We've spent years finding the UAE's finest. Now you can find them in seconds.
We've spent years finding the UAE's finest. Now you can find them in seconds.
Two Bistro: A refined homegrown eatery inside the region's largest mall
This refined evolution along The Dubai Mall's Fashion Avenue brings sophisticated touches to all-day dining. The Emirati-owned spot weaves French, English, and Arabic influences throughout its menu – the Mediterranean Garden salad (69 AED) gains brightness from grilled orange, while innovative Bistro Sliders (79 AED) find an unexpected complement in mushroom cream sauce. La Mousse (69 AED), a tableside-assembled Ganache chocolate creation, provides a theatrical finale.
Za Za: A by-the-slice pizza bar in Al Satwa
This homegrown concept brought New York-style pizza by the slice together with hip-hop beats in Jumeirah Garden City. The six-pizza menu proved consistently strong, with the Tartufo slice (28 AED) with truffle cremo and the Alabama Smoke (29 AED) featuring pulled brisket and Alabama BBQ drizzle emerging as particular favourites.
Moon Slice Pizza: Local artisan pizza in a sleek setting
Moon Slice launched its next chapter in Dar Wasl Mall while staying true to its Emirati roots and Neapolitan soul. The kitchen distinguished itself through innovative touches like 48-hour fermented dough enriched with milk. The signature MS Secret Pizza (125 AED) exemplified their creative approach, combining a striking charcoal crust with white sauce, pecorino, and truffle in various forms. A collaboration with Emirati artist Duha AlHallami, who created bespoke painted pizza boxes, highlighted the brand's commitment to melding local artistic expression with Italian culinary tradition.
Al Bateen Ladies Club by Matcha: A chic wellness hub for women
The Matcha Club team brought their winning formula to Abu Dhabi's Al Bateen beach, launching the capital's first luxury wellness destination exclusively for women and children. Drawing inspiration from Palm Springs' vintage aesthetic, the club balanced sophisticated design with practical amenities. The beachside restaurant, Sardine, served standout dishes like Crispy Chicken Tacos (68 AED) and Harissa Corn Salad (59 AED) alongside a Mediterranean-inspired menu. Three terracotta-framed padel courts and an infinity pool overlooking the Arabian Gulf complemented the thoughtfully designed space.
Kokoro: Dubai's first handroll bar all the way from Texas
Chefs Patrick Pham and Daniel Lee brought Dallas's innovative handroll concept to Dubai's Alserkal Avenue, establishing the city's first dedicated handroll bar. The kitchen earned praise for its precise execution of Japanese classics, with handrolls featuring perfectly crisp nori and expertly prepared rice. Standout creations included the Spicy Hotate with scallops (50 AED) and the melt-in-your-mouth A5 Wagyu Nigiri (55 AED), while the Set of 4 Handrolls (150 AED) offered an ideal introduction to the menu. Solid wood and a striking handroll bar provided a fitting backdrop for the culinary craftsmanship.
A sourdough bar crafting just 40 pizzas a day
Local Foundry carved a distinctive niche in Alserkal Avenue's food offerings, bringing premium sourdough pizzas to an unassuming container space. The kitchen earned a following through careful preparation, limiting production to 40 pizzas daily. The Pablo Honey (70 AED) married fresh burrata with spicy pepperoni and hot honey sauce, while the Dear Grandma toastie (40 AED) showcased their sourdough's versatility through homemade pesto, fresh mozzarella, and heirloom tomatoes.
ONDA: A sleek and cool neighbourhood eatery with a focus on keeping it real
ONDA paired Bone Studio's striking design with award-winning chef Jesse Blake's thoughtful menu on Al Wasl Road. The kitchen balanced style with substance, crafting genuinely healthy options without compromising on flavour. The Pink Tropics smoothie (55 AED) featured collagen-enriched almond milk, while heartier dishes like the Wagyu Steak Sandwich (120 AED) with truffle aioli proved wholesome could mean indulgent. The Spiced Buckwheat & Candied Walnut Waffle (60 AED) combined brown butter sophistication with maple sweetness.
Beau Abu Dhabi: A luxurious, Parisian-inspired burger joint like no other
Beau expanded to Abu Dhabi's Marina Mall with a space larger than its Dubai predecessor while maintaining its luxury boutique aesthetic – complete with suited staff and sparkling chandeliers. The Original Burger (55 AED) and Truffle Burger (75 AED) elevated the smash burger format with thoughtful additions like Parisian mushrooms and house-made Elysee sauce. Even sides received special treatment, with Long Truffle Potatoes (30 AED) garnished with fresh black truffle and parmesan.
Sagra: A tiny little Italian pasta bar in Dubai's Jumeirah 3
An Italian expat transformed a cosy Jumeirah corner into Dubai's most charming pastificio, complete with just three tables bathed in cheerful yellow and blue. The kitchen demonstrated skill with both classic and creative preparations, from hearty Fettuccine with Three Tomatoes Sauce (55 AED) to delicate Gnocchi with Truffle Sauce (85 AED). Beyond serving as a restaurant, the space doubled as a pasta workshop and retail outlet for ambitious home cooks.
Daikan Izakaya: Award-winning ramen and a licensed bar in City Walk
Daikan brought authentic izakaya energy to City Walk while building on their established JLT and Abu Dhabi presence. The sprawling venue balanced casual dining with theatrical elements through its open kitchen and varied seating zones. The Daikan OG (80 AED) stood out with its spicy miso broth and generous toppings, while small plates like crispy lobster popcorn (99 AED) showcased the kitchen's range. The mixed skewer platter (145 AED) highlighted the charcoal grill's expertise with both chicken and wagyu.
Shvili: A Georgian gem with a kid's play area in Deira
Chef Lika Mardeleishvili brought authentic Georgian cuisine to Dubai Festival City Mall alongside sister venue Osteria Mario. The theatrical Mama Khinkali (170 AED) featured 10 mini dumplings nestled inside a giant khinkali, while the indulgent Adjarian Khachapuri (65 AED) arrived as a boat-shaped bread filled with melted cheese and raw egg. The venue incorporated pastoral artwork and pomegranate motifs, while a semi-open kitchen showcased traditional preparation methods.
Osterio Mario: An Italian restaurant with a stunning kid's play area in Deira
Osteria Mario brought elevated Italian dining to Dubai Festival City Mall, balancing sophisticated touches with casual comfort through elegant chandeliers and cosy corners reminiscent of a neighbourhood Roman trattoria. Black Pasta with Seafood and Salmon Caviar (86 AED) and the earthy Forest Mushrooms with Truffle Oil pizza (55 AED) highlighted the menu's strengths. A partnership with neighbouring Georgian restaurant Shvili allowed diners to order from both menus.
TAAMA Dubai: A plant-based restaurant in Al Quoz at Sohum Wellness Sanctuary
CEO and Founder Tanya Mansotra brought sophisticated plant-based dining to Sohum Wellness Sanctuary in a light-filled space with a peaceful outdoor terrace. The kitchen showed innovation in meat-free interpretations like the Lion's Mane (65 AED) – a cleverly executed mushroom "steak" with peppercorn sauce and wild garlic butter – and delicate Wontons (65 AED) filled with pak choi in fragrant lemongrass curry. Creative mocktails included the Apricot Spritz (55 AED).
Ribambelle: A fully licensed restaurant with an epic kid's play area in Dubai
Ribambelle redefined family dining on Bluewaters Island through its stunning 1,000-square-metre space. London-based DA-bureau's design created distinct zones for adult relaxation and children's play. The kitchen balanced sophisticated options like Crab, Cucumber & Ripe Tomatoes bruschetta (115 AED) with thoughtfully crafted children's dishes such as Organic Chicken Cutlets (65 AED). The all-day dining approach, allowing full menu access from morning onwards, showed particular understanding of family needs.
Qartuli: An authentic Georgian restaurant in the heart of Downtown Dubai
Founders Mariam Shevardnadze and Nino Chantladze brought genuine Georgian hospitality to Downtown Dubai, sourcing ingredients directly from their homeland. Vintage cutlery and black-and-white photographs transported diners to a 19th-century Georgian home. Delicate Mushroom Khinkali (36 AED) required specific eating techniques, while the hearty Beef Chashushuli (75 AED) arrived as a flavourful tomato-based stew with house-baked Tonis Puri.
Nalu Surf Club: A laidback spot at Surf Abu Dhabi
September 2024 brought a slice of surf culture to Abu Dhabi with the opening of Nalu Surf Club on Hudayriyat Island. Part of the groundbreaking Surf Abu Dhabi project – a collaboration with surfing legend Kelly Slater – this two-storey beach club quickly established itself as a versatile destination that evolved throughout the day. The venue seamlessly blended active lifestyle with leisure, offering pool access via redeemable day passes and a menu that married Latin American and Asian flavours. Early visitors praised signature dishes like the Thai Crab Omelet (80 AED) and fresh local Dibba oysters (145 AED for six), while the fully licensed bar and regular DJ sets helped transform the space from daytime beach club to evening hotspot.
the HUNTR
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