2025 Wrapped: The best new casual dining spots in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah

71 Steak and Grill: Homegrown steakhouse serving delicious wood-fired meat in Nad Al Sheba

71 Steak and Grill delivers top-tier grilled meat and seafood in an unstuffy atmosphere at Nad Al Sheba Mall. The homegrown concept – which started life in Ajman in 2017 before expanding to Sharjah and running a notable two-year pop-up at Emirates Towers – now operates its first permanent Dubai location as of September 2025.

Chefs work over open charcoal flames, applying Mediterranean techniques and Middle Eastern spices to premium cuts and proteins. The space works equally well for casual lunches or proper dinners, with a fully non-alcoholic drinks programme that includes thoughtfully crafted mocktails. It's an excellent all-rounder for anyone who takes their meat and seafood seriously but wants to skip the formality of a dress code.

77 Texas BBQ: Homegrown American smokehouse in Dubai Silicon Oasis

77 Texas BBQ is a casual American smokehouse in Dubai Silicon Oasis serving slow-smoked meats, burgers, tacos, and sandwiches. The family-run concept focuses on traditional Texas BBQ techniques with items like Black Angus brisket, jalapeño cheddar sausages, and smoked chicken tacos.

The spacious dining room features an open kitchen window where you can watch the chefs at work, with seating options ranging from solo high chairs to group tables and cushioned wall benches. It's an accessible spot for families and groups looking for honest BBQ without the fuss, with mid-range pricing that makes it suitable for almost all casual dining occasions.

CHAR: Fire-driven grill restaurant in Nad Al Sheba Mall

Fire cooking takes centre stage at CHAR, which transforms from Around the Block's morning coffee sanctuary (more on that here) into something altogether more primal from 2 p.m. onwards. This dual identity concept at Nad Al Sheba Mall centres entirely around open flame cooking, with Chef Abdi orchestrating a menu that respects grilling traditions whilst embracing contemporary interpretation.

The minimal interior design—warm wood contrasting with chrome details under floods of natural light—allows the theatre of the open kitchen to command attention without overwhelming the dining experience. What distinguishes CHAR from Dubai's crowded restaurant scene isn't just the visual drama of dancing flames, but the thoughtful restraint that runs through every dish, from house-made breads with rich, layered spreads to perfectly executed proteins that celebrate rather than mask their natural qualities.

DIME: Homegrown American diner and burger restaurant in Al Satwa

DIME strips away the noise of endless menu options to focus on what matters: the perfect burger. This retro-inspired diner from Table4Two in Al Satwa is on a mission to master two signature burgers exceptionally well. The concept revolves around house-made everything, from buns baked fresh daily to pickles crafted in-house, creating an authentic diner experience that feels both nostalgic and distinctly modern.

Located on Al Badaa' Street, DIME channels classic American diner culture through warm wood surfaces, polished metal accents, and custom lighting fixtures personally sourced from New York, all while maintaining the community-focused approach that defines Table4Two's portfolio of beloved neighbourhood venues (Rascal’s, Za’Za, and Apollo).

Em Sherif Deli: An iconic Lebanese casual dining destination in One Central

Housed inside a prime corner spot in One Central, where floor-to-ceiling windows frame views of Emirates Towers and the Museum of the Future, this iconic Lebanese deli concept marries the bustling energy of a neighbourhood eatery with the polished aesthetic of One Central, creating a space where business lunches and casual catch-ups unfold with equal ease.

The draw here centres on house-made sourdough manoush, creative Lebanese salads, and an impressive array of take-home specialities that extend the experience beyond the dining room. Walk-ins only, the cult-status of the Em Sherif name speaks to both the quality of the offering and the addictive nature of their freshly baked goods.

FALCONE: Hong Kong-born Neapolitan pizza in Al Barsha

This Italian restaurant in Al Barsha brings serious Neapolitan credentials to Dubai through Chef Roberta De Sario, who learned her craft walking the dough-scented streets of Naples before opening successful Hong Kong locations. At FALCONE, a custom Pavesi brick oven fires pizzas that honour tradition whilst embracing creative freedom, producing the characteristic charred crust with an added satisfying crunch. The restaurant occupies a thoughtfully designed space where open kitchens become theatre and handmade Italian ceramics create Instagram-worthy displays.

Beyond pizza, the menu celebrates Italy's greatest comfort foods: house-made pasta twirled to order, Parm dishes bubbling under buffalo mozzarella, and gelato spun fresh throughout service. The single-page menu reflects Italian philosophy — when ingredients are exceptional, simplicity shines brightest. This third international FALCONE location adapts thoughtfully to local preferences whilst maintaining the soul that made the brand beloved across Asia.

Forma Dubai: Artisanal pizza hidden inside a library in Jumeirah

At the doorstep of Jumeirah's public library, Forma brings together handcrafted pizzas and specialty coffee in a space inspired by its bookish neighbour. This Belhasa Hospitality venture combines artsy decor with thoughtfully placed books to create an intellectual yet approachable atmosphere.

The concise menu impresses with both classic and inventive pizza combinations, including the surprisingly complex meatless Miso Corn option that challenges expectations. Whether you're a bookworm stopping in for a coffee or crossing town specifically for their Six Cheeses pizza, Forma delivers quality without pretension in Jumeirah 3.

Freej Eshhafan: Homegrown Emirati dining in Nadd Al Hamar

A visit here will offer you traditional Emirati home cooking, with a menu spanning breakfast through dinner. This homegrown restaurant serves Arabic and Middle Eastern dishes with a strong focus on seafood – think majboos platters, grilled fish, and their signature seafood soup studded with crab, mussels, and shrimp.

The space works for quick karak stops as well as proper family gatherings, with semi-private dining areas upstairs and casual outdoor seating at street level. Prices sit in the accessible range, with breakfast dishes from 14 AED and mains from 42–89 AED. The atmosphere leans warm and inviting rather than formal – the type of spot where families with grandparents and kids feel equally at home.

Jona's Burger: A homegrown burger joint in Nad Al Sheba's Avenue Mall

From the team behind DIFC's Orijins specialty coffee shop and No5 Cafe, this burger joint operates with impressive dedication – everything prepped fresh daily from morning, house-made sauces, and wagyu patties that justify the attention.

Open daily from midnight until 1.am., the menu stays focused on burger essentials – classic and creative options, house-made nuggets, spiced or plain fries, plus milkshakes and drinks that complement the main event. The branding feels playful yet considered, with distinctive packaging that makes even takeaway feel special.

Junk Burger Dubai: London’s iconic smash burgers in the Trade Centre Area

Junk Burgers does two things really well: smash burgers and cookies. In late September 2025, the Paris-born chain landed on 25 Jump Street with the same setup it runs in France and London – chrome counters, open kitchen, minimal seating, and a short menu.

Order at the counter, grab your tray, eat, and go. The burgers follow a simple formula: cold beef smashed on a hot griddle, toasted brioche bun, homemade sauce, American cheese, and your choice of patty count from two to five. Add fries, maybe a Puffy cookie from their sister brand, and you're done. It's fast, straightforward, and unpretentious.

Khao Soi: Authentic Northern Thai flavours in Al Karama

Occupying a narrow shopfront in Al Karama's bustling streets, Khao Soi operates with the straightforward confidence of a place that knows exactly what it does well. This family-run Thai restaurant strips away the usual dining theatrics to focus on what matters most: delivering the rich, creamy curry noodle soup from Northern Thailand that bears the restaurant's name, alongside a carefully curated selection of regional specialties.

The setup speaks for itself: weathered concrete walls display a collage of vintage Thai advertisements and movie posters, whilst colourful pendant lights cast a warm glow over mismatched metal chairs and wooden tables. Through a small service window, you can watch the cooks work in the compact kitchen where every dish begins.

Kima Izakaya: Authentic Japanese comfort food in Jumeirah Lake Towers

Walk into Kima Izakaya and you're immediately struck by how thoughtfully authentic everything feels – from the vintage Japanese movie posters adorning the walls to the gentle sounds of sushi being prepared at the open counter.

This compact spot in JLT captures the communal spirit of a neighbourhood izakaya, complete with natural wood furnishings, woven-rope stools, and that unmistakable energy that comes from watching skilled chefs work their craft mere metres away. The result is a welcoming space where families and friends gather over expertly prepared comfort food, from their signature karaage to gooey-creamy mochi that's worth the visit alone.

Kiyomi: Korean comfort food in Dubai's International City

Kiyomi is a compact Korean counter dining spot in International City that focuses on authentic comfort food staples like kimbap, cupbap, tteokbokki, and japchae. Run by Korean owner Insung Cha, this homegrown operation seats just six diners at a time along a single counter, creating an intimate, no-frills eating experience where you can watch the open kitchen through a decorative curtain as your food is prepared.

The straightforward menu keeps things accessible, with most dishes priced between 25 and 35 AED, and the self-service drinks fridge stocked with Korean beverages. It's an eat-and-go kind of place – perfect for a quick, satisfying Korean meal when you're craving the real thing without the fuss.

KONA Pizza House: Japanese-inspired pizza with Dubai skyline views

On the 24th floor of One&Only One Za'abeel sits KONA Pizza House, chef Reif Othman's creative venture inside The Link's upscale food hall. This concept brilliantly fuses Japanese flavours with Italian pizza traditions, offering diners an inventive culinary experience with a stunning Dubai skyline backdrop.

With its open kitchen, counter seating, and focused menu of Japanese-inspired pizzas and small plates, KONA delivers sophisticated yet approachable dining where thoughtful flavour combinations and quality ingredients take centre stage.

Lahkee Dubai: Wok-fired brilliance in Al Safa's tiniest kitchen

Tucked away inside Al Safa Complex, this husband-and-wife operation delivers pan-Asian cuisine with a Filipino soul and impressive technical precision. Their kitchen – barely larger than a ship's galley – turns spatial constraints into theatre, with counter seating that transforms diners into audience members for a tightly choreographed culinary performance.

Here, amidst lucky cats and vintage cassette players, you'll find the kind of wok-seared noodles and handcrafted baos that will have you thinking of them for days to come.

Middle Child: All-day eatery, gourmet grocer and cookbook shop in Alserkal Avenue

Middle Child brings together three distinct pleasures under one carefully designed roof in Alserkal Avenue: an all-day eatery, cookbook shop, and gourmet grocer. The brainchild of Lebanese chef Lynn Hazim, this Al Quoz destination draws its identity from the concept of middle child syndrome, transforming the idea into something wonderfully affirming.

The space feels deliberately unassuming yet confident, much like its namesake psychology, with towering shelves housing over 500 cookbook titles alongside pantry treasures from around the world. Focusing on lunch and dinner service, Middle Child addresses a slight gap in Alserkal's predominantly café-driven offerings, providing a proper lunch and dinner dining destination.

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. Tucked into a transformed villa on Al Wasl Road, this Outset venue presents Italian-inspired comfort food with the kind of warmth and authenticity that makes you want to linger.

The name itself tells the story: derived from Latin meaning "townsman" or "resident of a town," Oppidan positions itself as a neighbourhood gathering place where handwritten signage (penned by Al Tayer himself) creates an atmosphere that feels more like visiting a particularly talented friend's kitchen than dining out. The sun-kissed villa setting, with its ochre and yellow tones complemented by distinctive Moroccan zellige tiles, manages to feel both stylish and lived-in—exactly what Italian dining should embody.

Shanasheel Restaurant: A grand Iraqi dining palace in Jumeirah

Shanasheel's imposing stone archway in Jumeirah frames an entrance to one of Dubai's most theatrical dining experiences. The restaurant takes its name from the traditional wooden bay windows that once graced Baghdad's historic homes, and every architectural detail here pays tribute to that golden age of Mesopotamian culture. Ornate mashrabiya screens cast dancing shadows across marble floors while the scent of fresh-baked bread mingles with aromatic spices throughout the vast dining rooms.

Behind glass walls, bakers work their magic at traditional stone ovens, turning out pillowy Iraqi bread throughout service. The massive space unfolds across two floors with lush greenery softening the grandeur, while a separate café area caters to those seeking quick bites and shisha. With an extensive menu showcasing authentic Iraqi dishes plus thoughtful additions of international options and dedicated vegetarian sections, Shanasheel positions itself as both cultural ambassador and crowd-pleaser.

SIO Ramen House: Chef Reif Othman's Japanese noodle restaurant at One Za'abeel

Standing high above the city within The Link at One Za'abeel, SIO Ramen House presents Chef Reif Othman's creative spin on Japanese comfort classics against Dubai's dramatic skyline. The name – meaning "salt" in Japanese – hints at the restaurant's focus on essential flavours and quality ingredients.

Neighbouring SIO is its sister concept KONA Pizza House, also by Othman, which merges Japanese flavours with Italian pizza traditions. With its open kitchen, calm atmosphere and panoramic city views, SIO transforms familiar noodle dishes into something more distinctive.

The limited but thoughtful menu features unexpected interpretations like yakiniku ramen with sweet broth and Italian-influenced carbonara udon, all executed with precise technique and balanced flavour combinations.

SLRP Ramen by 3Fils: Distinctive Japanese flavours in Dubai Mall's The District

The brainchild of The Lab Holding (the culinary minds behind award-winning 3Fils and Brix Café), this spirited eatery marries exceptional Japanese cuisine with an immersive pop-cultural experience. Beyond the meticulously crafted bowls of ramen that form the backbone of its menu, SLRP entices with a compelling selection of kushiyaki skewers, handrolls, and sushi that showcase the depth of Japanese culinary tradition.

The restaurant's design creates a captivating fusion of old and contemporary Tokyo-wooden counter seating reminiscent of traditional ramen-ya sits beneath Manga-inspired artwork and colourful Japanese-style posters. This clever juxtaposition extends to the menu, where time-honoured techniques meet innovative flavour combinations, resulting in dishes that feel both familiar and surprising. Whether perched at the counter watching skilled chefs at work or settled at one of the surrounding tables, SLRP offers a dining experience that transcends the ordinary mall restaurant, delivering a buzzy atmosphere alongside remarkable food.

Soil: Feel-good food concept in Al Barsha's The Grove Mall

Soil offers a refreshingly unpretentious approach to better eating. Arriving in Dubai in 2025 inside The Grove Mall, Al Barsha, this Abu Dhabi import sidesteps the sanctimonious messaging that often accompanies "clean eating" concepts, opting instead for a straightforward promise: real food from real ingredients that happens to make you feel good.

The space strikes a balance between Scandinavian minimalism and warm accessibility – think soft natural elements meeting clean modern lines without the clinical sterility that plagues many health-focused venues. It's the kind of place where post-gym regulars queue alongside office workers seeking something more substantial than another sad desk salad. Instead, you'll find a menu that reads like a greatest hits of satisfying, balanced eating – from protein-packed sandwiches on proper bread to their signature Swirls, a clever rethink of soft serve that manages to be both indulgent and sensible.

Tacos Camino: Fast-casual homegrown Mexican in Dubai Festival City

Tacos Camino is Chef Shaw Lash's fast-casual answer to Dubai's taco cravings. Born from the same kitchen that powers cult-favourite Lila Taqueria, this counter-service spot at The Market Island food hall strips away the tablecloths but keeps the integrity.

Hand-rolled tortillas made daily from heirloom Mexican corn, house-made salsas, and char-grilled proteins form the backbone of a menu built for speed without compromise. It's Lash's open-fire philosophy distilled into burritos, quesadillas, and tacos that clock in between 40 and 78 dirhams, with weekend breakfast options and soft-serve rounding out the menu. The vibe is grab-and-go energy meets proper technique – perfect for Festival City shoppers, mall workers on lunch break, or families wanting quality Mexican without the wait.

Taqueria El Primo Dubai: Homegrown Mexican, chef-led eatery in Jumeirah

That open kitchen – with its huge pan where meats sizzle and tacos are assembled to order – tells you everything you need to know about what Taqueria El Primo is doing in Al Wasl. This is a Mexican-born chef bringing taqueria culture to Dubai.

Chef Jonathan Colin spent years running K'iin Supper Club from his Downtown Dubai apartment, serving seven-course Mexican dinners to guests sitting among plates imported from Yucatán and a hammock from Tulum. El Primo represents the natural evolution of that passion project: a taqueria bringing a taste of Mexico to Jumeirah.

Making its debut in late December 2025, the name means "the cousin" in Spanish, and the vibe matches – walk-in casual, family-style portions, zero pretence. Tacos start at 20 AED and top out around 80 AED for premium options like oxtail birria, making this an easy weeknight destination or a quick weekend refuel. The open kitchen puts the action front and centre, with staff assembling tacos on a massive flat-top griddle just like you'd find at a street vendor in Mexico City.

Taqueria Freedah: A chef-owned authentic Mexican street food restaurant in Jumeirah

Taqueria Freedah brings a slice of Mexico's vibrant street food culture to Jumeirah 3, where fresh ceviches, handmade tortillas, and traditional birria coexist in an intimate setting along Jumeirah Street.

This chef-owned spot foregoes unnecessary frills, instead focusing intently on crafting some of Dubai's most authentic Mexican flavours. With its carefully sourced ingredients and recipes that honour tradition, this modest taqueria delivers an experience that feels refreshingly genuine amidst Dubai's more extravagant options.

The Sandwich Box: Late-night smash burgers on Sheikh Zayed Road

That neon-lit yellow sign glowing against the Dubai skyline tells you everything you need to know – this is a no-frills smash burger joint that does one thing and does it well. The Sandwich Box occupies a tiny counter-service spot near the Museum of the Future, drawing late-night crowds with its straightforward menu of smash burgers, crispy chicken strips and thick milkshakes. The homegrown concept was born from a straightforward philosophy: quality fast food with fresh ingredients shouldn't require a hefty price tag. With burgers starting at 21 AED and nothing on the menu breaking 32 AED, they've made good on that promise.

What makes this place worth seeking out is the combination of quality and value – patties are smashed to order on a hot griddle, cheese melts into crispy-edged beef, and the whole operation hums with the kind of efficiency that keeps hungry crowds moving. Open until 5 a.m. daily, it's become a reliable destination for post-dinner cravings and late-night eats along Sheikh Zayed Road.

The Townhouse Dubai: Wagyu burger perfection in DIFC

On the fourth floor of DAMAC Park Towers in DIFC sits The Townhouse Dubai, a minimalist burger spot founded by six Emiratis with a genuine passion for perfect patties. Despite its small size – just enough room for a handful of diners inside plus additional outdoor seating – this unassuming space delivers a disproportionately impressive burger experience.

With a concise menu focused on meticulously crafted burgers featuring crisp-edged wagyu patties, The Townhouse embraces a refreshing simplicity that stands out in Dubai's often complex dining options. Connected to Gate Avenue DIFC, it balances accessibility with just enough seclusion to feel like a genuine discovery (*whispers* it's a hidden gem).

Barbassi Abu Dhabi: Artisanal focaccia sandwiches in Mina Zayed Port

From the founders of Marmellata comes Barbassi, situated within Mina Zayed Port complex. This compact canteen-style shop focuses on quality over quantity with just five meticulously crafted focaccia sandwiches – three meat and two vegetarian options.

The family connection runs deep, with Barbassi named after the owners' youngest son Sebastian (nicknamed "Bassi"), who's studying hospitality in Switzerland with hopes he'll return to take over the family business. What makes this spot truly distinctive is its exclusive selection of vintage Sicilian fruit soft drinks – the only place in the UAE where you'll find these classic refreshers.

Blu Pizzeria: Neapolitan wood-fired pizzas on Saadiyat Island

Blu Pizzeria is a Neapolitan pizza concept on Saadiyat Island from Emirati entrepreneur Abdelrahman Alteneiji, expanding from its Dubai original to a waterfront spot at Sunrise Residences.

The menu is intentionally tight – just seven pizzas, all wood-fired on sourdough bases that take time to develop properly. Subtle Middle Eastern influences run through the toppings, elevating familiar Italian foundations without overcomplicating them.

Floor-to-ceiling windows frame unobstructed marina views, making this as much about the setting as the food.

Ibn Al Bahr: Seafood restaurant with beach access in Abu Dhabi

Born in Dubai, Ibn Al Bahr landed on Al Reem Island's waterfront in Makers District this year, operated by the Black Spoon Hospitality Group. The homegrown concept focuses on daily fresh catch from local fishermen, prepared Lebanese-style or grilled simply. The 2,000-square-metre space seats 270 guests across an indoor dining room and outdoor waterfront decks, with direct beach access. Choose your fish from the live display counter – the team weighs it, quotes the price, and prepares it to your specifications.

The menu spans traditional Lebanese mezze, grilled seafood, sharing platters for four, and Arabic desserts. Mid-range pricing starts at 28 AED for mezze, whilst whole fish is priced by weight at the counter. The licensed bar serves signature cocktails, Lebanese arak selections, wines, and mocktails. Operating daily from 12 p.m. to 12 a.m., it suits families, large groups, and weeknight dinners, with free beach access and towels for all diners.

Tonic Moon: Waterfront views and topnotch specialty coffee in Yas Bay

Occupying prime waterfront real estate in Yas Bay, the long, rectangular space here manages to feel surprisingly intimate despite its sprawling footprint, thanks to low ceilings and warm wooden columns that create distinct zones throughout. The view across Yas Bay to Etihad Arena provides a backdrop that shifts from industrial drama during the day to something approaching romance during golden hour. It's the sort of location that makes lingering over a second coffee feel entirely justified.

The café roasts its own beans, which explains the confidence with which baristas discuss different brewing methods and why the menu lists multiple single-origin options rather than hiding behind vague "house blend" descriptions. This is coffee approached with craft rather than theatre – the team clearly knows what they're doing, but they're not going to lecture you about it.

Al Tawe: Emirati seafood in Sharjah's Industrial Area

Seashells cascade down whitewashed walls and woven pendants cast warm light across wooden tables – Al Tawe brings the feeling of the Gulf coast to an unlikely corner of Sharjah's Industrial Area. Named after the Emirati dialect word for "well," this family-friendly seafood restaurant celebrates the UAE's fishing heritage through both its coastal-inspired interiors and a menu anchored by traditional Emirati preparations of fresh fish and shellfish.

The concept works on multiple levels: as a casual lunch spot for workers in the surrounding area, as a destination for families seeking private dining rooms, and as a worthwhile detour for anyone after authentic Emirati seafood at a fair price. Most mains hover between 50 and 70 AED, making it accessible for regular visits. The atmosphere sits somewhere between casual and occasion-worthy – the kind of place where you could arrive in jeans but wouldn't feel underdressed if you made more of an effort.

Bait Elowal: Emirati heritage dining and cultural shopping in the Heart of Sharjah

In the winding alleys of Sharjah's Heart district, where traditional souks meet historic museums, stands a beautifully restored two-storey heritage house that captures the very soul of Emirati hospitality. Bait Elowal – literally “House of the Traveller” – embodies Her Excellency Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi's vision of recreating the warmth that once welcomed weary merchants returning from distant lands with tales, treasures, and flavours from across the known world.

The name itself tells the story: whilst "Bait" simply means house, "Elowal" reaches deeper into Emirati vocabulary to describe that particular kind of traveller – one who ventures far from home and returns transformed, carrying stories and tastes that enrich the community. Facing Sharjah Creek from Al Merraijja Square, this cultural destination operates simultaneously as restaurant, gallery, and testament to Sharjah's historical role as a vibrant trading hub where global commerce met legendary regional hospitality.

Jae's Bunsik: Authentic Korean comfort food and specialty coffee in Sharjah

Within Al Jada's retail complex in Sharjah, Jae's Bunsik brings the Korean concept of bunsik – simple, convenient everyday meals – to the UAE with genuine warmth. Co-founded by Emirati Arwa Alblooshi, who leads creative direction, and South Korean SungJae Moon, who developed the food menu, this dual-purpose venue captures Korea's vinyl-spinning coffee culture through approachable versions of beloved dishes like kimbab, tteokbokki, and ramyun.

The industrial aesthetic, designed by Dubai-based studio Tee Vee Eff, balances raw concrete blocks and exposed steel with warm timber panelling and carefully chosen furnishings. A custom coffee blend developed with Dubai's Grandmother Roastery reflects authentic Korean café flavours, whilst innovative hojicha preparations and standout Korean desserts complete an offering that prioritises comfort and quality over complexity.

A Normal Day Dubai: Homegrown all-day dining in Dar Al Wasl Jumeirah

A homegrown concept born in Dubai, A Normal Day delivers thoughtful all-day dining in Jumeirah's Dar Al Wasl mall. Housed in the former Myocum space, this deliberately designed venue showcases the artistic vision of co-founder Aidha Badr, whose striking paintings punctuate the minimalist interior.

The menu demonstrates careful curation across breakfast, lunch, and sharing plates, with recent additions bringing bold global flavours and local sensibilities to the table. Their specialty coffee programme is powered by Mokha 1450 – a premium specialty coffee concept also born in Dubai. For those seeking inventive café fare with artistic sensibilities, A Normal Day merits attention.

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Kumo: Incredible Japanese cuisine in a converted villa on Al Wasl

The most popular spot in the HUNTR Directory for 2025, in a converted villa on Al Wasl Road, Kumo offers refined Japanese cuisine from Dubai-born Independent (the formidable team behind SALT, Parkers, Somewhere, and more).

As Independent's first elevated casual dining concept, this Japanese venture with A.R.M. Holding takes its name from the Japanese word for "cloud." One minute you're on bustling Al Wasl, the next you're transported into what feels like a sophisticated Japanese residence – minimal, elegant, and undeniably impressive.

The menu offers modern Japanese cuisine that balances tradition with contemporary approaches – and it's easily among the best elevated casual dining in the city, not just for Japanese cuisine but across the board. Standout sections include raw starters, hot appetisers, nigiri, handrolls, and substantial mains – each showing thoughtful execution and quality ingredients.