From artisanal bakeries to high-concept fine dining, these eight newcomers deserve a spot at the top of your must-try list.
1. Aura Bakery & Café – Jumeirah
The latest gem in Dubai’s café culture, Aura Bakery & Café has quickly become a destination for pastry lovers and coffee aficionados. Located on Al Wasl Road in Jumeirah 3, the space blends Italian craftsmanship with modern design. Head Chef Manuel Balarini curates a menu that balances indulgence and tradition—expect flaky Cheese and Zaatar croissants, the delicate Mont Blanc, and hearty Pecan & Dates bread, alongside signature Italian coffee blends. The interiors are warm and contemporary, making Aura equally inviting for a quick espresso at the bar or a slow afternoon with friends. More than just a bakery, Aura is a celebration of connection, detail, and the art of everyday indulgence.
2. Three Bros (Orfali Bros) – Jumeirah
Dubai’s beloved Orfali Bros team has launched a sibling concept that’s as creative as it is approachable. Three Bros leans into a playful, bistro-style vibe, with dishes that are experimental without being intimidating. Signature “pidzas” (a playful hybrid of pizza and pide) emerge from a domed oven, while the drinks list pushes boundaries with fermented wines and imaginative zero-proof cocktails. This is a restaurant designed for a younger, buzzing crowd, but its culinary DNA ensures that every plate is thoughtful. It’s proof that the Orfali Bros are setting the tone for Dubai’s new era of dining: bold, inclusive, and relentlessly fun.
3. Kira – Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab
If design and drama are as important to you as the food, Kira is unmissable. Inside the sleek new Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, the restaurant marries Japanese precision with Mediterranean warmth. Coral-inspired sculptures, soft lighting, and architectural details make the dining room feel like an art gallery. The menu surprises too—delicate sashimis and tatakis sit comfortably alongside pasta dishes reimagined with Japanese flair. For those seeking a night that blends high energy with refined dining, Kira doubles as both a gastronomic adventure and a stylish late-night destination.
4. Apollo – Palm Jumeirah
Nestled on Palm Views West, Apollo delivers a brasserie experience with unmistakable Dubai flair. The menu is anchored by its Black Angus striploin in peppercorn sauce, but equally enticing are its comfort-driven sides and indulgent desserts, such as a rich pain perdu that has already developed a loyal following. The atmosphere strikes a balance between relaxed and upscale, making it an ideal spot for long dinners overlooking the water. Apollo proves that brasserie classics can be both comforting and sophisticated when handled with the right amount of creativity.
5. Gusto – DIFC
DIFC may be known for big-ticket dining, but Gusto offers something refreshingly intimate. The restaurant is small, polished, and deeply Italian in both spirit and execution. The marble-and-bronze interiors feel timeless, while the menu favours simplicity done with precision: homemade pastas, truffle-laden dishes, and classic Italian desserts. Gusto is less about showmanship and more about creating a dining room where every detail, hospitality, flavour, and atmosphere, feels authentically Italian. It’s a slice of Europe in the heart of Dubai’s financial district.
6. Elaia – Pier 7, Dubai Marina
At Elaia, Mediterranean dining takes on a fresh, modern personality. Located in Pier 7, the restaurant has the views and energy you’d expect, but the menu is the real star. Built around sharing plates, seafood, and produce-driven dishes, Elaia caters to diverse diners by including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options without compromise. The interiors balance relaxed elegance with Marina chic, making it equally suited to casual group dinners or special evenings. With its inclusive approach, Elaia stands out as a social, versatile addition to Dubai Marina’s vibrant dining scene.
7. Mirabelle – Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab
For lovers of French fine dining, Mirabelle delivers classic Parisian elegance in a grand Dubai setting. The restaurant draws heavily on traditional French techniques and sauces, with a menu that favours rich seafood, luxe cuts of meat, and indulgent desserts. Its setting—complete with sweeping Gulf views—amplifies the sense of occasion. Every plate feels like a nod to heritage, but presented with a refinement suited to the UAE. Mirabelle is a destination restaurant, ideal for anniversaries, celebrations, or anyone who craves old-world gastronomy executed flawlessly.
8. China Tang – The Lana Promenade, Downtown Dubai
Housed within The Lana Promenade, China Tang brings Cantonese sophistication with a cosmopolitan edge. The Art Deco interiors recall 1930s glamour, while the menu updates Chinese classics for modern palates. Signature dishes like Beijing duck, delicate dim sum, and refined seafood preparations anchor the experience. With its stylish bar and vibrant dining room, China Tang is more than a restaurant—it’s an evening destination, blending heritage and contemporary Dubai elegance.
