Cocina Tres brings bold Mexican flavours to Pullman Dubai Downtown.
Dubai’s dining scene never sleeps, and the new season brings another fresh spot to the city’s restaurant map. Cocina Tres is set to open soon at Pullman Dubai Downtown, occupying a prime position on Marasi Drive with the potential for views across the Business Bay waterfront.
The name translates to “three kitchens”, a hint at a concept that leans into variety and vibrancy. Expect a lively atmosphere that channels the bustle of Baja and Mexico City while feeling right at home in Dubai. Details of the design are still under wraps, but the promise is an easygoing room from the team behind the FACT award-winning Honeycomb Hi-Fi and Miss Lily’s.
The interior story draws from the houses of Luis Barragán. Guests move past brightly coloured geometric columns and walls, following a shapeshifting composition that opens onto a succulent garden terrace where colour and sunlight set the tone. Rustic wood beams, rough-textured walls and hand-crafted tiles create the feel of a modern hacienda overlooking the water, while tiger masks from Guerrero keep watch over the tiled Ceviche Bar.
Led by a team of Mexican chefs, the menu champions traditional techniques and regional breadth. Tortillas are made by hand and ground on a custom-built molino using imported Oaxacan corn, then paired with fresh seafood and show-stopping wood-fire specials. Guests can graze at the dedicated ceviche bar, explore a line-up of house salsas, and share plates that lean into rich spices and punchy flavours.
Signature plates include the Baja Fish Taco, inspired by the Pacific coast, and Fideo Seco, a comforting mix of Mexican vermicelli and prawns in a smoky chipotle tomato broth that arrives sizzling. The showpiece is Pescado Zarandeado, a local whole fish grilled Nayarit-style over wood fire and brushed with a rich red adobo. It captures the heart of Mexico’s shoreline and the spirit of Tres.
The bar, curated by beverage manager Askar Choriev, is an adventure of its own. The list features artisanal mezcals, house-infused spirits, frozen margaritas and polished signatures. Highlights include Chavorruco, a bold take on a Negroni infused with earthy beetroot and mezcal smoke, and Mezcalada, a Baja-style mix of mezcal, beer, spice and lime that brings a seaside breeze to the glass.
Cocina Tres arrives from VKD Hospitality, the team behind some of the region’s most talked-about venues. The group is known for creating places that are “rooted in culture and built for community”, and that spirit is expected to shape the new opening. If their track record is anything to go by, Tres Cocina will deliver destination dining that balances character with consistency.
As anticipation builds, Cocina Tres looks set to become a go-to for diners seeking sunshine flavours. Keep an eye on opening news, gather your favourites and get ready to discover a new slice of modern Mexico in the heart of Business Bay.
GO: Follow @cocina_tres on Instagram for more information.