2025 Wrapped: The best new elevated casual dining restaurants in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

Apollo: All-day dining and comfort food on The Palm Jumeirah

In a stretch of The Palm Jumeirah where international hotel restaurants and chain concepts dominate, Apollo arrived as a rare homegrown contender. This all-day bistro from TABLE4TWO – the team behind neighbourhood favourites Rascal's and Za'Za – brings their community-focused sensibility to Palm Views West, trading casual comfort for something more polished whilst keeping prices accessible.

The menu spans Mediterranean-influenced bistro fare, from bar bites around 25 AED to substantial mains in the 90–150 AED range, positioning Apollo as approachable luxury rather than Palm-typical splurge territory. Operating from noon until 1:30 a.m. daily, it works equally well for working lunches with harbour views, sunset dinners, or late-night gatherings – filling a gap that independent dining seekers on The Palm will appreciate.

Cocina Tres: Coastal Mexican dining in Business Bay

Cocina Tres occupies the Pullman Hotel in Business Bay with bold colour blocking and textured walls inspired by Mexican architect Luis Barragán – think deep red accent walls meeting turquoise panels, rough plaster surfaces, and wooden beam ceilings that feel plucked from a coastal hacienda. This is elevated casual dining where the interiors work as hard as the kitchen, creating an atmosphere that shifts between intimate and lively depending on where you sit.

The restaurant comes from the same team behind Honeycomb Hi-Fi, marking their third venture (hence "Tres"). Everything here connects back to Mexico – the corn shipped from Oaxaca and ground fresh on a custom molino, the furniture and ceramic plates, even the artisans who created the textured wall finishes.

The menu spans Mexico's coastal regions with a ceviche bar, wood-fired grill, and those essential handmade tortillas that anchor nearly every dish. It's the kind of place that works equally well for a date night tucked into one of the semi-private booths or a group gathered around the larger tables, with the option to perch at bar seats facing the open kitchen if you want to watch the action unfold.

Cut Caviar: Caviar and raw seafood on the Palm Jumeirah

Cut Caviar keeps things simple with caviar and raw seafood to the Palm Jumeirah in a compact dining room built around a central bar. The restaurant is open across breakfast, lunch, and dinner with menus that lean heavily on Baeri, Oscietra, Imperial Gold, Royal Beluga, and Beluga caviar paired with everything from signature pasta dishes to hand-cut beef tartare.

The space seats a modest number of guests across indoor tables and an outdoor terrace, with three highchairs positioned at the bar for closer views of the kitchen team at work. Service runs from 9 a.m. breakfast through evening dinner, with live pasta preparation at lunch and dinner adding a performance element to the dining experience.

Felicità: Southern Italian charm with maximalist vibes in Downtown Dubai

In 2025 Felicità tookover the former Lucia's Mare space with a bold Southern Italian aesthetic that doesn't believe in restraint. Hand-painted Sicilian tiles cover nearly every surface, whilst chandeliers heavy with cherubim hang from soaring ceilings.

The design is unapologetically maximalist – geometric patterns clash with bold florals in a way that somehow works. The terrace spans multiple levels with clear views of Burj Khalifa, and there's a separate bar area that operates as a speakeasy. The space handles both small groups and larger parties across its various dining zones.

Flor Dubai: Licensed European restaurant in DIFC with elevated casual dining

Flor Dubai combines thoughtful cooking with art-filled interiors along Al Sukook Street at the Ritz-Carlton DIFC. This standalone venue brought fresh energy to Dubai's financial centre with elevated casual dining, a licensed bar, and its considered approach to European cooking.

The layout includes intimate corners and group tables, with a second-floor private dining space for six guests (complete with its own washroom). Outside, a plant-lined terrace offers al fresco dining, while seats near the kitchen let you watch the culinary team at work – though we suggest choosing the main dining room for a more intimate evening.

Under the direction of Russian restaurateur Konstantin, the kitchen team crafts European dishes with carefully sourced ingredients. Most produce comes from local suppliers, including the handmade tableware (though the beef makes its way from Australia).

GABA Dubai: East Asia meets Studio 54 in Dubai Marina

GABA is an intriguing dual-concept venue – an authentic Asian tea room at the entrance that cleverly conceals a vibrant, vintage-glamour cocktail bar behind. Drawing inspiration from elite Asian private clubs, this split-personality space offers certified tea masters conducting ceremonies with rare teas by day, while transforming into an energetic bar with DJ sets, creative cocktails and Japanese-inspired small plates by night. Chef Juan Esteban Torregrosa brings his culinary expertise to the kitchen, while the interior impresses with bold design choices – animal prints, pop art collaborations with Asian artists, and curated collectibles including limited-edition fashion pieces.

Bonus for HUNTR Members: You get 20% off your bill. Not a member? Download the HUNTR: City Guide app here to sign up.

Gerbou Dubai: Authentic Emirati cuisine and hospitality in Nad Al Sheba

One of the most anticipated openings of the year, Gerbou – meaning "welcome to our humble abode" in Arabic – breathed life into a historic 1987 building in Nad Al Sheba. This collaboration between Her Highness Sheikha Lateefa Bint Maktoum of Tashkeel and Atelier House Hospitality is a stunning celebration of Emirati cuisine and culture through an authentic lens.

Every element reflects meticulous consideration, from dining tables to handpicked cutlery, with Her Highness Sheikha Lateefa collaborating with Emirati and UAE-based designers throughout the project. The result is a collection of bespoke pieces that tell a compelling story of local creativity, as detailed in PAPER by the HUNTR's debut edition cover story. (read the exclusive online version of the interview here.)

Covering everything from specialty coffee to initimate gourmet dinners, this upscale homely spot arguably became the ultimate way to enjoy Emirati cuisine in 2025.

Girl & the Goose Dubai: Authentic Central American cuisine in the Burj Khalifa Area

Girl & the Goose brought Central America's diverse culinary traditions to life in the heart of Dubai, marking the UAE's first restaurant dedicated to Mesoamerican cuisine. Nestled within the Anantara Downtown Dubai Hotel in the Burj Khalifa Area, this elevated casual dining destination is the evolution of Chef Gabriela Chamorro's beloved supper club, transformed into a permanent homage to her Nicaraguan heritage. The restaurant artfully blends traditional flavours from seven Central American nations – Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Costa Rica, Belize, Nicaragua, and Panama – with contemporary global influences.

The thoughtfully designed space features a main dining area with a veranda-style balcony offering glimpses of the Burj Khalifa, an open kitchen where Chef Gabriela personally engages with guests, and two private dining rooms – one meticulously recreated to mirror her original supper club, complete with the same table, chairs and wall design. With its terracotta walls, soft lighting, and architectural details inspired by Mesoamerican and Spanish colonial design, the space creates an atmosphere that feels both sophisticated and welcoming – an invitation to experience the warmth of Central American hospitality through imaginative cuisine and shared moments.

Gloria Osteria: Glamorous Italian dining and a licensed bar in DIFC

Walk through the towering entrance at Gloria Osteria and you're greeted not by a host stand but by a floor-to-ceiling wall of bottles, hundreds of them glowing amber and jewel-toned under warm light. It's a statement of intent from Big Mamma, the European restaurant group that built a cult following across Paris, London, Madrid and Milan before choosing DIFC for its first Middle East venture in late 2025. Gloria occupies prime real estate at The Ritz-Carlton Gate Village, bringing upscale Italian dining with a licensed bar, handmade pasta and quality proteins to Dubai's financial district.

The menu spans antipasti, crudi, salads, house-made primi and flame-grilled secondi, with a full cocktail programme anchoring the central bar. Expect splurge-worthy pricing across the board. The vibe is maximalist 1970s Italian glamour, theatrical and unapologetically bold. Both indoor and outdoor seating accommodate everything from intimate dinners for two to larger group celebrations, with a private dining room available for special occasions. Come for a romantic date night, a business lunch that makes an impression, or a celebratory dinner worth dressing up for.

Le Relais de L'Entrecôte Dubai at ME Dubai: French steakhouse with secret sauce and chic vibes

No decisions. No deliberating. Just steak. Le Relais de L'Entrecôte Dubai operates on a beautifully simple premise – one dish, perfected over decades, served with a secret sauce that has kept diners guessing since 1959. This licensed French restaurant at ME Dubai in Business Bay belongs to the Fresnel family's celebrated Parisian institution, where the single-dish concept has earned a devoted global following.

The format is refreshingly straightforward: a walnut salad to start, then sliced sirloin steak with unlimited golden frites, all for 155 AED per person. It's the kind of place where you queue without a reservation, settle into a colourful bistro setting with Burj Khalifa views, and surrender to the experience. For those seeking uncomplicated French comfort with a side of intrigue – what exactly is in that sauce? – this is the destination.

Maison Mer: Regional French dining on Pearl Jumeira's beautiful coast

Maison Mer is a stunning Provençal restaurant and bar on Pearl Jumeira that does something surprisingly rare in Dubai – it commits to a specific regional focus rather than painting "French Riviera" with a broad brush. This is Nikki Beach Hospitality Group's standalone dining concept, deliberately separate from the adjacent beach club, built around the flavours and traditions of Provence. Anchovies, goat cheese, artichokes, figs, garlic – the building blocks of the South of France, handled properly.

Corporate Executive Chef Alessandro Pizza brings over 20 years of French Riviera experience, working alongside Dubai-based Head Chef Kavish Chimajee to deliver a menu that spans Nice to Marseille. The space itself channels a coastal maison through limestone archways, garden promenades lined with travertine and terracotta, and design details sourced directly from Provençal antique boutiques. There's open-air terrace seating with unobstructed gulf views and genuinely rare boat access if you happen to arrive by water. Prices sit in the 70-210 AED range across starters, mains, and cocktails – reasonable for what you're getting. Smart casual dress code applies, with an adults-only atmosphere from 9 p.m. onwards.

People: Homegrown elevated casual dining in Al Khawaneej

People arrived in Dubai with a philosophy that transcends the typical restaurant experience: what matters most is bringing people together. This homegrown concept from restaurateurs Maryam Alobeidli, Shehab AlHarmoodi, and Sultan Kayed (the creative minds behind GOAT Burger) transforms Al Khawaneej Walk into a meeting point where food, culture, and community converge.

Under the guidance of Executive Chef Sameer Bhalekar, whose 16-year career spans kitchens in New York, London, Barcelona, the Middle East, and India, People crafts contemporary international dishes that balance bold creativity with comforting familiarity. The alcohol-free restaurant creates an environment where strangers become friends, families create memories, and communities are built around plates designed for sharing.

Rowley's Steakhouse Dubai: British heritage meets DIFC dining

Five decades of London steakhouse tradition, now in DIFC since February 2025. Rowley's brings its Mayfair legacy to Dubai's financial district with a refreshingly focused proposition: premium Australian beef, unlimited crisp fries, a full bar, and a handful of sauces – one of which remains a closely guarded secret. No foam, no fusion, just properly cooked steak.

This licensed steakhouse occupies a handsome space in Central Park Towers' Slice building, with Burj Khalifa views, an outdoor terrace that catches DIFC's after-work energy, and a proper bar pouring cocktails and wine. Prices stay surprisingly grounded for the district – mains range from 138–168 AED – making this a solid choice for business lunches, casual dinners, or anyone craving honest British steakhouse fare without the pretence.

Ruby Ru by Iris: Parisian-inspired cocktail bar in Jewel of the Creek

Ruby Ru by Iris blends Parisian café culture with Dubai's distinctive energy from its perch in the Jewel of the Creek complex. The space transforms effortlessly from daytime dining to evening cocktails, with 180° terrace views of the Dubai skyline setting the stage.

French-Japanese cuisine drives the concise menu, delivering comfort food with sophisticated twists and genuine flavour. A venue from AlphaMind (the strategic partnership between ADMO Lifestyle Holding and Addmind), it manages to feel both special occasion-worthy and casual enough for impromptu gatherings.

SANA: Contemporary Uzbek dining and a stunning waterfront terrace at Jumeirah Mina Al Salam

SANA offers Uzbek cuisine at the picturesque Madinat Jumeirah through a collaboration between the founders behind Moscow's Uzbekistan Restaurant and Australian chef Glen Ballis, whose career has taken him from Melbourne to London and across Asia. The approach balances tradition with contemporary technique – handmade dumplings, tandir-baked breads, and charcoal-grilled lamb sit alongside dishes that reflect Ballis's broader culinary perspective.

The setting divides across three distinct zones: a domed hall accommodating 110 guests, a floating waterside terrace with shisha service, and MOON BY SANA, a speakeasy-style lounge tucked within the venue for late-night drinks and private gatherings. The kitchen sources dried fruits, vegetables, and lamb directly from Uzbekistan through twice-weekly deliveries, whilst Ballis works alongside Uzbek specialists to preserve traditional cooking methods. Earthy tones, latticed woodwork, and woven textures create an atmosphere that nods to Central Asian design without veering into heavy-handed decoration.

Sobremesa: Mexican-Spanish bar and grill in Downtown Dubai

Sobremesa takes its name from the Latin tradition of lingering at the table long after the last plate has been cleared – and this homegrown Downtown Dubai bar and restaurant delivers on that promise with agave-forward cocktails, charcoal-grilled Mexican cooking, and an atmosphere that practically begs you to stay for one more round.

The 60-cover space works equally well for date nights and group celebrations, with a licensed bar that functions as a destination in its own right. Expect to spend somewhere in the mid-range bracket – tacos and sharing plates keep things accessible, while larger grilled mains and an impressive tequila and mezcal collection let you push the boat out when the occasion calls for it.

Solenn: Chef Gregory Berger's Mediterranean restaurant at Marsa Boulevard

Solenn offers the kind of Mediterranean dining experience that makes you forget you're minutes from a shopping mall. Chef Gregory Berger's vision for this Marsa Boulevard destination captures the essence of coastal Greek dining – where the food is rooted in tradition but executed with contemporary finesse, and the setting feels like an extended holiday.

The outdoor space wraps you in warm yellows and creams, punctuated by terracotta vessels, fresh flowers, and architectural details that nod to the Aegean without veering into theme territory.

The menu moves through cold starters, mezze, Josper-grilled selections, and pasta, all built on locally sourced ingredients and house-made elements that elevate familiar flavours. Mocktails crafted with in-house syrups deserve as much attention as the food, particularly when sipped at sunset with Creek views as your backdrop. Operating from 5 p.m. daily, Solenn caters to both intimate dinners and larger gatherings, offering that increasingly rare commodity: a dining experience that prioritises atmosphere and authenticity in equal measure. This is where you go when you want Mediterranean soul food without sacrificing sophistication.

Tattu: Modern Asian dining with panoramic Marina views at Ciel Dubai Marina

Tattu brings theatrical modern Asian cuisine to Ciel Dubai Marina, where floor-to-ceiling windows frame sweeping views of The Palm, Jumeirah coastline, and the glittering Marina below. The venue splits into two distinct experiences: a dining restaurant with private room downstairs, and Tattu Sky Lounge upstairs, where a DJ spins against backdrops of Marina Bay and JBR Beach.

The interiors lean opulent without tipping into excess, with seating configurations that work equally well for intimate dinners and larger celebrations. Open from noon until 1:30 a.m. Sunday through Wednesday (3 a.m. Thursday through Saturday), it's designed for the long lunch that bleeds into sundowners, or the dinner that extends well past midnight.

Three Bros Bistro Dubai: Syrian heritage and reimagined comfort food in Jumeirah

This year, the three Syrian brothers behind the iconic, award-winning Orfali Bros have done it again. Just a stone's throw from their HUNTR GOAT-certified original, Three Bros Bistro brought elevated casual dining to Wasl 51 in Jumeirah 1 in August 2025. Mohammad, Wassim and Omar Orfali prove that lightning can indeed strike twice, transforming comfort food into something far more sophisticated while maintaining an approachable, alcohol-free environment that opens its doors from noon to midnight daily.

Where Orfali Bros pushed fine dining boundaries, Three Bros takes a different path – one where Syrian culinary traditions meet global influences in a more relaxed setting. The concept revolves around familiar flavours presented through an unexpectedly refined lens, with fermented drinks and house-made kombuchas providing thoughtful alternatives to conventional beverage programmes.

Villa Coconut: Egyptian-Mediterranean dining with El Gouna soul in DIFC

Villa Coconut channels the laid-back coastal spirit of El Gouna from its perch in DIFC – an Egyptian-Mediterranean restaurant that works just as well for a weekday power lunch as it does for a late-night celebration.

The team behind it is TLT Concepts, the Egyptian hospitality group responsible for The Lemon Tree & Co., and that Red Sea DNA runs through everything from the hand-woven cladding (visible from Gate Avenue) to a menu that spans elevated Egyptian street food and Greek-influenced mains.

An open kitchen anchors the dining room, while the hidden Lava Room speakeasy offers a darker, more intimate counterpoint. Plates run from 75 to 195 AED, with a weekday business lunch for those watching the clock. Come evening, live music and DJ sets shift the energy entirely.

Yubi Dubai: A licensed handroll bar by Chef Reif Othman in One Central

Yubi is a chef-led handroll bar from 7 Management and award-winning Dubai-based chef Reif Othman, tucked into the licensed dining district at 25 Jump Street, One Central.

The concept is refreshingly singular: handrolls, made to order, treated with real precision. Most ingredients arrive directly from Japan, though handmade ceramics crafted locally in Dubai add a grounded touch. The space itself leans into industrial grit – exposed ceilings, street art murals, an open kitchen where chefs work in full view – while a curated hip-hop playlist keeps the energy loose. A licensed bar rounds things out with sake, cocktails and mocktails alongside the handroll-focused menu.

3Fils Abu Dhabi: Homegrown modern Asian dining in Al Bateen

One of the most buzzy openings in the capital for 2025, 3Fils Abu Dhabi occupies a standalone three-storey building on Al Bateen marina – a larger, grander sibling to the Dubai original. A statement chandelier spirals through the full height of the space, but the real anchor is the ground floor's horseshoe-shaped sushi counter, carved from dramatic stone and framed by copper-toned panels. Leather chairs, raw concrete columns, amber pendant lights and towering tropical plants strike a balance between industrial edge and warmth, while geometric lattice screens filter natural light across the room.

Head chef Jovani has developed Abu Dhabi exclusives including the A5 Wagyu Claypot and a Filipino-inspired Vanilla Flan – dishes that reflect founder Ahmed Abdul Hakim's approach of distilling complexity into something deceptively simple. Upstairs, a curved walnut staircase connects the floors, and expansive windows keep the marina in view throughout.

Amina: Award-winning Chef Mariam's theatrical Emirati restaurant in Reem Mall

Walking into Amina feels like stepping through a portal into a lavishly appointed palace. Chef Mariam Al Mansoori's contemporary Emirati restaurant occupies a prime spot on Level 2 of Reem Mall, where royal red velvet, golden accents, and ornate wallpaper create an atmosphere that's equal parts French château and Emirati majlis.

The space commands attention with its theatrical grandeur, whilst the menu pays homage to traditional Emirati flavours through a modern lens. From heritage-inspired biryanis to international favourites, Amina offers an ambitious range that celebrates local flavours without being confined by them. The setting might be opulent, but the approach remains welcoming, making elevated Emirati dining accessible to families, couples, and anyone seeking a memorable meal in striking surroundings.