie at Mamsha Al Saadiyat. Snack on flaky Jamaican patties, jerk chicken or lobster rolls with Sriracha butter and wash it all down with handcrafted cocktails to make you feel like you’ve ventured to Jamaica. Expect a lively soundtrack of reggae, Hip-Hop and Dancehall to complement the beachfront environment.

GO: Visit www.tingirie.com for reservations and more information.