The best new elevated casual dining spots to open in the UAE in 2024

Mercury Rooftop Dubai: A modern Asian restaurant and lounge at the Four Seasons Jumeirah

Mercury Rooftop reopened at Four Seasons Resort, Jumeirah Beach in November 2024 after a five-month redesign by Sundukovy Sisters. The licensed venue pairs celestial-inspired interiors with panoramic views of the Burj Khalifa and Arabian Gulf. The Asian-European fusion menu features dishes like Kinoko Maki (85 AED) – crisp mushroom tempura with tofu cream and truffle – and Mediterranean Sea Bass Fillet (190 AED) with celeriac purée. At the bar, try the Stellar Gold (85 AED), blending tequila, Aperol, and house-made rosemary and orange blossom syrup topped with vegan foam.

Lucia's Mare Dubai: Beachfront Italian restaurant at Jumeirah Beach Hotel with Burj Al Arab views

Lucia's relocated from Address Sky View to a prime beachfront spot at Jumeirah Beach Hotel in late 2024. The space pairs Italian coastal style with Dubai glamour – think lemon trees, neutral tones and Mediterranean touches. The menu features refined classics like Bruschetta Lucia's (105 AED) with traditional and truffle variations, and Filetto Di Manzo Al Tartufo Nero (295 AED) – Wagyu tenderloin with fresh truffle and truffle beef jus.

Nuri Grill & Bar: Korean BBQ, karaoke and a licensed bar on Yas Island

Abu Dhabi's first premium Korean steakhouse opened at Yas Bay in 2024, combining traditional flavours with modern presentation. The interactive tabletop grilling experience features highlights like the Butcher's Feast (480 AED for two), serving four cuts of USDA Prime Black Angus beef including Water Aged Ribeye Cap and signature Nuri Galbi, plus traditional banchan. The bar serves creative drinks like the No'Eul (62 AED), blending Hwayo 41, Aperol, and sakura-infused vermouth.

Sushiyaki: A homegrown, licensed Japanese on the Jumeirah Waterfront

​​Food Fund International transformed the former Americano space in 2024, adding Japanese elements like umbrella-filled ceilings and a live sushi counter to the waterfront setting. Chef Jolbi Huacho's menu balances raw and grilled dishes – from Yellowtail Carpaccio (89 AED) with bright citrus notes to Black Cod (95 AED) with shiro miso. The bar offers creative serves like the Heian Jidai (50 AED), combining peach purée with kaffir lime leaf soda.

Rare: A swanky licensed steakhouse at City Walk

Rare balanced upscale dining with approachable charm in Dubai's steakhouse lineup. The kitchen showcased finesse with both classics and creative interpretations – the Anchovy Toasts (39 AED) with ricotta and salsa verde stood out among starters, while the precisely cooked Ribeye Entrecôte (215 AED) lived up to the restaurant's name. The bar programme matched the food's quality, with signature serves like the herb-forward Rare Gin (62 AED) showing equal attention to detail. The Whipped Burnt Cheesecake (58 AED) with cream cheese gelato provided a memorable finale.

Bonus: the HUNTR Club Members get free drinks for them and everyone at the table whenever they dine here. Not a member? Download the HUNTR: City Guide app and sign up here

Bisou: French flair and Middle Eastern flavours in Downtown Dubai

MetaFoodies – the team behind nearby Alba – transformed the former Kizmet space into Bisou in 2024. Award-winning interior architect Tristan Du Plessis created an elegant backdrop for Russian brand chefs Vladimir Chistyakov and Alexander Loshinin's refined fusion cuisine. The menu features standouts like truffle-enriched Camembert (95 AED) and duck confit Rigatoni (125 AED), while touches like the Saffron Rose Masala Turmeric Tea reflect the blend of French technique and Middle Eastern influences.

Duo Gastrobar Creek Harbour: Where global cuisine meets skyline views

After a successful debut in Dubai Hills in 2023, this refined yet approachable spot brings thoughtful design that capitalises on dramatic skyline views to Creek Harbour. The kitchen reveals particular skill with unexpected combinations – scallops (75 AED) find bright complements in pomelo and rock melon, while an innovative dessert pairs passion fruit with gorgonzola (39 AED). The lamb loin (110 AED) demonstrates precise cooking technique, while creative alcohol-free drinks like the Smoked Passion Margarita (42 AED) show equal imagination.

Harummanis Dubai: A family-owned Singaporean Malay restaurant at Wasl 51

The end of 2024 saw chef Akmal Anuar of 11 Woodfire fame bring his family's Singaporean Malay heritage to Wasl 51 with Harummanis. Taking over Lana Lusa's former space, the venue thoughtfully merged 70s-inspired design with homestyle comfort, while the menu drew inspiration from Anuar's family's 32-year-old nasi padang stall in Singapore's Teck Whye. Standout dishes included an innovative wagyu carpaccio (60 AED) with spicy petis and jicama, and a masterfully executed rendang (110 AED) featuring six-hour-stewed beef rested for days to develop complex flavours. The chef's mother's sambal and seasonings influenced many dishes, adding authentic depth to each creation, while unlimited premium Japanese rice options demonstrated particular attention to fundamental elements.

Osteria Funkcoolio: Chef Akmal Anuar's Italian 30-seater restaurant

Chef Akmal Anuar's intimate 30-seat venue in Port De La Mer artfully melds Italian and Japanese influences. The emerald-ceilinged interior pairs industrial elements with refined touches like terrazzo flooring and crisp linens. The kitchen shows particular skill with fusion dishes - notably the Black Garlic & Soft Egg Pizza (73 AED), while handmade Pici pasta (95 AED) with crab and Calabrian chili speaks to their pasta expertise.

Smoki Moto: A licensed Korean steakhouse on the Palm Jumeirah

This considered Korean barbecue spot at Palm Jumeirah's Marriott Resort brings thoughtful details like built-in charcoal grills at each of its 24 tables. The menu successfully bridges Korean tradition with premium steakhouse appeal through dishes like the Truffle Potato Jeon (60 AED) and Westholme Farm Wagyu Striploin (120 AED per 100g). The Black Angus La Galbi Cross-Cut Short Ribs (70 AED) showcase the kitchen's skill with marinades.

Soraya: A regal homage to Persian heritage in Abu Dhabi

This sophisticated Iranian restaurant in Yas Mall comes from the team behind London's Pachamama East. Named for Iran's former Queen Soraya Esfandiary-Bakhtiary, the space pairs crisp white tablecloths and candlelit tables with an open kitchen's theatrical flair. The Wild Prawn Ghalieh (79 AED) showcases tender prawns in Persian sweet and sour sauce, while the Ghormeh Sabzi (96 AED) elevates this traditional lamb shank stew through precise execution.

Ikayu: A homegrown Japanese restaurant in Dubai's Al Manara

This considered Japanese restaurant brings subtle sophistication to Al Manara through elegant minimalism and a fully visible Chef's Counter. The menu reveals thoughtful fusion elements – Tiger Prawns (62 AED) combine tempura crunch with cream cheese and spicy tuna, brightened by yuzu teriyaki sauce. The Short Rib Donburi (128 AED) showcases tender braised meat mixed tableside with perfectly cooked Japanese rice and rich galbi sauce.

Sufret Maryam: Chef Salam Daqqaq's elevated casual dining gem in Jumeirah

Chef Salam Daqqaq's eagerly anticipated Wasl 51 venue elevates traditional Levantine cuisine while maintaining its soul-warming essence. The award-winning eatery creates an intimate atmosphere through olive and sage tones, while family portraits add genuine warmth. The 48-hour fermented Khobez Al Bait (41 AED) arrives warm with labneh cream and confit garlic, while the innovative Labneh Brulee (57 AED) pairs beautifully with Zaatar Ice Cream.

VNYL HiFi: A record store, recording studio, licensed bar & restaurant on Bluewaters

This two-level space on Bluewaters Island reimagines dining through audiophile culture. Downstairs, a retro-inspired room centres around an impressive hi-fi system and vinyl library, while the menu matches the sophisticated sound with creative Asian fusion. The Crispy Black Cod (150 AED) arrives topped with Italian caviar and seaweed tartare, while the Wagyu Katsu Sando (195 AED) proves equally memorable. Creative cocktails like Just Like Heaven (70 AED) blend clarified pandan-infused bourbon with pineapple rum and vanilla.

Hanar: Anatolian and Mesopotamian flavours on Yas Island

This ambitious venture from the team behind Daikan brings sophisticated Anatolian and Mesopotamian cuisine to Abu Dhabi's Yas Bay. The restaurant, whose Kurdish name means "pomegranate," presents thoughtful contemporary interpretations of ancient Middle Eastern recipes. The innovative wagyu and chorizo-topped hummus (62 AED) and delicate Wagyu Manti dumplings (85 AED) served with smoked yoghurt and garlic chilli crunch showcase the kitchen's creativity.

Ilios Beach Club: Mediterranean flavours on Abu Dhabi's shores

This sophisticated Mediterranean venue at Abu Dhabi's Surf complex features distinct spaces including the elevated Euphoria Lounge and Bar and main Meraki Dining & Terrace. Seafood particularly shines - the Ocean Egg (115 AED) combines tarama, caviar, and bottarga, while Dover Sole (750 AED per kilo) demonstrates expert preparation. Creative cocktails like the Medusa's Gaze (70 AED) blend tequila, mezcal, and chilli-infused vodka.

Origami Dubai: Japanese Dining with Burj Al Arab Views in Umm Suqeim

Technically more of a reopening than a new opening, following a winter refresh by VSHD Design studio, this Umm Suqeim spot balances traditional elements with contemporary touches. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame harbour and Burj Al Arab views while the kitchen demonstrates particular finesse – the Sashimi Tartare (105 AED) combines fresh fish with subtle aromatics, osetra caviar, and fresh truffle. Creative small plates include Wagyu in Potato Chips (44 AED), while the Grilled Cheesecake (47 AED) with miso ice cream offers an unexpected finale.

CHAIHONA No.1 by Vasilchuki: Elevated casual dining and premium shisha in Dubai Marina

This Dubai Marina newcomer marks the first UAE venture for a restaurant group that has shaped dining across Eastern Europe and Central Asia for over 20 years. Industrial and refined design elements merge seamlessly – exposed ceilings complement elegant chandeliers while a floral-crowned open kitchen takes centre stage. Cross-cultural offerings shine through dishes like the innovative Black Pelmeni (87 AED) - salmon-filled black dumplings in buttery fish broth topped with red caviar.

Manāo Dubai: A fantastic chef-led Thai-inspired restaurant in Vita Wasl

This intimate Vita Wasl collaboration between chefs Abhiraj Khatwani and Mohammed Orfali explores Thai cuisine through an 11-course set menu. Drawing inspiration from Chef Abhiraj's experiences in Udon Thani's home kitchens, innovative dishes like Sticky Rice Roti reimagine traditional forms while maintaining authentic flavours. The beverage programme features five non-alcoholic drinks developed with the Orfali Bros fermentation lab, including a complex roasted barley and coffee infusion.