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Franky in Florence
The Park is a new concept brought to you by Tom Arnel, the man behind some of our favourite Aussie-inspired cafes and eateries. The EatX concept stretches over three floors, with each floor housing a different concept to create a new foodie hotspot in JLT. On the ground floor, Splendour Fields is a family-friendly restaurant that’s already open, serving freshly baked croissants, energizing smoothies and specialty coffee. Still to come is Franky in Florence, an open-sky Italian on the building’s rooftop, where guests can enjoy an aperitivo spritz and a plate of antipasti or wood fired pizza.
Hawker Boi and Frankie in Florence, The Park, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, opening April 2023. eatx.com
Frantzén and Studio Frantzén
Fine-dining figurehead Björn Frantzén will open two new restaurant concepts at Atlantis, The Palm later this year. Presenting two world-renowned restaurants inside one venue, the Nordic chef is set to open Studio Frantzén as well as a fine dining concept and the sibling to both three-Michelin star restaurants, Frantzén in Stockholm and Zén in Singapore. The first concept, Studio Frantzén, will showcase the best of Chef Frantzén’s creative Nordic cuisine with Asian influence in a relaxed yet immersive setting that will feature a lively bar, private dining area, intimate booths, as well as space at the kitchen counter for an intimate dining experience. Set inside Studio Frantzén will be a more intimate, fine-dining restaurant, and a sibling of Stockholm’s famous three Michelin star concept, that currently ranks No.25 in The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list.
Studio Frantzén, Atlantis, The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, opening Q4, 2023.
Gigi Rigolatto
Merex will team up with Paris Society International for one of three beach clubs at J1 Beach, bringing the legendary Gigi Rigolatto to the region for the first time. From the sun-drenched shores of St Tropez, this all-encompassing space for long, leisurely days and unforgettable evenings by the beach will feature an Italian menu, two terraces, an indoor restaurant, a garden, a Bellini bar, a kids’ circus and a wellness area. Described by Brian Bendix, CEO of Paris Society International, as setting “a new standard for ultra-premium hospitality and lifestyle beach offering,” we’re promised ‘extraordinary experiences’ when it opens later this year.
Gigi Rigolatto, J1 Beach, La Mer, opening late 2023.
The Guild
Another exciting new opening from EatX, The Guild, is a supersized new dining destination at ICD Brookfield in DIFC. Although we’re not sure of exactly what to expect, their Instagram page promises ‘epicurean feasts among the Nurseries, Rockpool, Salon, and Aviary.’ We’re intrigued.
The Guild, ICD Brookfield, DIFC, opening mid 2023. @theguilddubai
Hawker Boi
The next addition to The Park in JLT will be the first permanent restaurant from the elusive Hawker Boi. Located on the first floor above family-friendly Aussie eatery Splendour Fields, Hawker Boi’s debut restaurant is expected to present a similar menu of Southeast Asian flavours as the sell-out supper clubs.
Hawker Boi, The Park, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, opening April 2023. eatx.com
Krasota
New immersive dining experience Krasota, opening April 15, will provide guests with a combination of fine dining, culinary art, sound and light effects, involving eight different artists. With just one seating per night, the multi-course dinner, headed by chef Vladimir Mukhin, starts at 9pm and is priced at Dhs2,185 per person.
Ground floor, Address Downtown Hotel, Dubai. Opening April 15. Tel:(0)4 433 1258. @krasota.restaurant.dubai
Kygo
Another new opening in DIFC from Fundamental Hospitality is Kygo, a Japanese omakase restaurant. It will open in Four Seasons DIFC, adding to the hotel’s culinary array that already features Michael Mina’s Mina Brasserie and Luna Sky Bar.
La Vita
La Vita is the name of a new Dubai beach club currently under construction at the southernmost point of Palm West Beach, just beyond FIVE Palm Jumeirah. This beach club not only sits in front of one of the most ultra-luxury residences in the city, One at Palm Jumeirah by Dorchester Collection, but the hoarding advertisers that La Vita is a concept by Mine & Yours Group. This Italian-born hospitality company is responsible for a duo of the chicest restaurant openings in the last 12 months: elegant DIFC restaurant Chic Nonna, and the upscale Italian seafood eatery, L’Amo Bistro Del Mare.
La Vita, One at Palm Jumeirah by Dorchester Collection, Palm West Beach.
Leña
Top Andalusian chef Dani García is set to open his first restaurant in Dubai. The man behind some of Spain’s top restaurants, including BiBo, Lobito de Mar and Dani Brasserie, will bring his sleek steakhouse Leña to The Palm in 2023. If you’re not familiar with the brand, let us introduce you. Leña was born in Marbella in the summer of 2020, replacing chef Dani García’s eponymous fine dining restaurant, which the chef announced would close just 21 days after it was awarded its third Michelin star. A year after opening Leña Marbella, an opening in Madrid followed, the same year that the Marbella restaurant was recognised with the highest accolade of the restaurant category at the 2021 Restaurant & Bar Design Awards. So, we can expect some pretty wow-worthy interiors when the brand opens in Dubai.
Leña, Nakheel Mall Rooftop, East Side, Palm Jumeirah, opening Q2, 2023. groupodanigarcia.com
Limonata
Sister restaurant to vibrant Amalfi-inspired Italian Lucia’s in Downtown, Limonata promises the same interiors that demand to be Instagrammed and the kind of ambience that keeps you partying into the night. You’ll find it at Club Vista Mare.
Limonata, Club Vista Mare, Palm Jumeirah, opening February 2023. @limonatadubai
Maison La Plage
Set to open later this year on Palm Jumeirah is a beachfront restaurant from Dubai-born Fundamental Hospitality. The eatery is described as a beachfront escape inspired by the sun-drenched shores of the South of France. At the culinary helm is chef Izu Ani, so expect a delectable taste of the Med.
McGettigan’s
Bringing signature Irish craic to Holiday Inn & Suites Dubai Science Park, will be McGettigan’s, when the beloved Irish pub chain opens in the hotel soon. Promising to cater to the local community and nearby residential areas, the hotel’s 3rd floor will be dedicated to the huge indoor and outdoor space, where visitors can expect traditional live music, entertainment, plentiful screens for live sports and authentic Irish food & beverage.
McGettigan’s, Holiday Inn & Suites Dubai Science Park, opening Q2, 2023. mcgettigans.com
Nola Bijou Bistro & Bar
Beloved JLT restaurant Nola will introduce Nola Bijou Bistro & Bar to City Walk, which draws inspiration from 19th Century New Orleans, in the coming months. In keeping with Nola’s blend of notable modern vintage look and feel, the upcoming venue promises a fun attitude and jazzy vibes ,where people can just let the good times roll.
Nola Bijou Bistro & Bar, The Square, City Walk, opening Q2, 2023.
Okku
For 10 years, upscale Japanese restaurant Okku was at the top of its game, consistently recognised among Dubai’s best homegrown restaurants. When it sadly closed down in The H Hotel in the summer of 2018, the team promised that Okku would return in a new location. And now we can confirm that it’s finally happening, with Okku set to reopen on the Palm Jumeirah. At the moment, we’re not sure where on The Palm Okku is planning to open, but we don’t have long to find out. The team behind the brand tell us that Okku 2.0 is set to open in the second quarter of the year
Okku Dubai, Palm Jumeirah location TBC, opening Q2 2023. @okkudubai
Osh Del Mar
Uzbek restaurant Osh has spent a few years welcoming diners to its outpost at La Mer. And this year it’ll add a second branch to the Dubai dining scene in the form of Osh Del Mar. Set to open in the coming months at Address Beach Resort, the restaurant will add to the impressive culinary array at Address Beach Resort, joining the likes of Italian restaurant Via Toledo; Chinese hotspot Mott 32; and dinner and a show experience, Dream.
Reef and Beef
With restaurants in Dusseldorf and Cologne, the German restaurant Reef and Beef is set to open its doors in Downtown Dubai very soon. Overlooking the Burj Khalifa, the steak and seafood restaurant has both indoor and alfresco seating as well as live music and an extensive selection of grape and cocktails. On the menu? Meat lovers should try the Nebraska beef, and for seafood lovers, the Patagonian black cod is a must-try.
Reef and Beef, Downtown Dubai, Dubai. @reefandbeef.de
Reif Japanese Kushiyaki and TERO by Reif
Beloved chef Reif Othman is opening not one, but two licensed restaurants in the new district of Dubai Hills Estate Business Park. The first is another opening of his signature Reif Japanese Kushiyaki restaurant, which already exists in Dar Wasl Mall, with 80 seats across an indoor restaurant and alfresco terrace. While tucking into Reif’s experimental Japanese dishes, diners will be able to sip from a selection of wines and spirits. Alongside Reif Japanese Kushiyaki, Dubai Hills will become home to TERO (which stands for The Experience by Reif Othman). TERO Chef’s Table will seat just 12 guests, with chairs perfectly positioned to watch the culinary masters at work. An inviting, apartment-style interior will make TERO feel just like dining in Reif’s home.
Reif Japanese Kushiyaki and TERO Chef’s Table, Dubai Hills Estate Business Park, opening Q2 2023. reifkushiyaki.com
