Dining in the UAE will never be a boring affair. From live-cooking shows to celebrity collaborations, the options are endless. And with newer places opening their doors, it adds another layer to gastronomical exploration for the average foodie. With over 100 dining spots launched last year, this year is practically no different, as global flavours marked by theatrics, hospitality, and experimentation enter the scene. Here are the latest newcomers to keep an eye out for.
Abu Dhabi
Couqley
A cult-classic within Dubai, the French bistro is set to bring its chic Parisian spirit to the capital in 2026. While the exact location hasn’t been announced yet, expect French onion soup, fresh moules frites, and classic steak frites alongside the bistro’s vast drinks list.
Falwa | Abu Dhabi Royal Equestrian Arts
Championing Emirati cuisine at the capital, Falwa is the latest project by Emirati chef Faisal Alharmoodi, the First Michelin-Awarded Emirati Chef. Translating to mean “little horse” in Arabic, the name draws inspiration from the Arabian horse, a symbol of grace, strength, and heritage. As such, Falwa’s plates aim to do the same, redefining traditional Emirati cuisine by blending it with a contemporary twist.
GAIA | Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi
Homegrown restaurant, GAIA, by celebrated Chef Izu Ani, is bringing its Greek-Mediterranean plates from Dubai to Abu Dhabi. Think salads, Greek-style meatballs, moussaka, baby goat with rice, and their fresh seafood, served just how you like it, whether that be raw, grilled, or pan-fried.
Hanbok | Galleria Al Maryah Island
Serving a contemporary take on Korean dining, the new restaurant takes its inspiration from the hanbok, Korean traditional attire that symbolises grace, elegance, and the balance between restraint and movement. As such, the plates aim to reflect the same, a fusion between the past and present.
Isabel Mayfair | Galleria Al Maryah Island
Bringing its Mediterranean-glam reputation from London to Abu Dhabi, Isabel Mayfair will serve modern Mediterranean flavours alongside high-energy vibes starting from Q1 2026. Reimaged with a local eye in mind, the new space will be defined by sculptural forms, bespoke artworks, rich textures, and layered materials, bringing the best of the UK and the UAE in one spot.
Dubai
Amaru | Souk Madinat Jumeirah
If you find yourself at Souk Madinat Jumeirah, then Amaru is worth the stop. Launching this January, the Latin dining spot comes in guns ablazing, with vibrant energy and a zesty menu. Tracing a map across Latin America, you can find the citrus and spice of Peruvian ceviche to the coastal vibrancy of Brazilian moqueca.
AVLU | Palm Jumeirah
After gaining cult-status in Abu Dhabi, the Greek-Turkish AVLU brings its Aegean-inspired flavours to Dubai. Translating the waterfront views from Greece and Turkey to one adorned with the Burj Al Arab, expect a diverse range of fresh seafood, premium cuts, an extensive variety of cold and hot mezze, Turkish kebabs, and a live barbecue grill adding char and smoky flavours to the table.
Barrafina | DIFC
2026 seems to be the year of Spanish dining because we cannot get enough of it! Making its international debut in Dubai, the Michelin-starred tapas bar from London is set to bring its signatures like gambas, tacos, and croquetas in a vibrant, warm setting, making it a nightlife spot to look out for.
Cioccolatitaliani | Dubai Festival City Mall
Might have to turn a blind eye on the New Year’s resolutions on this one, as Milan-born chocolate house and artisan café Cioccolatitaliani makes its debut in Dubai. Beloved for elevating chocolate, gelato, and coffee into a luxury experience, their latest outpost serves as a space for an immersive dessert spectacle that you can’t get enough of.
HANU x Mari | St. Regis Gardens, Palm Jumeirah
Partnering up with Michelin-starred New York restaurant, Mari, homegrown concept HANU will be adding their personal interpretation of Korean flavours to Dubai’s diverse palate. Taking place on January 21 and 22, the collaboration presents a 15-course set menu shaped by the philosophy of Korean cuisine. Expect hand-roll artistry, contemporary flavours, and traditional recipes to converge into a journey of modern Korean gastronomy.
L’Avenue | Dubai Mall
Opening in February 2026, L’Avenue encapsulates all things French chic. The Parisian outpost is intertwined with all things fashion and luxury, and we don’t expect anything less with their Dubai launch. So, expect sophisticated interiors, excellent French hospitality, and a menu defined by global flavours—we’re talking Thai green curries and Italian risottos as well as signature French flavours.
Roberto’s | DIFC
Relaunched with a renewed direction, the Italian restaurant starts its next chapter with an expanded terrace and a new intimate lounge. What doesn’t change, though, is their menu, which lives in their ingredient-led approach and Italian traditions.
Sobremesa | Souk Al Bahar
Indulging in Dubai’s appetite for long evenings, newly opened Sobremesa brings the warmth of Mexico and Spain to the Gulf’s urban landscape. With a space designed to melt into, you can take the time to unwind, dine slowly with intention, and let each bite indulge all the senses. Here you will find crispy tacos, generous grills made for sharing, and decadent Spanish desserts that linger on the tongue long after they’re done.
YÙ & MÌ | Mandarin Oriental Downtown, Dubai
For those craving to dine sky high, YÙ & MÌ brings Chinese flavours and 1960s Hong Kong energy set high above the city on the 36th floor of Mandarin Oriental Downtown, Dubai. With city views as a feast for the eyes, expect Cantonese and Sichuan-flavoured plates to hit the table.
ZEA | Emirates Financial Towers, DIFC
Inspired by the ancient word “grain of life”, ZEA is the latest to enter the ever-busy DIFC. Inspired by the philosophy of nourishment and ritual, ZEA is a space to slow down, bringing simple, clean, Mediterranean recipes interwoven with Peruvian influences.
