The best new restaurants in Dubai for 2023

There’s something wonderful about trying a brand-new restaurant - the excitement as you walk in, eyes wide with the chance that this restaurant could be the next big thing, and if not, at least gaining bragging rights as one of the first through the door. Whilst Dubai is certainly no stranger to a good restaurant, it doesn’t mean new places aren’t welcomed with open arms. Forever adding to an already impressive list of destinations, Dubai has quickly become a food lovers' hotspot able to cater for every need or occasion. You’d be forgiven for thinking that Dubai's glamour means fussy dining and extortionate bills, but beneath the surface is an eclectic mix of cuisines and budgets to make sure you’re covered.

2023 is bringing an influx of new restaurants to the city, from casual burger spots to glam high-end eateries opened by Michelin-acclaimed chefs, many overlooking Dubai's stunning skyline so you can enjoy dinner with a view. Even though variety is the spice of life, there is one thing that Dubai is always sure to keep constant, and that’s the attention to detail applied to the food here. Home to an impressive number of world-renowned chefs, you can find comfort in knowing that you’re always in safe hands, whether you’re looking for somewhere fancy to celebrate or just need a change of scenery for your midweek meal.

The downside to so much choice, of course, is that narrowing down where to go can become a little overwhelming. So, to save you the trouble, we’ve curated a list of all the most anticipated restaurants opening their doors this year, because in a city where your options are limitless, we think these are a pretty good place to start.

Ariana’s Persian Kitchen

What: Ariana’s Persian Kitchen looks to welcome you into a world of Persian delights, with fruits, nuts and floral fragrances merging with meats, grains and vegetables. This is TV chef and author Ariana Bundy’s first restaurant, running as a female-led concept serving classic Persian food with a modern twist.
Where: Atlantis The Royal, Crescent Road, Palm Jumeirah
Book now: Ariana's Persian Kitchen

City Social by Jason Atherton

What: Critically acclaimed chef, Jason Atherton, is expanding his empire once again with City Social, located atop of the iconic Grosvenor House. Offering a chic, casual dining experience with views of the Dubai Marina skyline, this new venture promises to be every bit as captivating as the rest.
Where: Grosvenor House, Al Emreef Street
Book now: City Social by Jason Atherton

Dinner by Heston Blumenthal

What: Set within the Atlantis Hotel, Dinner by Heston Blumenthal brings historic British cuisine dating back to the 1300s, with Heston Blumenthal’s cutting-edge twist. You can also expect some of the iconic dishes from his other restaurants to make an appearance on the menu, such as 'the Meat Fruit’, a playful mandarin and chicken liver parfait.
Where: Atlantis The Royal, Crescent Road, Palm Jumeirah
Book now: Dinner by Heston Blumenthal

Estiatorio Milos by Costas Spiliadis

What: Estiatorio Milos has become world renowned for its exceptional seafood dishes, with sites across the globe, including the original in Montreal first opened 1973. The food is high-end yet simple, using only the finest ingredients from Greek wild oysters to olive oil from centuries old Koroneiki olive trees.
Where: Atlantis The Royal, Crescent Road, Palm Jumeirah
Book now: Estiatorio Milos by Costas Spiliadis

Jaleo by Jose Andres

What: When a restaurant is opened by the only chef to own a two Michelin-starred restaurant and four Bib Gourmands, it’s usually a pretty good sign that it’s going to knock it out the park. Jose Andres has created Jaleo to combine his favourite childhood Spanish dishes with finesse and luxury, for Atlantis The Royal. Expect classic paellas, sangria, and a selection of Andres’ signature tapas.
Where: Atlantis The Royal, Crescent Road, Palm Jumeirah
Book now: Jaleo by Jose Andres

La Mar by Gastón Acurio

What: La Mar by Gastón Acurio brings a taste of Peru to Atlantis the Royal, offering an authentic taste of Peruvian cuisine. Think classic ceviches, potato causas, and even freshly grilled anticucho – a street food favourite. There’s even an outdoor terrace to watch the sunset whilst you sip on a Pisco Sour.
Where: Atlantis The Royal, Crescent Road, Palm Jumeirah
Book now: La Mar by Gastón Acurio

Ling Ling

What: Ling Ling focuses on the cocktails as much as it does the food, encouraging drinking, dining and dancing – in no particular order. The menu is contemporary Asian, combining Japanese, Thai, Korean, Vietnamese and Cantonese influences, with dishes like lobster Pad Thai and tea-smoked duck kueh pie tee.
Where: Atlantis The Royal, Crescent Road, Palm Jumeirah
Book now: Ling Ling

Nobu by the Beach

What: Nobu has taken up residency across the globe, with its latest haunt sitting on the beach front with views of Palm Island and Dubai. At Nobu by the Beach you can expect all of the Nobu classics such as miso-marinated black cod and king crab tempura, with the outside doubling up as a pool and beach bar with palm trees and sunbeds adorning the area.
Where: Atlantis The Palm, The Avenues, Palm Jumeirah
Book now: Nobu by the Beach

Sala

What: Tucked away in the desert, Sala is a restaurant offering shisha, bites and cocktails whilst you watch the sun set over Terra Solis. With al fresco dining also an option, this is a spot not to be missed for those special occasions with friends and loved ones.
Where: Terra Solis Hotel, Dubai Lehbab Road Dubailand
Book now: Sala

Josette

What: Josette is all about romance, splendour and 1920s glamour. Taking inspiration from Paris’ Années folles era, there will be evening entertainment every night, celebrating everything from opera through to the Moulin Rouge. For food, guests will be able to enjoy a variety of French brasserie classics.
Where: ICD Brookfield Place, DIFC
Book now: Josette

Bebek

What: Bebek Restaurant and Lounge is setting up shop in one of Dubai’s most sought after food-lover's locations, on Jumeira Beach Road. It promises to bring bold Turkish flavours, hand-crafted drinks, and a vibrant atmosphere in a place where friends can socialise, relax and eat well.
Where: Jumeira Beach Road, Jumeirah 3
Book now: Bebek

Ugly Burger

What: Perhaps Dubai’s most modest burger restaurant, Ugly Burger specialises in Asian inspired flavours throughout the menu. Whilst the name makes it hard to pitch this as the most aesthetically pleasing meal of your life, there's good backing to show it may well be one of the tastiest. Starting out as a delivery service, popularity grew so rapidly that there will now be a permanent Ugly Burger restaurant at Dar Wasl Mall. Expect Korean fried chicken, shrimp katsu burgers, and Pow Pow fries seasoned with Thai herbs whilst you listen to some of hip hop’s greatest legends over the sound system.
Where: Nakheel Mall, Palm Jumeirah
Book now: Ugly Burger

McGettigan’s

What: McGettigan’s is already one of Dubai's most popular Irish pubs, and it's bringing the Irish charm to Souk Madinat with Guinness in both the pint and baby Guinness shot forms, late night bites like pork belly popcorn, and pub classics such as fish and chips. 
Where: Unit 63, Souk Madinat Jumeirah
Book now: McGettigan’s Souk Madinat

Sumosan Dubai

What: Sumosan are adding to their list of locations with the new opening in Dubai, located in the heart of Downtown. Guests will see lots of brand favourites like the famous lobster salad, creamy spicy king crab and salmon rice pizza on the menu, whilst a skilled mixologist cover the drinks.
Where: Dubai Fountain St, Downtown Dubai
Book now: Sumosan Dubai

Café Isan

What: Don’t be put off by the overwhelmingly large menu, because Café Isan is delivering authentic Thai flavours to Dubai that can’t be missed. Expect grilled chicken satay, fried mussel omelette and pad Thai, along with plenty of hot and iced teas to wash it all down.
Where: Waterfront Cluster B, Dubai
Book now: Café Isan

Looking for somewhere to eat as soon as you land? Check out the 10 very best restaurants in Dubai Airport.