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We've spent years finding the UAE's finest. Now you can find them in seconds.
Pizzeria Funkcoolio: NYC-inspired Italian-Japanese pizza in Motor City
Tucked within the bustling Neighbourhood Food Hall in Motor City, Pizzeria Funkcoolio brings a slice of New York's vibrant pizza culture to Dubai with an unexpected Italian-Japanese (Itameshi) twist. This homegrown creation from Chef Akmal Anuar delivers bold, chef-driven interpretations alongside traditional favourites in a compact space that shares communal seating with other food hall vendors. While the setting itself is modest, the pizzas command attention through inventive toppings and authentic approach, offering a refreshing departure from Dubai's often overwrought Italian dining scene with golden-crusted pies displayed behind glass and an open kitchen that operates with machine-like efficiency.
the HUNTR stopped by for a casual bite on opening weekend and discovered Chef Akmal's thoughtful balance of tradition with subtle innovation. The Margherita slice (23 AED) demonstrated solid foundational skills with thin, pliable base and proper mozzarella that stretched languidly, while the Pepperoni slice (25 AED) elevated standards with generously applied, properly curled cups of spiced meat. The clear winner proved to be the Spicy Duck 10-inch whole pizza (65 AED) – an unexpected combination of tender, flavourful duck with strategic heat that delivered complexity rarely found in casual pizza joints. Chef Akmal's Japanese influences emerge not through gimmicky fusion but in meticulous attention to detail and quality of ingredients, with each topping carefully sourced and precisely applied across impressive 20-inch pizzas available whole or by generous slice.
Taqueria Freedah: A chef-owned authentic Mexican street food restaurant in Jumeirah
Chef Jorge Rodriguez and his two Mexican co-owners have created an ode to authentic street food traditions in this intimate Jumeirah 3 taqueria, where handmade tortillas and traditional birria showcase Mexico's vibrant culinary heritage without unnecessary embellishment. The modest space features a striking Frida Kahlo mural—a clever nod to both the iconic artist and the Arabic meaning of "Freedah" (unique)—while exposed brick and dim lighting create an atmosphere reminiscent of Mexico's beloved local eateries, with just four tables ensuring an intimate dining experience.
Rodriguez's daily market visits to source the freshest ingredients reflect the kitchen's uncompromising approach to authenticity, evident in dishes like the Ceviche Catch of the Day (70 AED) with its perfectly balanced lime marinade and the Signature Birria (68 AED), where tender beef speaks to hours of patient slow cooking. the HUNTR discovered handmade tortillas with that distinctive earthy corn flavour that factory versions cannot replicate, alongside Camaron Tacos (60 AED) featuring beautifully charred prawns—this is food that prioritises substance over spectacle, honouring traditional Mexican preparations while creating one of Dubai's most genuine taqueria experiences.
Za Za Dubai Creek Harbour: Artisanal pizza in Dubai's waterfront neighbourhood
Earlier this year homegrown Dubai pizza brand Za Za expanded from its original Satwa location to Dubai Creek Harbour, where the founder and Rascal's Deli alumnus has created a striking waterfront destination that channels downtown Manhattan energy while maintaining distinctly local character. The spacious interior impresses with warm wood panelling, a dramatic red coffered ceiling, and signature black-and-white checkerboard flooring, while floor-to-ceiling windows frame stunning creek and skyline views—though the focus remains firmly on the indoor experience where gleaming pizza ovens create theatrical precision behind a marble-topped counter.
Za Za's New York-style approach shines through both their famous pizza-by-the-slice concept and the expanded 14-inch pies exclusive to this location, with standouts including the Tartufo (28 AED/slice) featuring rich truffle notes and the Alabama Smoke (29 AED/slice) delivering perfectly balanced smoky barbecue flavours. the HUNTR discovered that the Doughballs (34 AED) showcase the same dough expertise that makes their pizzas exceptional—pillowy yet satisfying with aromatic garlic sauce—while the Italian Sausage pie (65 AED) arrived with fennel-scented sausage and perfectly blistered crust that demonstrates why this homegrown concept has earned its reputation as one of Dubai's finest pizza destinations.
SLRP Ramen by 3Fils: Distinctive Japanese flavours in Dubai Mall's The District
After making its debut in Abu Dhabi last year, SLRP Ramen brings Tokyo's vibrant food culture to The Dubai Mall's District area in 2025. Created by homegrown culinary group The Lab Holding—the minds behind 3Fils and Brix Café–the spirited eatery marries exceptional Japanese cuisine with immersive pop-cultural experience. Featuring wooden counter seating reminiscent of traditional ramen-ya beneath Manga-inspired artwork and colourful Japanese-style posters that transform what could be a standard mall restaurant into something with genuine character.
Ahmed Abdul Hakeem and his team have crafted a menu that spans seven categories from cold starters to handrolls, with ramen forming the heart of SLRP's identity through bowls like the indulgent Wagyu Truffle (168 AED) featuring A5 wagyu chashu in intensely flavourful broth, and the creative Spicy Miso (88 AED) combining minced wagyu with caramelised walnuts and roasted tomato. the HUNTR enjoyed a casual lunch of standouts including the Octopus Kushiyaki (47 AED) with tentacles cooked to tender perfection, while desserts like the Matcha Pudding (45 AED) continue the East-meets-creativity theme—this homegrown concept successfully builds on their Abu Dhabi success by delivering tradition-rooted innovation that feels both familiar and surprising.
Forma Dubai: Artisanal pizza hidden inside a library in Jumeirah
At the doorstep of Jumeirah's public library, this Belhasa Hospitality venture offers handcrafted pizzas and specialty coffee in a space that draws natural inspiration from its bookish neighbour. Forma's interior thoughtfully incorporates books and artistic elements without feeling forced, creating an intellectual yet approachable atmosphere that strikes a smart balance between café functionality and aesthetic appeal—giving the venue a distinctive identity among Dubai's competitive casual dining scene.
Initially launching with limited coffee service before expanding into full restaurant operations, Forma now showcases technical excellence through creations like the Six Cheeses pizza (65 AED) with its roasted garlic base and five-cheese blend finished with ricotta foam, and the surprisingly complex Miso Corn (85 AED) featuring flame-roasted corn, crispy onions, and jalapeños that deliver remarkable depth despite being meatless. the HUNTR noted how the umami miso flavour balanced with sour cream and gentle heat creates unexpected satisfaction, while the pretzel-flavoured soft serve (30 AED) combines savoury notes with sweetness for a sophisticated finish—proving this homegrown concept delivers quality without pretension in
KONA Pizza House: Japanese-inspired pizza with Dubai skyline views
On the 24th floor of One&Only One Za'abeel's The Link food hall, another noteworthy pizza option landed in the city with chef Reif Othman's KONA Pizza House, which brilliantly fuses Japanese flavours with Italian pizza traditions, creating an inventive culinary experience framed by stunning Dubai skyline views. The concept's name—meaning "powder" or "flour" in Japanese—signals its cross-cultural approach, where Othman applies his significant pizza credentials to craft pizzas on perfectly charred sourdough bases that balance substance with delicacy.
The deliberately compact menu showcases signature creations like the Diavolina featuring gochujang tomato sauce with marinated Wagyu ribs and galbi mayo, alongside the Ama Ebi combining spicy tomato sauce with red yuzu kosho and fresh shrimp. the HUNTR enjoyed the Magic Mushrooms pizza (64 AED), which impressed with truffle espuma and seasonal truffle that remained rich yet refined, while the aptly named Vampire Away (32 AED) proved that garlic butter cream and melted mozzarella can create perfect indulgent comfort—this innovative concept demonstrates how thoughtful fusion can elevate familiar formats into something genuinely exciting within The Link's upscale food hall setting.
SIO Ramen House: Chef Reif Othman's Japanese noodle restaurant at One Za'abeel
Also at The Link at One Za'abeel, Chef Reif Othman's SIO Ramen House presents a creative spin on Japanese comfort classics against Dubai's dramatic skyline backdrop. The name—meaning "salt" in Japanese—hints at the restaurant's focus on essential flavours and quality ingredients, while the compact counter facing the open kitchen and surrounding seating maximise the impressive city views that transform familiar noodle dishes into something more distinctive.
Rather than adhering strictly to Japanese orthodoxy, Othman applies his boundary-pushing philosophy to create dishes that feel fresh and inventive while delivering the satisfaction expected from well-crafted noodles. the HUNTR enjoyed the signature yakiniku ramen (88 AED) with its distinctive broth balancing subtle sweetness and depth, topped with tender beef yakiniku and perfectly marinated egg, while the carbonara udon (68 AED) successfully merged Japanese and Italian influences through thick, chewy noodles coated in silky sauce with crispy bacon and sharp pecorino—proving this concept demonstrates how respectful innovation can elevate comfort food within The Link's refined food hall setting.
DIME: Homegrown American diner and burger restaurant in Al Satwa
DIME represents homegrown Table4Two's bold commitment to burger perfection, stripping away menu clutter to master just two exceptional creations in Al Satwa. Founder Talal Hizami transforms this retro-inspired diner into an authentic slice of 1980s Americana, complete with rich vinyl booths and custom lighting fixtures personally sourced from New York trips, while the house-made approach—from daily-baked buns to in-house pickles—creates the same neighbourhood intimacy that defines Table4Two's beloved venues like Rascal's, Za'Za, and Apollo.
This deliberate focus yields remarkable results: The Classic (34 AED single) celebrates traditional American flavours with double cheese and house pickles nestled in homemade milk bun, while The Dime (48 AED double) showcases proprietary sauce that elevates the concept beyond ordinary burger joints. the HUNTR valued how supporting players like golden nuggets (27 AED) deliver proper crunch, waffle fries (16 AED) provide textural contrast, and authentically thick milkshakes (28 AED) require genuine effort through the straw.
CHAR: Fire-driven grill restaurant in Nad Al Sheba Mall
CHAR transforms Nad Al Sheba Mall's space into something altogether more primal from 2 p.m. onwards as the afternoon alter ego of Around the Block's morning coffee sanctuary, with fire cooking taking centre stage under Chef Abdi's thoughtful direction. This dual-identity concept celebrates open flame traditions through contemporary interpretation, where minimal interior design—warm wood contrasting chrome details under floods of natural light—allows the theatre of the open kitchen to command attention while maintaining sophisticated restraint that distinguishes it from Dubai's crowded restaurant scene.
Chef Abdi's fire-centric philosophy shines through reimagined classics and dishes such as the wagyu tenderloin (273 AED) featuring zaatar truffle butter that complements rather than competes with quality meat, while the truffle hummus with salt beef (57 AED) demonstrates confident handling of rich ingredients. the HUNTR savoured the chicken tikka (53 AED) showcasing faultless fire mastery with char-grilled protein balanced by bright salsa, while the innovative beverage programme extended beyond typical offerings through creations like the Igniter (35 AED) combining macerated green grapes and ginger for complexity without complication—proving this homegrown concept successfully merges heritage with innovation in a space that accommodates everything from intimate dinners to larger gatherings.
Oppidan: Italian-inspired comfort food in a beautiful Umm Suqeim villa
In a city where Italian restaurants often lean towards either high-concept fine dining or chain-restaurant predictability, Oppidan carves out something refreshingly different within a transformed Al Wasl Road villa that feels more like visiting a particularly talented friend's kitchen than dining out. This latest homegrown venue from Outset founder Rashed Al Tayer presents Italian-inspired comfort food with genuine warmth, where handwritten signage creates atmosphere and the name itself—derived from Latin meaning "townsman"—positions the space as a neighbourhood gathering place designed by respected Dubai-based Bone studio.
The sun-kissed villa setting showcases ochre and yellow tones complemented by distinctive handcrafted Moroccan zellige tiles that add character without overwhelming, while the open kitchen serves as the restaurant's beating heart where fresh pasta gets rolled in full view and wood-fired pizzas emerge with perfect timing. the HUNTR indulged in standouts like the ragu fettuccine (88 AED) featuring 48-hour slow-cooked short rib that demonstrated why patience matters in Italian cooking, while the chicken Milanese (95 AED) achieved that elusive balance between crispy exterior and moist interior—proving this alcohol-free concept successfully focuses on artisanal fundamentals with exceptional ingredients rather than reinventing Italian cuisine, creating a space that genuinely feels like home.
the HUNTR
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