For those contemplating a diet or seeking to temper their dining out, Dubai already presents a test of resolve. Just three months into 2026, the city has unveiled an extraordinary array of new restaurants, each firmly on our radar. From architectural showpieces to exquisite culinary ateliers, these openings showcase the true beauty of dining – proof that Dubai isn’t slowing down, and neither are we.
La Famiglia
Good Italian food is comforting; great Italian food is a passport – and La Famiglia will have you on the Amalfi Coast before you know it. Handmade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and seasonal seafood and meat dishes form the heart of the menu. Highlights include cuttlefish-ink risotto, lobster spaghetti, and truffle-crusted chicken pizza, while a venturesome pizza topped with avocado and caviar adds a distinctive Dubai twist, one that will likely entice you to return sooner rather than later.
Breakfast is treated with equal care, from truffle-scented croissants with turkey to fluffy stracciatella omelettes. Desserts are a nostalgic finale: classic tiramisu, homemade gelato in mango, coconut, and passionfruit, and dolce antico di famiglia, a cottage-cheese-filled family recipe.
Interiors are warm and inviting, crafted for long lunches, leisurely dinners, and special celebrations alike. The bar offers Italian-inspired cocktails that refresh the palate, alongside thoughtfully prepared non-alcoholic options Book now
Nobu One Za’abeel
Perched high above the city in The Link at One Za’abeel, Nobu One Za’abeel combines the brand’s signature Japanese-Peruvian cuisine with panoramic Dubai views. Classic dishes like Black Cod Miso, Yellowtail Jalapeño, and premium sushi sit alongside Dubai-exclusive creations, including delicate seabass with tomato dashi ponzu and Wagyu beef millefeuille.
The interiors are sleek and tactile, with dark woods, marble accents, and warm lighting, creating an atmosphere that balances refined dining with contemporary style. As night falls, the venue transitions into a lounge with DJ-curated music, making it equally suited for a sophisticated dinner or an elevated after-dark experience. Book now
Yù & Mì
The 36th floor awaits you, Yù & Mì channels the glamour and energy of 1960s Hong Kong with a modern twist. The space is split between a lively bar, where inventive Asian-inspired cocktails take centre stage, and an intimate dining room serving Cantonese and Sichuan classics with culinary atristry and flair.
Expect delicious dim sum, expertly steamed seafood, and a signature Peking duck carved tableside, all framed by panoramic Dubai skyline views. It’s the kind of place where a night can effortlessly shift from drinks to dinner without missing a beat. Book now
Barrafina DIFC
Barrafina brings London’s renowned (and highly addictive) tapas counter dining to Dubai. The open kitchen allows diners to watch chefs assemble signature dishes: gambas rojas, tortilla Española, prawn croquetas, and clams in salsa verde. Plates arrive in quick succession, encouraging sharing and conversation.
The drinks selection is carefully curated to pair with the small plates, supporting a lively, convivial atmosphere. While the venue’s intimate design and attention to detail make it ideal for a dynamic yet sophisticated evening. Book now
ZEA
ZEA showcases Mediterranean cuisine with elegance with seasonal mezzes, vibrant ceviches, fire-grilled fish, and perfectly prepared pastas that highlight freshness and balance. The drinks programme draws on southern European influences, pairing seamlessly with the menu.
The interior design is understated yet refined: neutral tones, natural materials, and soft lighting create a versatile space for business lunches or leisurely dinners, balancing elegance with comfort. Book now
