Top 17 New cafes and restaurants opening in Dubai

PSA: Dubai’s dining scene just got an upgrade with these new cafes and restaurants

If you think Dubai’s dining scene is slowing down anytime soon – think again. Just in time for the cooler season, we are yet again being treated to some newbies joining the dining squad. From Melbourne-brewed coffee to London hailing cafes, here are Dubai’s new cafe and restaurant openings that you need to bookmark soon.

Ottimo

This just might be your next casual hangout spot for whenever you’re craving a specialty cup of latte. This chic new minimalistic spot tucked right inside a commercial lobby has already managed to gain a acclamations for the drinks. So when you decide to drop by make sure you try out their mango matcha with some of their  fresh Pain Suisse pastries.

Where: Al Quoz 1
Contact: @theottimocafe

Ay-Vy

We already know this new gem is bound to be on your list when it opens. Decked in all pink with draping velvet curtains and contrasting darker tones – Ay-Vy would probably also make it on Barbie’s dream list. Due to open in October of this year, Ay-Vy is DIFC’s newest Pan-Asian addition.

Where: DIFC
Contact: @ayvy.dxb

ALSO READ: Duck & Rice, Cake & Bubbles, Saddle and more are coming to this new DIFC destination

Puzzle Coffee

This Melbourne-born has has official landed in Dubai after much, much anticipation. The renowned specialty coffee brand is known for importing its roasted beans directly from land down under – Australia. Nestled right in front of the tranquil waterfront in Dubai Creek Harbour, the space also specialises in some Aussie-style Turkish eggs, dirty hojicha lattes, and viral edible coffee cups.

Where: The Grand, Dubai Creek Harbour
Contact: @puzzlecoffeedubai

Clap of Flour

If you’re anything like us and are always on the lookout for your next fave Italian hotspot, then look no further we’ve got you covered. Clap of Flour sits right across from the Dubai canal, offering scenic views and even better – a live interactive kitchen. So you can expect to see some live action of your pasta being rolled straight out of the pasta maker.

Where: Canal Front Residence 09, Dubai Canal
Contact: @clapofflour

Popns

Save this spot, for when you’re trying to gather the group chat for the much needed hangout. From the team behind Orijins Cafe, Popns brings a cozy quiet vibe with artisanal sourdough, pastries, and bread made fresh right in front of you.

Where: Al Wasl Road, Umm Suqeim
Contact: @popnshouse

Hay House

Can’t make that quick trip to the scenic northern parts of the UAE? No worries – originating from Ras Al Khaimah and Khorfakkan, Hay House is another newest addition Dubai’s beloved cafe culture. Known for its aesthetic interiors and menu highlights like Aseeda dessert, mini pizzas, and a layered Dirty Espresso with Vanilla/Dirty Matcha.

Where: Mirdif Avenue Mall, Mirdif
Contact: @hayhouse_ae

Sesame

DIFC is having a moment – if you weren’t already aware. Joining the DIFC’s dazzling neighbourhood is Sesame Lounge. Dubai, we know how much you love a good whisked matcha or if you’re like us – a good chocolatey drink. So we had to add this new hotspot to the list. Sesame Lounge is renowned for premium ceremonial whisked matcha and rich iced chocolates. Be on the look out for this new opening.

Where: DIFC
Contact: @trysesame

Malgudi

Sometimes all you need in your life is a little extra spice – and you can get that at this new South Indian resto-cafe Malgudi, the brainchild of legendary Indian singer-composer Shankar Mahadevan. Expect mouth watering delicacies like thaat Idli, and signature Karam Kurum Papadam Platter.

Where: Motor City
Contact: @malgudi.uae

Hofmann

Speaking of new cafes and restaurants in Dubai, Hofmann is a pastel hued Barcelona patisserie that is soon touching down in Dubai’s DIFC area. Popular for its masterfully glazed viennoiserie, and most of all the viral, award-winning mascarpone-stuffed croissants. Dubai, you need to pin this spot on your map ASAP.

Where: DIFC
Contact: @pasteleriahofmann

Aurōm

Yet another much awaited cafe that’s due to open its doors to Dubai’s jetset crowd is Aurōm. It is never before seen or experienced botanical beverage lab that challenges the notion to steer away from the traditional, done-before spaces. It’s modern take on innovation. What makes them stand out is their conceptual drink menu which draws focus on precision coffee, advanced botanical extractions, infusions, and complex fermentation techniques. The kind of concept we’re definitely getting behind this year.

Where: JW Marriot Marquis Hotel, Business Bay
Contact: @auromlabdxb

Kricket

London’s famed Indian restaurant is soft launching it’s opening in Dubai soon. Said to be opening in Vida Emirates Hills, Kricket is known for their Nihari Steak, British staples like crispy samphire pakoras and Keralan fried chicken. And vegetarians you’re in luck to because they also have mastered the art of cooking up a great veggie meal. In short, it’s classic Indian flavours meets British charm and we’re here for it.

Where: Kricket, Vida Emirates Hills
Contact: @kricketlondon

Highly anticipated Japanese restaurant Akiro is soon to make its grand debut to Dubai dining scene very soon. Expected to open in Dar Al Wasl Mall, the restaurant is already making chatter for being the world’s first Nikkei hand roll bar. Exciting? We think too. The menu is a vibrant celebration of Japanese precision met with hearty Peruvian soul. The true seller of this restaurant is their seating. With each table facing the chefs, you can see your food being prepared and served to you as and when it’s made.

Where: Akiro, Dar Al Wasl Mall, Jumeirah
Contact: @akiro.uae

Chestnut

This London born, award winning bakery is finally landing in Dubai and its oh so bustling culinary landscape. Popular for its floral entrance and picture perfect treats, the space is all about the loaded yet lightly layered croissants. So if you’re a baked goods lover, then Chestnut is just going to be your new fav hangout spot.

Where: Chestnut, Mall of the Emirates
Contact: @chestnut.bakery

WatchHouse

After making a rare pop-up appearance at Marsa Boulevards seasonal outdoor space, WatchHouse is finally establishing its permanent residency in Dubai’s popular DIFC region. This design-led cafe focuses on a rather strict bean sourcing and precision brewing, and it is what adds to the whole experience of being at WatchHouse.

Where: WatchHouse, DIFC
Contact: @watchhouse_ae

Cédric Grolet

The viral French pastry artist who has made a name for himself for his groundbreaking trompe-l’œil sculpted fruit replicas and hyper-laminated viennoiserie. After much success in London and Singapore, the French pattisserie is en route Dubai with its Middle Eastern debut. So, what can you expect from the opening in the city? Lots and lots of hyper-realistic 3D fruit-shaped mousse desserts.

Where: TBC
Contact: @cedricgrolet

Cyrano Maison Sociale

This Beirut born, now Dubai resident was built around the ideology of setting the scene according to the time of the day. Which means, afternoons call for a social lunch vibe – this is where the space turns to a highly conversational neighborhood hangout that’s but for casual meals. Whereas evenings transition into more curated wine cellar and custom cocktails moment, built more for relaxed evenings. This is where you will be planning all of your social moments post its debut.

Where: Cyrano Maison Sociale
Contact: @cyranodubai

Atelier Kū

Closer towards the end of the year, Atelier Kū is a highly curated 45-seat haute cuisine restaurant and a dedicated high-fidelity vinyl listening lounge and cocktail bar. And yes, we are sat for this one. The vibe is more underground mood complete with dark leather seats, dark wooden elements, and heavily dimmed lighting. Best part is you can also visit the space just to check out their vinyl selection and bespoke mixology program without needing to make a dinner reservation.

Where: Atelier Kū
Contact: @atelierkudubai

Images: Instagram