From GAIA to The Maine, here are the homegrown restaurants that have achieved success abroad.
Dubai is truly an international city when it comes to restaurants. Sure, it imports celebrity chefs and MICHELIN-awarded concepts, but it also exports homegrown brands that have achieved global success. So, if you’re heading home for the holidays or are just a jet setter, you can enjoy a taste of Dubai around the world. Just remember: you ate it here first. Here are the best restaurants in Dubai that have gone global.
Ammos Greek Restaurant
Sunset Hospitality Group has opened Ammos Greek restaurant at the Ushuaïa Ibiza Beach Hotel in the Balearic archipelago. Drawing inspiration from its flagship venue in Dubai, the restaurant offers an authentic Greek dining experience within a chic yet traditional interior. Ammos Greek restaurant has also opened in Marbella, Spain and at Qetaifan Island in Doha, Qatar.
GO: Visit www.sunsethospitality.com for more information.
Arabian Tea House
With more than 150 different types of tea, Arabian Tea House is a cute spot to enjoy a cuppa in Dubai’s historic Al Fahidi district. Whether you’re after herbal, fruity or straight-up Arabic tea, this much-loved spot knows its blends. The authentic Emirati breakfast includes Khameer, Halloumi Zaatar, Balaleet with an Omelette, and Tanoor Cheese. Now, new branches of Emirati businessman Ali Al Rais’ concept will open in Egypt and Montenegro.
GO: Visit https://arabianteahouse.com for more information.
ATTIKO
Sunset Hospitality Group continues its worldwide restaurant domination with the news that ATTIKO has opened in Bodrum, with Montenegro, Portugal, Singapore and Vietnam following soon. Designed to resemble an Asian garden, the sleek design of each venue is likely to echo the Dubai flagship that features earthy elements to create a seductive atmosphere. With a curated menu of Asian dishes designed for sharing, guests can expect Beef Tataki, Chilean Seabass, Shrimp Tempura, Yellowtail Carpaccio, Lobster with Lime Butter, and Spicy Wagyu Beef Striploin.
GO: Visit www.sunsethospitality.com for more information.
Azure Beach
Rixos Qetaifan Island in Doha will open Azure Beach this November. The concept from Dubai-based lifestyle brand Sunset Hospitality Group follows hot on the heels of successful openings for Black Tap and Mood in Qatar. Originating in Dubai in 2016, Azure Beach offers a family-friendly hangout for sun-seekers in search of beachfront bliss. The new venue will feature a relaxing pool atmosphere, a pristine beachfront, and a menu infused with Asian flavours. Additional Azure Beach openings are expected in Bahrain and Spain in the coming months.
GO: Visit www.sunsethospitality.com for more information.
Bar Du Port
Combining the glamour and playfulness of the Côte d’Azur and the subtle simplicity of the Greek islands, this Dubai bar and brasserie is known for its bohemian décor and Mediterranean cuisine. Bar Du Port has now extended its reach to three enchanting international locales: Byblos Village in Lebanon, plus Cairo and Sahel in Egypt. BDP Beach is a sun-kissed companion to its Dubai counterpart.
GO: Visit https://addmind.com for more information.
BEAU
Dubai’s cult burger brand BEAU has arrived on the French Riviera. The restaurant’s new Cannes outpost brings its signature blend of bold flavours, minimalist design, and fashion-forward flair to an international audience. Known for viral hits like Chicken Nuggets & Caviar and the collectable Labubu Petit Meal, BEAU aims to redefine perceptions around fast food.
GO: Follow @beaurestaurants on Instagram for more information.
BonBird
Brands have long been making their way between the UAE and the UK. Now, BonBird will open 50 new chicken shops across the United Kingdom. The expansion will take place over the next five years and marks the European debut of the brand. Drawing inspiration from East London-style chicken shops, it showcases premium, hormone-free, antibiotic-free and preservative-free fried chicken. In Dubai, the BonBird menu offers a variety of bone-in and boneless options, including fresh fried chicken tenders, chicken burgers, melts and wraps, which are all made to order. There are five spice levels, which span Chicken Salt and XXX Hot.
GO: Visit https://bonbirdchicken.com for more information.
Chic Nonna
Chic Nonna, the celebrated Italian restaurant originally born in Dubai, has opened its doors at the Grand Hôtel in Courchevel 1850. Fusing Italian warmth with Alpine elegance, this new location brings a touch of Florence to the heart of the French Alps. The thoughtfully designed menu showcases timeless favourites such as Calamarata Ai Frutti Di Mare, The Fiorentina, and Cotoletta alla Milanese, each crafted with premium Italian ingredients. Complementing its cuisine, Chic Nonna offers an impressive selection of wines from celebrated Italian and international vineyards, alongside a curated menu of cocktails and mocktails.
GO: Visit www.chicnonna.com for more information.
GAIA
Chef Izu Ani is one of Dubai’s most well-respected chefs, and his DIFC restaurant GAIA has been a firm favourite on Dubai’s dining scene. The chef has fans ranging from Dubai residents to His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and has gained a whole new set of admirers in Doha, Marbella and Monaco. The Greek-inspired menu aims to bring the simplicity of home cooking to a restaurant environment via its salads, seafood and more. If you’re a serious foodie, there’s even a chef’s table and nightclub called NYX. Taking the world by storm, GAIA recently opened in London and now has its sights set on Abu Dhabi, Bahrain and Miami.
GO: Visit https://gaia-restaurants.com for more information.
High Joint
In its first move overseas, Dubai-born burger brand High Joint has officially launched in Saudi Arabia. Now in Riyadh, High Joint is serving up some of the brand’s best-selling freshly minced patties, all of which are made using premium Angus that’s free from antibiotics and hormones. On the menu, expect favourites such as the High Jamz, Double High, Kingshroom, High Burger, High Chicken, Spicy Mango, and Halloumi Katsu. From humble beginnings to international growth, this move represents the brand’s first step outside of the UAE since its inception as a passion project by three Emiratis that began as a hole-in-the-wall in Al Manara.
GO: Follow @highjoint.ksa on Instagram for more information.
Isola Ristorante
Situated in one of Dubai’s most prestigious neighbourhoods, Isola Ristorante has since expanded to Italy, Morocco, Spain and Türkiye. The restaurant provides a taste of the Italian Riviera with a menu rooted in coastal Italian cooking devoted to the culinary traditions of the picturesque islands of Sicily, Sardinia and Capri. The à la carte menu features modern classics like Eggplant Parmigiana, Grilled Sea Bream and Veal Sirloin with Lemon Sauce. For dessert, diners can expect the classic Italian Tiramisu accompanied by a deep and rich espresso.
GO: Visit http://isolarestaurant.com for more information.
Kayu Bakehouse
Dubai’s Kayu Bakehouse has opened in the UK capital. The artisan boutique specialises in French desserts, and it is located on Curzon Street’s Shepherd Market. The desserts are Insta-beautiful and a hit on social media – the Instagram account has 71,000 followers and counting. The menu will include Double Chocolate Brioche, Eclairs, Macarons, Mousse chocolat, Mosaic Roll Cake and Raspberry Cream Cheese Croissants. Chef Karim Bourgi is behind the brand.
GO: Visit https://trykayu.com for more information.
Kinoya
It’s official: Kinoya is going global. The Dubai-born ramen restaurant has opened its second branch in London’s luxury department store, Harrods. Kinoya boasts one of Dubai’s most charming restaurant stories. Neha Mishra originally started the concept as a supper club entitled A Story of Food, which she ran from her home for nearly three years. Neha served more than 7,000 happy diners and became well-known for her signature ramen.
GO: Visit https://kinoya.com for more information.
Koub
London’s Belgravia district has just got a taste of the United Arab Emirates as Koub expands its horizons beyond the desert sands. After conquering Ajman and Dubai with its brews, Koub is sprinkling its Emirati charm in the capital. Stemming from the Arabic word for cup, Koub guarantees a flavorful journey through its exceptional coffee blends that proudly reflect Emirati culture. From delicious doughnuts to scrumptious sandwiches, cupcakes, and buttery croissants, this café has got it all.
GO: Follow @koub.uk on Instagram for more information.
Kyma Beach
The FACT award-winning Kyma Beach is now open on Egypt’s North Coast. In partnership with TMG and RIKAS Hospitality Group, Kyma exemplifies Mediterranean charm and Egyptian hospitality. Guests can enjoy sophisticated dining and relaxing beachside lounging areas, savouring authentic Greek dishes, fresh seafood, grilled meats, wraps, and signature cocktails in a chic seaside setting.
GO: Follow @kymabeachsouthmed on Instagram for more information.
La Maison Ani
Opening a new restaurant is no mean feat, but Chef Izu Ani has successfully opened several new restaurants in recent months. Located in The Jumeirah Carlton Tower, La Maison Ani London serves relaxed French-Mediterranean cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner in an effortlessly elegant setting. Highlights include the Escargot, Grilled Langoustine and Warm Chocolate Mousse (you can thank us later). Like its counterpart in Dubai Mall, La Maison Ani London is also home to an exquisite boulangerie and patisserie, both inspired by the daily rituals of French culture.
GO: Follow @lamaisonanilondon on Instagram for reservations and more information.
Lola Taberna Española
Sunset Hospitality Group, known for pioneering unique dining concepts in the international hospitality scene, has brought Lola Taberna Española from Dubai to Morocco. The charming Spanish restaurant and tapas bar honours Spain’s culinary flavours in a fun and relaxed taberna-like atmosphere. With a vibrant interior taking inspiration from the busy streets of modern Barcelona to the ancient port of Cádiz, the menu covers everything from paella to sangria.
GO: Visit www.sunsethospitality.com for more information.
Mohalla
Bringing a vibrant tribute to the diverse culinary traditions of India, Dubai’s Mohalla restaurant has found its home at The Esplanade in Riyadh. This establishment boasts two levels of seating, providing guests with the choice of indoor or al fresco dining, complemented by a striking bar that serves as a centrepiece. Mohalla in Riyadh stays true to the menu of its Dubai counterpart, with a few exclusive kebab creations crafted specifically for diners in the Kingdom. The restaurant’s signature dishes are a true delight and include options such as Avocado Papdi Chaat, Keema Pao, Raan Biryani, Rayalaseema Prawn Curry, Spicy Chilli Chicken, and the ever-popular Jalebi.
GO: Visit https://atelierhousehospitality.co for more information.
OPA
For a smashing good time, look no further than OPA. The Mediterranean restaurant has set out to create a culinary experience that will transport diners to the Cyclades Islands, bringing together the best of its famous Hellenic cuisine and celebratory entertainment. Following the success of the Dubai outpost (and its baklava sundae), OPA has expanded across the globe to Bahrain, Bodrum, Doha, Mumbai and St. Tropez.
GO: Visit https://opaworld.com for more information.
Pickl
After launching outposts across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah and Sharjah, the FACT Award-winning burger joint has opened its doors in Bahrain, Egypt and Qatar. Every Pickl location offers a trifecta menu of grain-fed beef, fresh fried chicken, and plant-based burgers – all free from preservatives, hormones and antibiotics. Take your pick from comfort food classics ranging from chicken tenders to spicy fries. We recommend digging into the Impossible Double Cheese Burger with two plant-based patties, cheese, a potato bun and toppings of your choice. When the food is this good, it’s not impossible for us to finish.
GO: Visit https://eatpickl.com for more information.
Reif Kushiyaki
Dubai’s much-loved Reif Othman’s Reif Kushiyaki originally opened in Dar Wasl Mall and then expanded with a bakery and breakfast café. He then went one step further, opening restaurants in Cairo and Egypt’s North Shore. The simple décor includes wooden tables and chairs, as the food remains firmly in the spotlight – in fact, there are sketches of the dishes framed on the wall. The menu includes classics like the Goma Beef Kushiyaki and new dishes ranging from Grilled Salmon to Grilled Chicken.
GO: Visit www.reifkushiyaki.com for more information.
Roberto’s
The glitz and glamour of Roberto’s Mare has gone from Dubai to Montenegro. The Group Executive Chef Francesco Guarracino has created a menu that celebrates contemporary Italian cuisine, and it includes Sicilian prawns, spiny lobster and fresh oysters. You’ll be wowed by the Porto Montenegro location for Roberto’s Mare, which is by the Adriatic Riviera. Plus, there’s a terrace and music lounge for chilling. Roberto’s also exists in Amman, Jordan and Muscat, Oman.
GO: Visit https://robertosrestaurants.com for more information.
Rüya
We said goodbye to Rüya in Grosvenor House Dubai, but it got a new lease of life in JW Marriott Grosvenor House London and in the AlDabab neighbourhood in Riyadh. The sleek restaurant has Middle Eastern touches, from the tiled walls to the decorative plates. The restaurant describes itself as creating Anatolian cuisine, and the menu is inspired by restaurateur Umut Ozkanca’s Istanbul heritage. The dishes range from kofte to kebabs and steaks to seabass. If you have a specific dietary requirement, you don’t have to miss out on the food fun. There are special gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan menus. And, the drinks menu includes an impressive list of Turkish grapes.
O: Visit https://ruyarestaurants.com for more information.
Saddle Café
Saddle’s equestrian-themed cafe can be found in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, London, and Cannes in France. In doing so, Saddle Café has positioned itself as the sole Emirati-branded coffee chain within France’s expansive landscape of 3,750 branded coffee shop establishments. Imagine an evening with your family, sipping an iced coffee while enjoying a delicious pastry.
GO: Follow @saddlelondonon Instagram for more information.
Shanghai Me
Anchored in Art Deco elegance, Shanghai Me is famed amongst Dubai diners for its delicate East Asian dishes, so it was only a matter of time until Doha got its very own outpost. Situated within the heart of North Beach Corniche, the restaurant showcases the glamour and depth of Shanghai’s history through exquisite interiors. For the uninitiated, renowned chef Izu Ani is at the helm of Shanghai Me’s culinary operations, merging ancient cooking techniques with today’s most well-loved flavours. The menu also features fresh seafood for an increase in prosperity, dim sum for wealth, and noodles for happiness and longevity. Shanghai Me will also be opening in London later this year.
GO: Visit https://fundamentalhospitality.com for more information.
The Maine
This shucking spectacular restaurant is a firm favourite among seafood eaters. The Maine has venues in Business Bay, JBR and Studio City, and now it has opened in Ibiza, Spain and Mayfair, London. The opulent restaurant in the UK capital is spread across multiple areas: drink cocktails in the brick-vaulted cellar, The Tavern; listen to jazz music in The Brasserie; and dine in The Drawing Room & Terrace. The menu includes a selection of caviar, freshly shucked oysters, raw plates and steaks. It’s already popular with the fashion crowd, as it’s within stiletto walking distance of Vogue House and British Vogue editor Edward Enninful was spotted there. Plus, the venue oozes glamour, from its shimmering chandeliers to its high-end menu. Champagne and oysters, anyone?
GO: Visit https://themainemayfair.com for more information.
