8 of Dubai’s best new restaurant destinations opening this season, from a huge European-style dining complex to a fine-dining Indian outpost
- Dubai’s dining scene has expanded in recent years, with the emirate now having its own Michelin Guide and an eclectic selection of restaurants by top chefs
- Notable new restaurant openings include one serving fusion food by David Muñoz, a fine-dining restaurant with a 17-course tasting menu, and two Korean spots
Restaurateurs in Dubai are ready for their third, fourth and fifth acts.
Some of the city’s best-known chefs and operators are going bold this season, and others are opening new outposts of restaurants that have been big hits in London – a concept that works well in this expat enclave.
The contours of the expansion reflect that the city has been in the culinary spotlight for the past few years. Local tourism agencies have showered publicity on restaurants and chefs, sponsoring food festivals, television shows, and lists and awards.
Michelin inspectors came through the city for the first time in 2022, as did the regional Middle East/North Africa awards from the World’s 50 Best restaurants organisation. Dubai dominated this year’s list, taking six of the top 10 spots.
The most popular restaurants used to be franchise expansions from foreign chefs, but now many of the top operators live and work in the emirate and are creating distinct concepts.
One of the biggest openings is The Guild, which fills a massive space in the city’s business district with several distinct dining areas.
