Madrid restaurant Amazonico is set to open in Dubai later this year. Courtesy Amazonico / Instagram
Madrid restaurant Amazonico is set to open in Dubai later this year. Courtesy Amazonico / Instagram
Madrid restaurant Amazonico is set to open in Dubai later this year. Courtesy Amazonico / Instagram
Madrid restaurant Amazonico is set to open in Dubai later this year. Courtesy Amazonico / Instagram

10 world-renowned restaurants coming to Dubai and Abu Dhabi


Sophie Prideaux
  • English
  • Arabic

When it comes to eating out, UAE residents are already spoilt for choice. From world-renowned restaurants to local hidden gems and traditional Middle Eastern street food, the options are endless.

And with a host of big name restaurants from around the world set to open in Dubai and Abu Dhabi over the coming months, things are about to get even better.

Here is a roundup of the restaurant openings you need to know about:

DUBAI

Antika

Antika Bar's theatrical interiors in DIFC. Courtesy Antika Bar
Antika Bar's theatrical interiors in DIFC. Courtesy Antika Bar

Famous Beirut party spot Antika opened its doors in Al Fattan Currency House, DIFC, this week. Known for its lively atmosphere and traditional Lebanese food, Antika Bar Dubai is set to be a popular addition to the emirate's restaurant-cum-nightspot scene. On the menu, you'll find traditional mezze with a Levantine twist – think hummus infused with lemon, grilled octopus tagine, and fattoush with truffle and roasted beetroot. Entertainment-wise, you'll be transported back to the hidden theatres of 1950s Lebanon with singers, live acts and belly dancers.

SushiSamba

The interiors of SushiSamba Las Vegas. Courtesy Sushi Samba
The interiors of SushiSamba Las Vegas. Courtesy Sushi Samba

After opening its first restaurant in New York City in 1999, SushiSamba has become the place to eat in many cities around the world. Set to open next year in The Palm Tower, the restaurant promises some of the best views over the Palm Jumeirah from its 51st floor location. Serving up a mix of Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian cuisine, SushiSamba is also known for its luxe decor and buzzing vibe. Its first UAE restaurant should feel right at home in Dubai.

Baoli

Cannes hotspot Baoli is set to open in Dubai. Baoli Cannes / Instagram
Cannes hotspot Baoli is set to open in Dubai. Baoli Cannes / Instagram

Restaurant-cum-nightspot Baoli, one of the French Riviera's most famous party spots, will open its first outpost in Dubai later this year. A favourite with A-listers such as Bono, Jay Z and Eva Mendes, the restaurant serves a fusion of Mediterranean and Asian fare, with a particular focus on fresh seafood. The ninth-floor spot is likely to follow a similar concept to its Cannes flagship – a restaurant, bar and outdoor terrace – when it opens its doors at Gate Village 11 in Dubai International Financial Centre.

Indochine

Inside New York celebrity hot spot Indochine, which is set to open in Dubai. Courtesy of Nadia El-Dasher
Inside New York celebrity hot spot Indochine, which is set to open in Dubai. Courtesy of Nadia El-Dasher

Celebrity hotspot Indochine has sat proudly at the centre of the New York social scene's exclusive inner circle for more than three decades, opening its doors in 1984. And now, the veteran Vietnamese restaurant is about to enter a new chapter, opening its first outpost outside of its New York flagship in DIFC. Over the years, Naomi Campbell, Moby, Anna Wintour, Mick Jagger and Andy Warhol have all been regulars at the restaurant, which doubles up as a late night spot. While an official opening date is yet to be announced, Indochine is set to bring its Asian fusion food, signature banana leaf wallpaper and exclusive vibe to the emirate when it arrives in the coming months.

Amazonico

Madrid restaurant Amazonico is set to open in Dubai later this year. Courtesy Amazonico / Instagram
Madrid restaurant Amazonico is set to open in Dubai later this year. Courtesy Amazonico / Instagram

Madrid hotspot Amazonico will join Indochine and Baoli in DIFC later this year. The three-storey venue will be awash with South American culture, from the plush, green interior, inspired by the Amazon rainforest, to the Latin flavours present throughout the menu. The venue will consist of a bar and lounge, restaurant, sushi counter and a rooftop terrace, while the food will be led by chef and concept creator Sandro Silva and his wife, chef Marta Seco.

The Butcher

Popular Amsterdam burger restaurant The Butcher is opening its first Dubai restaurant. The Butcher / Instagram
Popular Amsterdam burger restaurant The Butcher is opening its first Dubai restaurant. The Butcher / Instagram

One of Europe's most popular burger restaurants is set to open its first Middle East restaurant in Dubai in the coming months. The Butcher, opening in the heart of Dubai's Marina Walk promenade, will bring with it its famous patties, chunky chips and notoriously cool vibes. The restaurant started life as a pop-up in 2012 in Amsterdam's bustling De Pijp neighbourhood, before quickly expanding across the city. Its popularity led the chain to open restaurants in Berlin and Ibiza, but its Dubai branch will mark its first opening outside of Europe.

ABU DHABI

Marco’s New York Italian by Marco Pierre White

Celebrity chef Marco Pierre White will bring new restaurant Marco's New York Italian to the capital later this month. The restaurant will join his award-winning steakhouse at the Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, offering views out over the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. The Abu Dhabi restaurant will be the first outpost outside of the UK, and will be a more casual concept than his other eateries. On the menu, you can expect sourdough pizzas, pastas, and a range of burgers, blending Italian and New York cuisines.

Rasoi by Vineet

Famed chef Vineet Bhatia is opening a new restaurant in Abu Dhabi over the coming months. The first Indian chef to earn two Michelin stars, Bhatia will open a branch of his renowned Rasoi eatery at Jumeirah at Etihad Towers. The fine-dining restaurant is known for its fusion of traditional Indian cuisine and modern techniques. It has outposts in Jeddah, Bahrain and Geneva, but this will be the first branch of Rasoi in the UAE. However, Bhatia is no stranger to the UAE. He already has two eateries in Dubai: Indego by Vineet, which opened in 2005 at Grosvenor House Dubai, and Indya by Vineet, which opened in January at Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa.

Fouquet’s

Two of France's most famous names are coming together to give Louvre Abu Dhabi its first restaurant in 2020. Parisian brasserie Fouquet's will debut its UAE branch in the capital, while Michelin-lauded chef Pierre Gagnaire will design the menu. Diners at Fouquet's Abu Dhabi can expect fusion fare cooked using French cuisine techniques. Fouquet's Paris celebrates its 120th birthday this year, while other branches are located in Cannes, Toulouse and Marrakech, which all features its distinctive interior - mahogany wood panelling, plush red and black seating, and ornate, old-school chandeliers.

Mazi

Mazi from Notting Hill, London, is set to open at the St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort in Abu Dhabi in October. Known for its modern Greek food, Mazi puts a culinary twist on classic recipes. Think feta served tempura-style with lemon marmalade and caper meringue; a spicy version of tiropita served as a broken filo pastry with leeks and chillies; and grilled aubergine drizzled with soy and thyme honey or served with lamb and miso. “The idea is to revive Greece’s sharing culinary tradition in what we like to call a ‘fine-casual’ atmosphere. Our guests can expect to find a fun place to enjoy some great food combined with the intimate service of a fine-dining restaurant,” says co-owner Christina Mouratoglou.

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VEZEETA PROFILE

Date started: 2012

Founder: Amir Barsoum

Based: Dubai, UAE

Sector: HealthTech / MedTech

Size: 300 employees

Funding: $22.6 million (as of September 2018)

Investors: Technology Development Fund, Silicon Badia, Beco Capital, Vostok New Ventures, Endeavour Catalyst, Crescent Enterprises’ CE-Ventures, Saudi Technology Ventures and IFC

Dubai World Cup Carnival card

6.30pm: UAE 1000 Guineas Trial Conditions (TB) US$100,000 (Dirt) 1,400m

7.05pm: Handicap (TB) $135,000 (Turf) 1,000m

7.40pm: Handicap (TB) $175,000 (D) 1,900m

8.15pm: Meydan Challenge Listed Handicap (TB) $175,000 (T) 1,400m

8.50pm: Dubai Stakes Group 3 (TB) $200,000 (D) 1,200m

9.25pm: Dubai Racing Club Classic Listed Handicap (TB) $175,000 (T) 2,410m

The National selections

6.30pm: Final Song

7.05pm: Pocket Dynamo

7.40pm: Dubai Icon

8.15pm: Dubai Legacy

8.50pm: Drafted

9.25pm: Lucius Tiberius

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
While you're here
F1 The Movie

Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem

Director: Joseph Kosinski

Rating: 4/5

UAE jiu-jitsu squad

Men: Hamad Nawad and Khalid Al Balushi (56kg), Omar Al Fadhli and Saeed Al Mazroui (62kg), Taleb Al Kirbi and Humaid Al Kaabi (69kg), Mohammed Al Qubaisi and Saud Al Hammadi (70kg), Khalfan Belhol and Mohammad Haitham Radhi (85kg), Faisal Al Ketbi and Zayed Al Kaabi (94kg)

Women: Wadima Al Yafei and Mahra Al Hanaei (49kg), Bashayer Al Matrooshi and Hessa Al Shamsi (62kg)

UK's plans to cut net migration

Under the UK government’s proposals, migrants will have to spend 10 years in the UK before being able to apply for citizenship.

Skilled worker visas will require a university degree, and there will be tighter restrictions on recruitment for jobs with skills shortages.

But what are described as "high-contributing" individuals such as doctors and nurses could be fast-tracked through the system.

Language requirements will be increased for all immigration routes to ensure a higher level of English.

Rules will also be laid out for adult dependants, meaning they will have to demonstrate a basic understanding of the language.

The plans also call for stricter tests for colleges and universities offering places to foreign students and a reduction in the time graduates can remain in the UK after their studies from two years to 18 months.

What can victims do?

Always use only regulated platforms

Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion

Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)

Report to local authorities

Warn others to prevent further harm

Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence