13 new restaurants that should be on your dining radar
From Japanese street eats to Indian treats, these are the hottest new restaurants to make a reservation at this month.
Akiba Dori
D3’s answer to modern Japanese street food and Tokyo-style Pizza has opened a third UAE venue at The Pavilion at The Beach. Diners can expect a range of Akiba Dori beverages paired with the restaurant’s signature street food and pizza, including new dishes like salmon ceviche and tuna tartare. From the main course, the chicken katsu curry, plates a generous serving of Akiba’s creamy, rich and aromatic chicken katsu curry with a side of Japanese rice. Don’t miss Akiba’s homemade super-soft cheesecake, topped with lotus sauce and lotus crumbs.
GO: Call 058 824 5150 for reservations and more information.
Canary Club
The latest Dubai dining concept from Joey Ghazal, the man behind the popular Maine restaurants, has recently opened its doors in JLT. Canary Club occupies two floors of the newly opened Banyan Tree Residences and presents a ‘laidback West Coast eatery’ featuring Californian bites tinged with Asian influences. Blending the style and flavours of Malibu, Palm Springs, Cabo and Acapulco, Canary Club is one dining experience you don’t want to miss.
GO: Call 04 584 5999 for reservations or more information.
Central
Inspired by the streets of the Big Apple, Central has opened its doors at Yas Bay Waterfront. This family-friendly restaurant, bar and entertainment hub features torn-away walls and handcrafted graffiti while offering an appealing menu of burgers, shakes and beverages. Central’s colourful bowling alley flips at midnight to service the party crowd of its big brother. You heard right – Lock, Stock & Barrel patrons can put their hand-eye coordination to the test as the Central Bowling Alley links the two venues together!
GO: Visit www.solutions-leisure.com for more information.
Chérie
Whether you’re looking for good food or an intimate setting to unwind after work, the newly-opened Chérie at The Pointe offers a unique Euro-Thai dining experience. With a vast menu boasting quintessential Thai food, as well as beloved European dishes, those visiting Chérie can bask in fabulous Palm views while delighting in a unique mix of Thai and European flavours. Expect Miang Kum Goong (Steamed Prawn Wrap), Kiew Wann (Green Curry), rich and tangy Keang Dang (Red Curry), savoury Scottish Salmon, and a tender Australian Angus Rib Eye A5.
GO: Call 050 512 4351 or follow @cherie.dxb on Instagram for more information.
Demon Duck
Located at Caesars Palace Dubai, Demon Duck is anchored in the unexpected, adding a creative twist to Chinese and Asian Classics. Here Chef Alvin Leung delivers a playful yet refined approach to beloved Chinese and Asian dishes, with signature highlights including Alvin’s Slow Roasted Peking duck, reimagined versions of classics like wasabi shrimp on toast and black and white Dover sole, and an inventive sweet twist on a Middle Eastern staple with aromatic pineapple shawarma. Designed to capture the essence of Hong Kong nightlife, the trendy speakeasy-style bar features a cocktail menu inspired by the city’s electrifying buzz.
GO: Email dine@caesarsdubai.ae or call 04 556 6666 for reservations or more information.
L’Amo Bistro del Mare
Italian seafood restaurant L’Amo Bistro del Mare has officially opened its doors at the Dubai Harbour Yacht Club, offering an alfresco dining experience with stunning sea views. Seafood lovers will want to tour the restaurant’s fresh fish display, where the daily catch can be picked and cooked to order. The seafood journey boasts a variety of daily imports from the Mediterranean, Sicily and the Adriatic Sea included, alongside a one-of-a-kind selection of Calvisius caviar imported from Brescia, Italy. Signature dishes include the Spaghettone Cacio & Pepe E Ricci Di Mare, a traditional spaghetti Mancini served with pecorino cheese, delicate sea urchin, and a dash of black pepper. Meat enthusiasts, meanwhile, will love the Wagyu Alla Griglia, a grilled wagyu ribeye cooked to one’s preference.
GO: Email reservations@lamorestaurant.com or call 04 278 4800 for reservations or more information.
La Mezcaleria
La Mezcaleria has opened a second branch at The Pavilion at The Beach, featuring a brand new look and an intercontinental menu. While the restaurant downstairs can be enjoyed throughout the day, the lounge upstairs comes alive as the sun sets, with three fully serviced bars and three DJ booths. The new menu maintains the restaurant’s beloved Latin American classics such as el salmon pescado, de la granja, and sous-vide chicken fajitas. In addition, the new menu makes space for Japanese-inspired cuisine such as fresh ceviche, makis, sashimi, nigiri, tatakis, and signature Italian pasta dishes.
GO: Visit www.lamezcaleriadxb.com or call 056 520 2020 for reservations and more information.
Ristorante L’Olivo at Al Mahara
Offering guests an unforgettable dining experience, the L’Olivo pop-up at Burj Al Arab combines Italian culinary craftsmanship and flavours of the sea created by the acclaimed Chef Andrea Migliaccio. Elegant yet relaxed, it serves divine Mediterranean flavours and innovative dishes under the alluring glow of the coral reef aquarium that stands proudly at the heart of the restaurant. Standout dishes include the merluzzo nero black cod finished with coffee and liquorice, tagliolini paired with tuna tartare and bottarga, and blue lobster served with sweet and sour vegetables. Guests can dine à la carte or indulge with a specially designed tasting menu created by Migliaccio, which offers the crème de la crème of the pop-up’s dishes.
GO: Visit www.jumeirah.com or call 04 432 3232 for reservations and more information.
Roaring Rabbit
Discover a remarkable blend of modern interiors and classic gastropub cuisine at the newly opened Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, The Palm. The warm atmosphere encourages socialising while indulging in pub grub and sipping on craft hops and quirky cocktails. With a Quiz Night launching soon, this is one rabbit hole you’ll be happy to fall into.
GO: Visit www.tajexoticapalmdubai.com or follow @tajpalmdubai on Instagram for bookings or more information.
Sirali
This Turkish restaurant is famed for blending Turkey’s culinary culture with innovative and creative presentations. Located in Al Habtoor City, the venue is perfect for lovers of Turkish cuisine and features a range of kebabs and grills presented upon pretty crockery amidst a vibrant neighbourhood-driven venue. Elsewhere, a central glass cube allows guests to view the master butchers preparing meat and charcuterie items in full view.
GO: Call 058 582 7092 or follow @siralikebapdubai on Instagram for more information.
Trèsind Studio
Considering team FACT hailed Trèsind Studio as ‘Restaurant of the Year’ at the FACT Dining Awards Dubai 2021, it’s evident that we’re big fans of Chef Himanshu Saini’s culinary prowess. The small and intimate modern Indian eatery with its ever-evolving menu has left its former residence inside VOCO Dubai and relocated to a new venue on the rooftop of Palm Jumeirah’s Nakheel Mall. Trèsind Studio offers a uniquely captivating dining experience, challenging common perceptions of Indian cuisine by showcasing both new and familiar flavours through a creative lens. For an exciting evening of cutting-edge Indian cuisine, look no further…
GO: Visit www.tresindstudio.com for reservations and more information.
Varq
Varq is a finely crafted gold or silver leaf used to garnish gourmet dishes and is the inspiration behind this contemporary Indian fine-dining restaurant at Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, The Palm. Savour creations such as the signature Varqui Crab, a culinary medley of crab meat, tandoori shrimp, crispy filo and gold leaf. Elsewere, a private dining room allows for intimate occasions, family celebrations or corporate events.
GO: Visit www.tajexoticapalmdubai.com or follow @tajpalmdubai on Instagram for bookings or more information.
Virgin Izakaya
Japanese culinary traditions get a contemporary make-over under the delicate hand of Chef Eugene Pesin at Virgin Izakaya. The international concept is known for juggling juxtapositions – past and present, heritage and modernity, ultra-stylish and equally laidback – making it a desirable choice for swanky date nights or post-work drinks. Now open on the shores of Bluewaters, Virgin Izakaya features spins on sushi, tangy ceviche and inventive Japanese favourites. The concept has been brought to Dubai by Bulldozer Group.
GO: Follow @virgin.izakaya.dubai on Instagram for more information.
