New Restaurants in Dubai: 9 Must-Try Culinary Hotspots

Dubai’s dining scene never stands still — it evolves, surprises, and delights with every new opening. Whether you’re after fine dining, creative fusion, heritage flavors, or sky-high food halls, these 9 new restaurants in Dubai offer something extraordinary for every kind of foodie.

From modern Emirati cuisine to bold Central American bites, here’s your go-to list for the best new places to eat in Dubai in 2025.

1. Elaia – Mediterranean Magic at Dubai Marina
   📍 Pier 7, 4th Floor, Dubai Marina

Bringing the relaxed charm of Mediterranean dining to Dubai Marina, Elaia focuses on shareable dishes, wood-fired pizzas, and coastal classics. The terrace views and warm ambiance make it ideal for casual meetups or elegant evenings.

What to try:

• Grilled Octopus with Harissa Romesco

• Salt-Baked Red Snapper

• Melitzanosalata

• Handmade Keftedes

2. Culinara – Sky-High Food Hall at One Za’abeel
   📍 24th Floor, The Link, One Za’abeel, Za’abeel 1

Culinara redefines food halls with 12 original culinary brands curated in one epic dining destination. Elevated 100m above Dubai, it’s perfect for adventurous eaters and those looking to sample multiple cuisines in one go.

Must-try concepts:

• The Dish by Chef Sperxos

• SIO Ramen House by Reif Othman

• Joumana’s Table

3. Harummanis – Award-Winning Malaysian Comfort
   📍 Wasl 51, Al Wasl Road, Jumeirah

With a Michelin Bib Gourmand, Harummanis delivers Malaysian comfort food with class. Chef Akmal Anuar’s menu celebrates spice, tradition, and culinary finesse.

Top dishes:

• Nasi Lemak

• Rendang Tok

• Char Kway Teow

• Creamy Lontong

4. Forma – Artistic Pizza in Al Safa
   📍 Al Safa Art & Design Library, Al Wasl Road, Jumeirah 3

This light-filled, design-forward spot merges art and food. Forma offers crispy, creative pizzas and small plates in a chic, cultural setting.

Don’t miss:

• Miso Corn Pizza

• Burrata Poppers with Hot Honey

• Halloumi Panzanella

• Crispy Prawns with Samyang Dip

5. Kumo – Japanese Serenity Reimagined
   📍 19th Street, Al Wasl Road, Dubai

Tucked inside a calm 1980s villa, Kumo channels Kyoto’s understated elegance. With its “grounded Japanese” approach, Kumo focuses on refined simplicity and seasonal sharing plates.

Expect:

• Natural interiors with shoji and wood

• Clean, pure flavors

• A meditative dining experience

6. Girl & the Goose – Central American Boldness
   📍 Anantara Downtown Dubai Hotel, Business Bay

Chef Gabriela Chamorro brings the vibrant soul of Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, and Guatemala to Dubai. Girl & the Goose is rooted in heritage but executed with global flair.

What to try:

• Seabass Ceviche

• Slow-Cooked Meats

• Regional desserts and sauces

• Nicaraguan-inspired mains

7. Gerbou – Contemporary Emirati Fine Dining
   📍 Nad Al Sheba 1, Dubai

Gerbou is a standout collaboration between 11 Woodfire and Tashkeel. This beautifully restored villa celebrates the UAE’s culinary history using modern techniques like underground pit cooking and artistic dessert plating.

Menu highlights:

• Pit-cooked meats and seafood

• Emirati pastries by Chef Sahar Al Awadhi

• Locally sourced ingredients

8. Romeo Lane – Indian-Japanese Fusion in Business Bay
   📍 Pullman Downtown, 2nd Floor, Marasi Drive, Business Bay

Romeo Lane is a bold blend of Indian spice and Japanese umami. The menu is playful and packed with flavor — from robata-grilled delights to one of the city’s best butter chicken dishes.

Must-try items:

• Tuna & Avocado Pani Puri

• Shroom Bomb

• Seabass Mango Ceviche

• Romeo’s Butter Chicken with Garlic Naan

9. Duck & Waffle – London’s Comfort Classic Lands in DIFC
   📍 Concourse Level, Innovation Building, DIFC

The famous London eatery is now in Dubai, offering a modern take on British-American comfort food. From breakfast smoothies to crispy duck confit on waffles, Duck & Waffle brings hearty luxury to DIFC.

Don’t miss:

• Duck & Waffle with Mustard Maple Syrup

• Smoked Salmon Royale Waffle

• BBQ Lamb Ribs

• Eton Smoothie

From Michelin-level Malaysian and modern Emirati fare to quirky comfort food and serene Japanese meals, Dubai’s newest restaurants in 2025 are bold, beautiful, and bursting with global inspiration.

Whether you’re a local foodie or visiting the city, these 9 new spots promise more than just a meal — they deliver stories, culture, and unforgettable experiences on every plate.