New Dubai restaurants to try in 2025

With an innovative blend of modern British and American cuisines, Duck & Waffle has opened its doors in Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). Originally from London, the restaurant offers a playful take on comfort food from morning to night. The breakfast menu includes eggs prepared in a variety of ways, plus healthy drinks like the Eton smoothie (with raspberry, strawberry, coconut water, Greek yoghurt, honey and chia seeds). The selection of delicious waffles includes the smoked salmon royale and the signature 'Duck & Waffle' with crispy leg confit, fried duck egg and mustard maple syrup. For lunch, try items like the grilled seabass with caper and parsley gremolata or the slow-cooked BBQ lamb ribs with jalapeno and mint dressing, then peruse a selection of ice-creams to finish.

Beloved Parisian institution Le Relais de L’Entrecôte has arrived in Downtown Dubai at ME Dubai. For over 65 years, this family-owned restaurant has been renowned for its signature single-course menu – featuring tender entrecôte steak, crispy golden French fries, a refreshing walnut salad and its iconic secret sauce (still a closely guarded mystery to this day). Choose from a selection of desserts, including favourites such as the chocolate profiteroles, crème brulée and raspberry delight, plus many more options that change with the seasons of the year.

District 8 is a multi-concept dining destination, blending culinary artistry and vibrant entertainment in Dubai Marina. Housing three distinct restaurants – Blume, Rodina and Luxuria – it's the perfect day to night venue with a variety of food options and vibes to suit every occasion. Blume is District 8’s Mediterranean-inspired eatery, with a menu that celebrates European cuisine fused with global influences. Its interiors feature lush botanical décor that complements the restaurant’s garden-to-table philosophy – many herbs are grown onsite and much of the produce is sourced from local farms.

Meat the Fish, a beloved dining concept from Beirut, brings its unique blend of Mediterranean and Asian influences to Dubai. Located at Marsa Al Arab Marina, the waterfront venue offers a relaxed yet refined atmosphere with interiors inspired by bustling marketplaces and open-air spaces that invite guests to soak in the marina’s vibrant energy. The menu highlights the brand’s commitment to premium ingredients, featuring grass-fed meats, wild-caught seafood and organic produce. Dishes like hummus ikura, beef carnitas tacos and salmon kale soba exemplify the fresh, simple flavours for which Meat the Fish is known. Plant-based diners will also find an exciting variety of options to enjoy.

MiMi Mei Fair, London’s renowned dining destination, can be found in Downtown Dubai’s Opera District. Conceived as Empress MiMi’s secret residence, the restaurant blends opulent Chinese glamour with a modern twist. Guests are transported through lavish interiors inspired by Beijing’s Forbidden Palace and 1920s Shanghai with spaces such as the Library and the Peacock Room showcasing intricate design elements. With a menu celebrating the diverse flavours of Mainland China, Hong Kong and Singapore, MiMi Mei Fair offers an immersive culinary experience. Signature dishes include the apple wood-fired roasted Peking duck and live native lobster prepared three ways. Vegetarian options such as the Peking crispy beancurd and steamed XO okra ensure something for everyone.

Sirene Beach by GAIA, the latest creation from Evgeny Kuzin and chef Izu Ani, brings a blend of Greek-inspired elegance and modern coastal charm to J1 Beach. Designed as an expansive multi-zoned venue, it seamlessly integrates a 400-seat restaurant, private cabanas and a swimming pool, with 300 sun beds and stunning beachfront views. Every corner invites discovery, with vibrant energy flowing from its hidden bars to terraced dining areas. The menu, inspired by the Aegean, reflects the simplicity of home cooking with chef Izu’s signature touch. Signature dishes include sea bream carpaccio, rooster pasta and the caviar and oyster experience, along with favourites from GAIA like frozen yogurt. Seasonal ingredients and traditional techniques ensure every dish captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine.

Il Gattopardo Dubai introduces refined Italian dining with a nod to 1960s Italy, offering a sophisticated yet vibrant experience atop the 51st floor of ICD Brookfield Place. Il Gattopardo invites diners to indulge in the timeless glamour of the Italian Riviera. As you enter, you'll be met with a striking leopard sculpture, a symbolic introduction to the restaurant’s daring yet refined ethos. The design, crafted by renowned interior designer Lázaro Rosa-Violán, draws inspiration from Milan’s cosmopolitan energy and Venice’s warmth. Glossy wood, chrome accents and clouded cathedral glass partitions create a space that is both intimate and grand, while Italian-inspired murals and leopard motifs provide a playful nod to the venue’s namesake.

Sakhalin Dubai blends Mediterranean, Asian and Russian influences into a refined dining experience. Located at J1 Beach, Dubai’s newest beach destination, Sakhalin Dubai offers a sophisticated space where global flavours converge. Led by renowned chef Vladimir Mukhin, the restaurant's menu draws inspiration from the rich culinary heritage of Sakhalin Island in Northeast Asia, presenting an uncommon combination of ingredients and techniques. Chef Mukhin, a fifth-generation culinary master, is known for his innovative approach to cuisine, crafting dishes that bring the beauty of cultural diversity to life.

Gigi Rigolatto, located on the beautiful shores of J1 Beach in Jumeirah, offers a serene beach house dining experience where French sophistication meets exquisite Italian cuisine. With a private pool and beach, peaceful garden areas and indoor lounge-style setting plus a dedicated kids club, there's something for all the family to enjoy. With other locations in southern France and Paris, Gigi Rigolatto embodies the spirit of refined yet friendly dining, and places a focus on high-quality ingredients and beautiful surroundings. Dine alfresco in the garden area, book a private cabana or soak up the live entertainment – whether for a daytime visit or an evening out, Gigi Rigolatto is the perfect escape.

Ninive Beach brings a fusion of Middle Eastern aesthetics, coastal charm and modern luxury to Dubai’s J1 Beach. This new beach club and restaurant from the team behind Ninive, as well as Twiggy by La Cantine and Gigi Rigolatto, offers an inviting retreat where tradition meets contemporary style. Situated within Dubai’s vibrant J1 Beach district, Ninive Beach provides guests with both pool and beach access in a setting that blends Arab artistry with modern sophistication. The turquoise-tiled pool is framed by sun beds and private cabanas, creating an elegant environment for relaxation. The design extends to the restaurant, where rich earth tones, intricate textiles and nods to the majlis tradition offer a warm yet refined atmosphere for dining.

Sexy Fish Dubai offers a dynamic blend of world-class Japanese-inspired cuisine, captivating design and a lively atmosphere, all set against the backdrop of Dubai's iconic skyline. Located atop DIFC’s Innovation One, Sexy Fish Dubai immerses guests in a world of luxury and creativity.

Upon entering, visitors are transported to an enchanting underwater-inspired realm, complete with over two million hand-painted coral pieces, bronze mermaids and octopus tentacle pillars wrapped in hand-blown Murano glass. The grand centrepiece, a Damien Hirst octopus sculpture, adds to the surreal ambience. The restaurant's design, crafted by Martin Brudnizki Design Studio, extends to the main dining area, bar and a sweeping terrace offering panoramic views of the Dubai skyline.