Your Insider edit of Dubai’s most anticipated luxury restaurant openings for the year ahead.
2026 is shaping up to be one of Dubai’s most glamorous years yet in a city known for doing everything OTT – including it’s fine dining scene. With globally celebrated names landing in landmark hotels, dramatic dining rooms designed to impress, and menus built around premium ingredients, there is a ton of theatre plus serious culinary pedigree for discerning diners.
If you’re booking dinners based on setting, reputation and wow factor (as you should), these are the new openings worth knowing about.
Barrafina, DIFC
London’s cult-favourite tapas bar has made its long-awaited international debut in Dubai, bringing its iconic counter-dining experience to DIFC. Known for its no-reservations energy and flawlessly executed Spanish small plates, Barrafina stays true to its Soho roots with an open kitchen, lively atmosphere and dishes that celebrate simplicity done perfectly.
Expect classics like croquetas, grilled prawns, creamy tortilla and an excellent pan con tomate — all served fresh from the counter, where the chefs are very much part of the show. It’s unfussy, confident and effortlessly cool.
Open daily noon–11.30pm | Gate Village, DIFC | barrafina.com | 058 518 7962
Billionaire, Mandarin Oriental Downtown
Dubai’s most famous dinner-and-show concept has returned — bigger, bolder and higher than ever — at its new home on the 61st floor of Mandarin Oriental Downtown Dubai.
The relaunched venue pairs fine dining with world-class live entertainment under the direction of artistic director Irma di Paola. The new show, Up in the Sky, styles choreography, light and movement into a high-octane evening that blurs the line between restaurant and theatre. It’s unapologetically glamorous, designed for late nights, celebrations and if you like your dining with a side of spectacle.
Tue–Sun 9pm–3am | Mandarin Oriental Downtown Dubai | billionairesociety.com/dubai | 04 566 1186
CARBONE, Atlantis The Royal
The famously exclusive New York Italian institution has officially arrived in Dubai — and it’s every bit as theatrical as you’d expect.
CARBONE brings its signature mid-century glamour to Atlantis The Royal, complete with tuxedo-clad waiters, dramatic service and classic Italian-American dishes like veal parmesan and linguine vongole. A longtime celebrity favourite in Manhattan, the Dubai outpost delivers the same old-school charm with a polished, high-energy dining room.
Daily 6pm–11pm | Atlantis The Royal, Palm Jumeirah | carbonedubai.com | 04 426 0500
Gloria Osteria, The Ritz-Carlton DIFC
From the celebrated Big Mamma Group, Gloria Osteria marks the brand’s first Middle East opening — and it’s a maximalist Italian dream. Set inside The Ritz-Carlton DIFC, the space is bold, beautiful and unmistakably Instagrammable, while the menu focuses on premium Italian ingredients sourced directly from small producers. Expect generous portions, hand-stretched mozzarella, house-made pastas and classic Italian comfort dishes elevated by impeccable sourcing.
Daily noon–2am | The Ritz-Carlton DIFC | gloria-osteria.com | 052 576 7412
Lion in the Sun, Mandarin Oriental Downtown
Perched at the top of Mandarin Oriental Downtown, Lion in the Sun describes itself as a “salotto in the sky” — and the name fits. The design-led restaurant blends heritage glamour with contemporary polish, while the menu centres on open-fire cooking, premium ingredients and Mediterranean influences. Under the direction of chef Batuhan Piatti Zeynioglu, the experience feels refined yet social, with skyline views that elevate every evening. A strong contender for one of the city’s most stylish dining rooms of the year, and the Mandarin Oriental is definitely one of our personal faves.
Daily noon–2am | Mandarin Oriental Downtown Dubai | mandarinorientaldubai.com
Nobu One Za’abeel
Nobu’s second Dubai location is its most ambitious yet. Set within The Link at One&Only One Za’abeel, this expansive new outpost features a dramatic dining room, private spaces, an elegant lounge and a skyline-facing bar.
Alongside Nobu’s globally loved Japanese-Peruvian menu, the venue introduces live entertainment — a first for the brand — adding a nightlife edge to the refined experience. It’s familiar, elevated and unmistakably Nobu.
Sun–Wed 6pm–1am | Thu–Sat 6pm–3am | One&Only One Za’abeel | nobuonezaabeel.com
TATTU Dubai, Ciel Dubai Marina
TATTU’s arrival in Dubai is nothing short of theatrical. Occupying three levels inside Ciel Dubai Marina — the world’s tallest hotel — this is dining at altitude.
The Black Dragon restaurant on the 76th floor serves colourful modern Chinese dishes and dim sum, while the White Dragon sky lounge above offers mixed drinks, afternoon tea and panoramic terrace views. There’s even access to the world’s highest infinity pool, making this one of Dubai’s most dramatic new dining destinations.
Sun–Wed noon–1.30am | Thu–Sat noon–3am | Ciel Dubai Marina | tattu.me
Yù & Mì, Mandarin Oriental Downtown
Set high on the 36th floor of Mandarin Oriental Downtown, Yù & Mì blends modern Chinese dining with an after-dark mixed drinks bar inspired by 1960s Hong Kong.
The experience unfolds in layers — starting with refined Chinese dishes and evolving into a lively late-night setting with skyline views. Stylish, moody and designed for evenings that stretch well past dinner.
Sun–Thu 6pm–11pm | Fri–Sat 6pm–midnight | Mandarin Oriental Downtown | 04 777 8895
The MAINE Beach House, Club Vista Mare
Dubai-born favourite The MAINE has unveiled its most scenic location yet at Club Vista Mare. This beachfront outpost blends New England coastal dining with relaxed luxury, offering terrace seating directly on the sand. One of the city’s most popular spots busy during week nights and weekends.
Designed for all-day dining, the menu spans seafood classics, premium grills and comforting favourites, served with uninterrupted sea views. It’s refined but relaxed, perfect for long lunches with the girls and sunset dinners and it promises effortless coastal glamour.
Daily noon–midnight | Club Vista Mare, Palm Jumeirah | themaine.ae
