From GAIA to The Maine, these homegrown UAE dining brands are making their mark worldwide.
Dubai has long welcomed the world’s biggest chefs, restaurants and hospitality groups. Now, the city is sending its own success stories abroad. Homegrown names that first blossomed in the UAE are opening across London, Marbella, Miami, Paris, Riyadh and beyond. Some have exported Emirati culture and regional flavours, while others have turned burgers, ramen and glamorous dining rooms into international success stories. From chef-led restaurants to cult cafés and fast-food favourites, these are the Dubai restaurants that have gone global.
Ammos Greek Restaurant
Ammos Greek Restaurant has carried its easy-going Greek dining style from Dubai to Doha and Marbella, following an earlier seasonal chapter in Ibiza. Part of Sunset Hospitality Group, the concept takes inspiration from the islands and coastline of Greece, combining seafood, grilled meats and generous sharing plates with a distinctly holiday-minded atmosphere. The menu moves from Grilled Octopus and Moussaka to Greek Sea Bass, Seafood Orzo and Lobster Linguini, while Greek salads and mezze keep things suitably sociable.
Where: Dubai, Doha and Marbella
Contact: www.sunsethospitality.com
Arabian Tea House
Few restaurants tell Dubai’s story quite like Arabian Tea House. Founded by Emirati businessman Ali Al Rais in Al Fahidi in 1997, the concept pairs traditional Emirati food with white rattan furniture, turquoise details and shaded courtyards reminiscent of old Dubai. Its international expansion now includes Dubai House in Cairo and Arabian Tea House in Podgorica, Montenegro. Food remains rooted in local traditions, with Balaleet topped with omelette, Khameer Bread with cheese and date syrup, Chebab, Tanoor Cheese and generous Emirati breakfast trays among the signatures. As the name suggests, there’s also a selection of more than 150 teas.
Where: Dubai, Cairo and Montenegro
Contact: https://arabianteahouse.com
ATTIKO
High above W Dubai – Mina Seyahi, ATTIKO established itself as a restaurant and late-night lounge built around panoramic views, Pan-Asian plates and music. Sunset Hospitality Group has since taken the concept to Bodrum and Lisbon, while further international expansion is in development. Its appeal lies in the transition from golden-hour drinks to dinner and DJs, with food designed for sharing rather than rigid courses. Beef Tataki, Yellowtail Carpaccio, Shrimp Tempura, Chilean Sea Bass and premium grilled meats capture the culinary direction, accompanied by Asian-influenced cocktails.
Where: Dubai, Bodrum and Lisbon, with openings expected in Vietnam and Singapore.
Contact: www.theattiko.com
Azure Beach
Azure Beach launched at Rixos Premium Dubai in 2016 and has since travelled to Qatar and Spain, turning Dubai’s appetite for stylish pool days into an exportable leisure concept. The atmosphere remains relaxed and family-friendly during the day before the music gathers pace later on. Food is deliberately broad enough for poolside dining, spanning sushi and salads to pizza, sliders and seafood. Signatures include Beef Sliders, Prawn Tacos, Salt and Pepper Squid, Chicken Satay and the substantial Azure Club sandwich. Marbella and Doha now share the formula, while Bahrain and Vietnam form part of Sunset Hospitality Group’s continuing expansion plans to extend the brand’s appeal to more sun-drenched destinations.
Where: Dubai, Doha and Marbella, with openings expected in Bahrain and Vietnam
Contact: www.azure-beach.com
BEAU
BEAU has transformed the humble burger joint into something far more fashion-conscious. First opened in Dubai in 2023, the concept expanded to Abu Dhabi and Cannes before making its Paris debut on Rue Marbeuf in May 2026. Minimalist packaging and playful collaborations help the brand stand apart, but its food remains the main talking point. The Original Burger combines Angus beef, cheese and the brand’s Elysee sauce, while the headline-grabbing Chicken Nuggets Caviar pairs fried chicken with caviar, crème fraîche and chives. It is fun, photogenic and deliberately excessive, turning fast food into a lifestyle brand that feels entirely at home in Dubai, Cannes or Paris.
Where: Dubai, Cannes and Paris
Contact: @beaurestaurants
Blu Pizzeriá
Blu Pizzeriá started as a compact homegrown restaurant in Dubai and quickly became one of the UAE’s most talked-about pizza brands. Founded by Emirati entrepreneur Abdelrahman Alteneiji, Blu looks to Naples for inspiration but gives its sourdough, wood-fired pizzas a distinctly regional personality. Its Riyadh branch opened in 2025, while Jeddah is next on the Saudi expansion map. The concise menu is filled with recognisable signatures, including Spicy Pepperoni, Tartufo and the indulgent Short Ribs pizza with Black Angus beef, caramelised onions and truffle white sauce. The Musakhan is even more distinctive, reworking the Levantine chicken dish as a pizza. The FACT award-winning restaurant is now setting its sights on a London opening.
Where: Dubai, Jeddah and Riyadh, with further openings expected in London
Contact: @blupizzeria
BonBird
BonBird was created in Dubai in 2023 with a playful take on the community chicken shops associated with East London. The brand has already moved beyond the UAE into Qatar and Pakistan, while a major franchise agreement aims to establish 50 restaurants across the United Kingdom. Fresh chicken sits at the centre of the concept, with the brand stating that its poultry is free from hormones, antibiotics and preservatives. Diners can choose bone-in chicken, tenders, burgers, wraps and melts, then dial up the heat through a series of spice levels, ranging from Chicken Salt to XXX Hot.
Where: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Qatar, Pakistan and the United Kingdom
Contact: https://bonbirdchicken.com
Chic Nonna
Chic Nonna combines the warmth of traditional Italian cooking with the scale and glamour of DIFC dining. Its journey abroad has included an Alpine outpost at Le Grand Hôtel Courchevel 1850, where the restaurant’s Italian identity feels particularly suited to long winter lunches. Pasta is a major part of the appeal, from Cavatelli Cacio e Pepe to Linguine all’Astice, while larger dishes include Cotoletta alla Milanese and Fiorentina steak. The Parmigiana della Nonna offers a more comforting expression of the concept, layering baked aubergine with mozzarella, Parmesan and basil. A considerable wine selection completes a restaurant built for lingering rather than rushing.
Where: Dubai and Courchevel
Contact: www.chicnonna.com
FIX Dessert Chocolatier
Few UAE food products have travelled quite as quickly as FIX Dessert Chocolatier. Founded in Dubai, the brand became a global social media phenomenon thanks to its chunky filled chocolate bars and the now-famous Can’t Get Knafeh of It. The signature viral bar combines milk chocolate with pistachio, tahini and crisp knafeh, creating the crunch that inspired countless imitations worldwide. Other creations include Cereously Chewsy, Mind Your Own Biscoff and Pick Up A Pretzel. After hugely successful London pop-ups, FIX secured a permanent presence in Harrods’ Chocolate Hall in June 2026, while travellers can also find the brand at Singapore Changi Airport.
Where: Dubai, London and Singapore
Contact: @fixdessertchocolatier
GAIA
GAIA is arguably one of Dubai’s greatest dining export stories. Chef Izu Ani and Fundamental Hospitality launched the Greek-Mediterranean restaurant in DIFC in 2018, before taking it to Doha, Monaco, London, Marbella and Miami, with Abu Dhabi, Bahrain and Riyadh also on the horizon. GAIA’s undeniable appeal lies in deceptively simple cooking, seafood on display at the signature Ice Market and interiors inspired by the Cyclades. Sea Bream Carpaccio has become one of the restaurant’s defining plates, alongside Raw Bluefin Tuna, Classic Moussaka, Lobster Linguini and charcoal-grilled Wagyu Rib Eye. Several locations also feature NYX, the brand’s darker after-hours concept. GAIA has evolved from a Dubai favourite into a genuine international hospitality heavyweight.
Where: Dubai, Doha, London, Marbella, Monte Carlo and Miami, with openings expected in Abu Dhabi, Bahrain and Riyadh
Contact: https://gaia-restaurants.com
GOAT Burger
GOAT Burger has taken Emirati-owned burger culture all the way to London. Founded by Sultan Jasim Kayed, the concept expanded across the UAE before making its international move to Knightsbridge. GOAT stands for Greatest of All Time, and the menu backs up the confident name with Japanese Wagyu beef, soft brioche buns and combinations designed around indulgence rather than restraint. The Arigato Burger is a firm favourite, while the ’90s Classic Double Cheeseburger leans heavily into nostalgia. Fried chicken options add variety without distracting from the beef. Its popularity lies in quality ingredients, confident branding and a menu that feels fun, fast and proudly Dubai-born.
Where: Dubai and London
Contact: @g.o.a.t.ae
HANU
HANU is taking its contemporary Korean dining concept from Dubai to Singapore, with a new outpost set to open at METT Singapore in Fort Canning Park. Created by Sunset Hospitality Group and led by Seoul-born Chef Kyungsoo Moon, the restaurant is centred on premium Korean ingredients and interactive charcoal grilling. Its signature “Meat Me at the Grill” experience sees premium cuts prepared tableside and served with a selection of condiments. Other highlights include Korean Beef Tartare, Raw Red Prawns, Crispy Bulgogi and oversized Kimbap Hand Rolls. The Singapore opening will introduce HANU’s modern interpretation of Korean barbecue to a new international audience.
Where: Dubai, with Singapore opening soon
Contact: www.metthotelsandresorts.com
Isola Ristorante
Isola Ristorante began at Dubai’s Jumeirah Islands Clubhouse before taking its Italian island-inspired cooking overseas. Sunset Hospitality Group has since established the concept in Bodrum, Marbella, Morocco and Milan, with further Asian expansion planned. Sicily, Sardinia and Capri provide the culinary reference points, resulting in a menu that favours seafood, handmade pasta and Mediterranean produce over unnecessary complication. Eggplant Parmigiana, Grilled Sea Bream and classic pasta dishes capture the restaurant’s easy-going appeal, while Tiramisu keeps dessert reassuringly traditional. Its versatility is a major strength, allowing Isola to feel equally suitable beside a Turkish marina, on the Costa del Sol or in central Milan.
Where: Dubai, Bodrum, Bouznika, Marbella, and Milan, with openings expected in Vietnam
Contact: http://isolarestaurant.com
Kayu Bakehouse
Chef Karim Bourgi turned technical pastry skills into an international café brand with Kayu Bakehouse. Founded in the UAE, the artisan bakery has expanded through Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Riyadh before reaching Mayfair in London. The aesthetic is precise and contemporary, but the real attraction sits inside the pastry cabinet. Double Chocolate Brioche, Eclairs, Macarons, Raspberry Cream Cheese Croissants and Mousse Chocolat showcase Bourgi’s French training, while the Mille-Feuille remains one of the brand’s most recognisable desserts. Kayu succeeds because the pastries have strong visual appeal without becoming novelty items, combining elaborate presentation with classic techniques and flavours that make the concept easy to translate across different markets.
Where: Dubai, Riyadh and London
Contact: https://trykayu.com
Kinoya
Neha Mishra’s Kinoya has one of Dubai dining’s most compelling origin stories. What started as the home supper club A Story of Food evolved into a permanent ramen restaurant before making the leap to Harrods in London. Ramen remains its defining feature, with Shio Paitan combining slow-cooked chicken broth, dashi, seared chicken and burnt garlic oil. London diners can also order a Harrods-exclusive Tonkotsu made with a 12-hour pork broth. Izakaya dishes are just as appealing, from Wagyu Tsukune and Miso Butter Aubergine to Burnt Butter Scallops. Kinoya feels deeply personal, proving that a small supper club can grow into an internationally recognised restaurant.
Where: Dubai and London
Contact: https://kinoya.com
Koub
Koub has placed Emirati café culture in the heart of Belgravia. Established in 2020, the concept built a following in Ajman and Dubai before opening its first British branch on Elizabeth Street in London. Its name comes from the Arabic word for cup, reflecting a coffee programme that sits at the heart of the experience. The menu moves from speciality coffee and the popular Spanish Latte to pastries, doughnuts, sandwiches and croissants, while seasonal creations incorporate ingredients such as dates, saffron, cardamom and rose water. Koub’s international appeal lies in the way it references Emirati heritage without becoming overly traditional, creating a café that feels contemporary yet recognisably UAE-born.
Where: Dubai, Ajman and London
Contact: @koub.uk
Kyma Beach
Kyma Beach introduced Dubai to a Mediterranean beach club centred firmly on Greek food, and the concept has since expanded to Egypt’s North Coast. Created by RIKAS Hospitality Group in partnership with TMG for its Egyptian chapter, Kyma mixes poolside relaxation with a restaurant menu substantial enough to warrant a visit in its own right. Start with Tyrokafteri, crispy filo-wrapped feta or Grilled Octopus before moving onto Chicken Souvlaki, Lamb Chops and Biftekia. Seafood is especially strong, with whole sea bass, rock lobster, king prawns and the catch of the day cooked simply. Galaktompoureko provides an appropriately Greek finish.
Where: Dubai and Alexandria
Contact: @kymabeachsouthmed
La Maison Ani
La Maison Ani reflects Chef Izu Ani’s affection for French food without turning the experience into stiff fine dining. The original Dubai restaurant has been joined by branches in Doha and at The Carlton Tower Jumeirah in London, with Monaco and Riyadh forming part of Fundamental Hospitality’s next expansion phase. Breakfast pastries and boulangerie staples set the tone early in the day before the menu moves towards brasserie classics. Grilled Tenderloin, Slow-Cooked Short Ribs and Veal Milanese sit alongside Escargot, Burrata and Rigatoni with Truffle. The much-loved Izy Rigatoni and ever-popular Izu Burger, made with Wagyu beef, remain recurring signature dishes, while Warm Chocolate Mousse provides an indulgent finale.
Where: Dubai, Doha, and London, with openings expected in Monaco and Riyadh
Contact: @lamaisonanilondon
Lola Taberna Española
Lola Taberna Española channels the neighbourhood bars of Spain through colourful interiors, tapas, paella and an atmosphere that rarely feels formal. Born in Dubai under Sunset Hospitality Group, the concept has since expanded to Morocco, while Vietnam and Miami are among the group’s forthcoming destinations. The menu travels across Spain rather than sticking to a single region. Patatas Bravas and Croquetas make easy starters, while Andalusian-style Calamari and Sea Bass Tiradito add coastal flavours. Paella remains central to the experience, with seafood, chicken and vegetable versions designed for sharing. From tapas to sangria and sharing plates, Lola captures the easy-going spirit of a neighbourhood taberna while giving the Dubai-born brand a wider global footprint.
Where: Dubai and Cabo Negro, with further openings expected in Miami
Contact: https://lolataberna.com
Mimi Kakushi
Mimi Kakushi has taken its distinctive vision of 1920s Osaka well beyond Dubai. The Restaurant Village favourite now has an international outpost at Delano Miami Beach and expanded to Paros in August 2026. Jazz-age design and music establish the mood, while the menu explores the period when Japanese traditions began interacting more closely with Western influences. Hot and cold sharing plates cover sushi, sashimi, tempura and gyoza, with Wagyu and Foie Gras Gyoza among the crowd favourites. Marinated Black Cod with Citrus Miso is another signature, alongside Wagyu Beef and Japanese rice dishes. The bar programme is equally important, making Mimi Kakushi as much about atmosphere as dinner.
Where: Dubai, Miami and Paros
Contact: https://delanohotels.com
OPA
For a smashing good time, look no further than the FACT award-winning OPA. The Mediterranean restaurant has turned dinner into a celebration since first making its name in Dubai. The Greek restaurant has subsequently expanded to Bahrain, Bodrum, Doha, Mumbai and Saint-Tropez, taking its energetic mix of food, music and entertainment with it. The menu is grounded in Greek flavours and charcoal cooking, with dishes such as Wagyu Souvlaki, Tahini Salmon, Mixed Seafood Orzo and Josper-Roasted Whole Sea Bass. Larger groups can lean into sharing plates, while the OPA Baklava Sundae has become one of the restaurant’s most recognisable desserts, layering pistachio cream, Greek yoghurt ice cream, caramel, baklava and crisp filo.
Where: Dubai, Bahrain, Bodrum, Doha, Mumbai and Saint-Tropez
Contact: https://opaworld.com
Pickl
Pickl is no longer simply a Dubai burger success story. Founded in 2019, the homegrown fast-casual brand now operates across the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Oman. The menu remains deliberately straightforward. The Original Cheeseburger layers double chuck patties with cheese, dill pickles, onion, mustard and ketchup, while The Jeff adds spice, fried onions and ranch. Comfort food classics include the Chicken Sando with freshly fried chicken, pickles, lettuce and comeback sauce. Diners can choose escalating heat levels for the chicken, including the infamous Reaper. With its playful branding and reliable menu, Pickl has become one of Dubai’s most recognisable fast-casual exports.
Where: Dubai, Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia
Contact: https://eatpickl.com
REIF Japanese Kushiyaki
Chef Reif Othman built REIF Japanese Kushiyaki around unconventional Japanese street food rather than ceremony. The homegrown concept started in Dubai before travelling to Egypt, where its international expansion introduced Cairo and North Coast diners to the chef’s playful cooking. Kushiyaki skewers remain central, but the menu has grown considerably over the years. The Wagyu Sando is a signature, while Chicken Katsu Sando adds yuzu kosho mayonnaise and umeboshi jam. The 18 Hours Ramen delivers a deeply flavoured ginger chicken broth, and other favourites range from gyoza and sushi to Truffle Udon. Reif’s personality runs throughout the food, keeping the concept distinctive even as it expands across the globe.
Where: Dubai, Cairo and Marassi
Contact: www.reifkushiyaki.com
Roberto’s
Roberto’s was one of the early Dubai restaurants to prove that a homegrown DIFC concept could become an international name. The contemporary Italian restaurant now operates in Dubai, Muscat, Doha, Amman and Porto Montenegro. It combines Italian conviviality with a glamorous late-night edge, particularly at waterfront destinations. Seafood plays an important role, with Sea Bass Carpaccio, Yellowfin Tuna Tartare and raw preparations sitting alongside pasta, pizza and grilled meats. Dubai’s current menu also highlights Italian veal dishes such as Vitello Tonnato, while Porto Montenegro leans naturally towards Adriatic seafood. Roberto’s has evolved with each city while retaining the sociable Italian spirit that established its reputation in Dubai.
Where: Dubai, Amman, Montenegro, Muscat and Qatar
Contact: https://robertosrestaurants.com
Rüya
Rüya takes diners on a journey through Anatolia, drawing on restaurateur Umut Özkanca’s Istanbul heritage and the food traditions stretching from the Mediterranean to the Black Sea. After beginning in Dubai, the restaurant expanded to London and Riyadh, establishing a loyal following for contemporary Turkish cooking. Börek arrives filled with feta, carrot, courgette and walnuts, while Isli Patlıcan pairs aubergine with walnut purée and crisp aubergine chips. The wood-fired oven produces pides, while larger plates range from grilled seafood to beef. The 24-hour Slow-Cooked Short Rib has long been a standout, pairing tender meat with Turkish chilli barbecue flavours and chickpea purée. A strong selection of Turkish grapes completes the experience.
Where: Dubai, London and Riyadh
Contact: https://ruyarestaurants.com
Saddle Café
Saddle Café has grown from a UAE coffee concept into one of the country’s most visible lifestyle exports. Inspired by Arabian equestrian culture, the brand has expanded from Dubai to London and Cannes, with locations designed around coffee, casual dining and an instantly recognisable visual identity. The drinks menu is a major draw, particularly Spanish Lattes, Matcha Lattes and the Saddle Iced Cappuccino. Food moves comfortably from breakfast into lighter all-day dishes, with Avocado Toast, Avocado with Halloumi and Creamy Truffle Mushroom among the choices in London. The brand’s combination of coffee culture, fashion-conscious design and Emirati identity brings a recognisable Dubai café aesthetic to new cities while keeping its roots firmly tied to the UAE.
Where: Dubai, Cannes and London
Contact: @saddlelondon
Shanghai Me
Shanghai Me began in DIFC before taking its lavish interpretation of 1930s Shanghai to Doha and London. Chef Izu Ani oversees a menu that moves freely between Chinese, Japanese and wider East Asian influences, while Art Deco interiors establish a suitably cinematic setting. Dim sum and raw dishes make natural starters, but the signature plates carry the greatest personality. Yellowtail Carpaccio with Black Truffle, Sesame Prawns on Toast, Tiger Prawns in Chilli Sauce and Shanghai-Style Braised Beef Short Rib all showcase the kitchen’s broad range. Food symbolism also plays a role, with seafood associated with prosperity and noodles with longevity. Shanghai Me turns dinner into a glamorous, highly transportable experience.
Where: Dubai, Doha and London
Contact: https://fundamentalhospitality.com
Ten11
TEN11 is the notable exception to this Dubai-heavy list, having started in Abu Dhabi in 2018 before making its international debut in Knightsbridge. The Emirati-founded café and restaurant overlooks Hyde Park and combines speciality coffee with an all-day menu that moves between international café favourites and UAE influences. Balaleet provides a direct connection to Emirati breakfast traditions, while Shakshuka offers another popular morning option. Saffron Lattes and speciality coffees reinforce the brand’s regional identity, with desserts and afternoon tea extending its appeal throughout the day. TEN11 demonstrates how the contemporary UAE café scene can translate overseas without abandoning the flavours and rituals that shaped it at home.
Where: Abu Dhabi and London
Contact: https://ten11cafe.ae
The Maine
This shucking spectacular restaurant is a firm favourite among seafood eaters. Created by restaurateur Joey Ghazal, the New England-inspired brasserie grew from Dubai into Ibiza and Mayfair, where a Georgian townhouse houses several distinct dining and drinking spaces. The menu focuses on caviar, freshly shucked oysters, raw plates, steaks and seafood, all served with old-school glamour. 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 and live jazz performances to its high-end menu. Champagne and oysters, anyone?
Where: Dubai, Ibiza and London
Contact: https://themainemayfair.com
Trèsind Mayfair
Trèsind has taken its progressive Indian dining philosophy from Dubai to London with Trèsind Mayfair. Opened on Hanover Street in May 2026, the intimate restaurant is led by Chef Amit Bagyal and offers multi-course tasting menus shaped by the culinary vision of Chef Himanshu Saini. Signatures include Mushroom Chai, Khichdi of India and a playful Pani Puri filled with carrot kanji and pickled pineapple. Other highlights range from Crab Ghee Roast with dal vada waffle to Lamb Chop with rosemary vindaloo, and tortellini layered over smoked chicken makhani. The Mayfair opening marks another major international step for Dubai-based Passion F&B, which has also opened the modern Indian concept in Mumbai.
Where: Dubai, Mumbai and London
Contact: https://tresind.co.uk
YUBI Handroll Bar
Dubai-born YUBI Handroll Bar is preparing to make its Saudi Arabian debut in Jeddah. Created by 7 Management with award-winning Chef Reif Othman, the concept launched at 25 Jump Street in late 2025 and quickly gained attention for its counter-style dining, Japanese street influences and hip-hop soundtrack. Handrolls are assembled directly in front of diners, with signatures including the Spicy Tuna Handroll with red yuzu kosho and YUBI Maki, layering seared Wagyu, otoro and rice beneath a sweet chilli glaze. Kagoshima Wagyu Gyoza with ponzu butter and the indulgent Otoro and Caviar Bowl are also highlights. Cairo and Bucharest openings are planned too.
Where: Dubai, with Jeddah, Cairo and Bucharest opening soon
Contact: https://7management.me