New Dubai restaurants to try in 2022

From fine dining to creative culinary gems, check out some of the newest tasty spots in town.

The Nice Guy

The Nice Guy is well known for attracting celebrities at its original West Hollywood outpost as well as for its comforting American classics with a strong Italian influence. Its Dubai location, at the Jumeirah Emirates Towers Boulevard, is just as impressive with a candle-lit patio and interiors that echo retro 1920s decor. The local menu features signature dishes like the lobster pizza, arancini and eggplant parmigiana, while other fan favourites are also given a subtle regional twist for their new setting.

The Nice Guy
FOOD & DRINK
Sheikh Zayed Road, The Boulevard, Ground Level, Emirates Towers

Raspoutine

It's long been considered one of the chicest lounges to while away an evening in Paris and Dubai's edition of this hotspot is just as vibrant as the original. With a predominantly French menu, foodies are set to be as impressed with the cuisine as they are with the opulent chandelier-bedecked scarlet interiors. Dine on high-end plates like duck and foie gras pelmeni dumplings, caviar-topped spaghetti and caviar and Wagyu beef pirojkis pies while resident DJs appear to perk up proceedings as the clock strikes midnight.

Raspoutine
FOOD & DRINK
Precinct Building 3, Level 2, Balcony Level, DIFC

Baofriend

Fluffy baos filled with imaginative flavours may be the main attraction, but they are just some of the highlights of this casual eatery that's already made its name in the Dubai Silicon Oasis neighbourhood. Instagrammable, eye-catching interiors accented with neon lights, bright hues and greenery make this an inviting place to pop in when craving a bowl of kimchi ramen noodles or miso-glazed short rib bao.

Baofriend
FOOD & DRINK
A3 building, Dubai Digital Park - Dubai Silicon Oasis - Dubai

YABA by Chef Shaheen

Fans of chef Shaheen, whose social media following reaches into the millions, have ensured his first restaurant in Jumeirah's Wasl Vita mall has been a resounding success right from the start. The young restauranteur has returned to his Baghdad roots, showcasing his take on Iraqi cuisine in this Dubai venture. Although you might not find traditional Iraqi cooking here, you'll find heartfelt plates with plenty of finesse.

YABA by Chef Shaheen
FOOD & DRINK
Wasl Vita Mall, Al Wasl Road, Jumeirah 1, Dubai

Not Only Fish

Born in Kyiv, the Dubai outpost of Not Only Fish in JLT's Almas Towers is sure to live up to its hotspot pedigree. Although pescatarian pleasures are a speciality – their raw bar with sushi, sashimi and tartare is a particular highlight – there is plenty to tempt aside from seafood with robata grills and vegetarian options too. Indulge in tried-and-tested favourites like crisp spring rolls, plump dumplings or popcorn shrimp.

Not Only Fish
FOOD & DRINK
Almas Tower, Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Chic Nonna

There's something irresistible about Chic Nonna's spectacular setting and head chef Ilaria Zamperlin's delicious Italian cuisine. Located in Dubai International Financial Centre, expect a blend of tradition combined with innovation at this popular two-floor osteria with prime Burj Khalifa views. Foodies should book the chef's table for the most immersive dining experience, feasting on well-loved dishes like vitello tonnato (veal in tuna sauce), stuffed quail with truffle, and braised duck ravioli.

Chic Nonna
FOOD & DRINK
Bank Street Building, Gate Avenue, DIFC, Dubai

RSVP restaurant

An always bustling atmosphere ensures RSVP lives up to its reputation as a 'fun dining' eatery. Chef Aadel Ouaoua's finely-tuned plates serve up French flavours alongside Asian and Mediterranean tastes. Given its pedigree – the team behind it also helm Michelin-starred 11 Woodfire, Indian Mohalla and DIFC's Marea – the restaurant is already a hit among foodies. Situated in Boxpark, the decor pays homage to explorers' journeys, with collectibles adding interest to the smart-casual space.

RSVP Restaurant
FOOD & DRINK
Al Wasl Rd - Dubai - United Arab Emirates

Fat Uncle

Chef Alper Uzundurukan's homegrown venture – in collaboration with Emirati co-founder Ismail Al-Sharif of Around The Block fame – puts the focus firmly on Mediterranean cooking. Signature dishes like Rockefeller oysters, gruyere scallop gratin and beef tartare with bone marrow sing with flavour. Keep your cameras ready as Instagrammable drinks are unveiled amid clouds of smoke before being topped with bubbles. Located at Wasl Vita mall, this is the ideal place to enjoy elevated dining at affordable prices.

Fat Uncle
FOOD & DRINK
Wasl Vita, 32 C Street, Jumeirah 1, Dubai

Alaya

Ideal for a special occasion, chef Izu Ani's Alaya is an ode to Eastern European and Mediterranean plates, with a strong sprinkling of Middle Eastern flavours and ingredients. The upmarket DIFC hotspot from the team behind GAIA, oozes sophisticated chic when it comes to its decor, plates and dressed-up clientele. Book ahead, especially on weekends, as this is a bona fide hotspot. As the night goes by, the music gets uptempo adding to the upbeat atmosphere and happy chatter of the culinary crowd.

Alaya
FOOD & DRINK
Gate Village 4, Dubai International Financial Centre, Dubai

Amelia

Nikkei accents add flavour to Japanese and Peruvian dishes at this Beirut-born restaurant and lounge that calls Downtown Dubai's Address Sky Views Hotel home. A 1930s art deco vibe permeates through the glamorous three-floor venue, with Mediterranean plates adding to the menu's mix. Particular highlights include the raw seafood selection with tiradito, ceviche and sushi sharing space with Josper-grilled meats.

Amelia
FOOD & DRINK
Downtown Dubai, United Arab Emirates

LENTO

He's known for serving up the most delicious smashed burgers and fried chicken but now Emirati chef Faisal Naser has expanded his culinary horizons by opening a standalone restaurant. Expect not just his signature dishes but also a selection of limited-edition specials that take inspiration from global travels. His cosy industrial-chic eatery, situated in Jumeirah on Al Wasl Road, is a labour of love for the restauranteur who follows the ethos of careful, considered cooking – that's why he named his spot LENTO, which means 'slow' in Spanish.

LENTO
FOOD & DRINK
Al Wasl Rd, Umm Al Sheif, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Tan Cha

If you're looking for a special night out featuring some of the most delicious Asian dishes in the city, then Michelin-selected Tàn Chá should be on your hit list. Channeling the vibrant energy – and diverse tastes – of Hong Kong, this upbeat venue, located at JW Marriott Marquis Dubai, has secured its place in Dubai's foodie scene. The eatery cleverly walks the line between being inventive and innovative with bold new pairings like slow-cooked short rib dressed in mandarin sauce.

Tan Cha
FOOD & DRINK
JW Marriott Marquis Hotel - Dubai

VAGA

They have a shared heritage when it comes to ingredients, influences and recipes, which is why it was only natural that VAGA – short for vagabond – takes you on a culinary journey through Middle Eastern and Armenian cultures. Situated in the heart of Bluewaters Island, this opulent eatery also offers up spectacular views of Ain Dubai and the city skyline. Signature plates include manti beef ravioli with a yoghurt sauce, lamb-topped lahmajoon flatbread, and the khorovats mixed grill.

VAGA Restaurant & Bar Lounge
FOOD & DRINK
Unit D08, Ground Floor, The Wharf, Bluewaters Island

Monno Ristorante

This homegrown eatery, located in the heart of Jumeirah, is a passion project for its Emirati owners who joined forces with Italian head chef Federico Bartoli to launch Monno. An air of nostalgia permeates the menu with authentic recipes, carefully-sourced ingredients and attention-to-detail ensuring this cosy trattoria already has a legion of fans. Whether you are looking to graze on antipasti, moreish starters, meaty mains or large bowlfuls of pasta, diners of all ages will find something that is sure to tantalise their tastebuds.

Monno Ristorante
FOOD & DRINK
304 Al Wasl Road, Jumeirah 1

The Byron Bathers Club

Chef Tom Arnel's new waterside spot on the shores of Palm Jumeirah takes inspiration from Australian beaches, with a surf-style aesthetic and menu that you can happily graze on all day. Bright, airy interiors complement views of the Arabian Sea, with an easy local neighbourhood vibe that ensures visitors become regulars. Snack on small plates or feast on a selection of mains, with an emphasis on coastal flavours putting the spotlight on seafood and seasonal ingredients.

The Byron Bathers Club
FOOD & DRINK
Al Manhal Building, Shoreline 4 - Palm Jumeirah - Dubai

Reference
Provided by Visit Dubai 

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