15 new restaurants in UAE that will teleport you to a vacation this Eid

Bringing true taqueria culture to Jumeirah, Taqueria El Primo is a homegrown, chef-led concept by Mexican-born chef Jonathan Colin. Set along Al Wasl Road, the lively spot channels the spirit of a neighbourhood taqueria, with an open kitchen where tacos are assembled to order on a sizzling flat-top grill. The menu spans classics like pastor and slow-cooked suadero alongside premium options such as oxtail birria, rib eye, and octopus al pastor, with strong vegetarian choices including nopal, mushroom birria, and chile relleno. Bright red tiles, neon signage, and family-style seating complete the experience, making El Primo an easy, flavour-packed escape to Mexico for casual dinners and quick refuels alike.

For more information visit @taqueria_elprimo_dubai

Nobu, One Zabeel

One of Dubai’s most iconic Japanese restaurants is opening a striking new chapter across the city. Nobu is set to unveil its latest outpost at The Link, One Za’abeel on Saturday, January 17, marking the brand’s third location in Dubai.

Perched on the 24th floor of the world’s longest cantilever, the new Nobu will sit alongside some of the city’s most high-profile dining destinations. The venue promises a sleek dining room, private spaces, an elegant lounge and a statement bar framed by floor-to-ceiling windows with sweeping skyline views. Staying true to Nobu’s signature aesthetic, the interiors will introduce a futuristic edge, reflecting the architectural ambition of The Link itself.

Nobu One Za’abeel opens Saturday, January 17, at The Link, One Za’abeel.

For more information visit noburestautants.com

Villa Coconut, DIFC

Villa Coconut brings the laid-back soul of El Gouna to the heart of DIFC, blending Egyptian heritage with Mediterranean coastal dining in a space designed for both power lunches and after-dark escapism. Founded by TLT Concepts, the restaurant pairs shareable plates and Greek-influenced mains with craft cocktails, live music and a hidden speakeasy-style Lava Room. From sunlit business lunches to lively evening gatherings, the atmosphere shifts effortlessly, making it a destination for everything from date nights to celebrations. With its design-led interiors, open kitchen and elevated take on Egyptian street food, Villa Coconut offers a transportive dining experience in the middle of Dubai’s financial district.

For more information visit @villacoconutdubai

Bait Elowal, Sharjah

Tucked within the winding lanes of Sharjah’s Heart district, Bait Elowal is less a restaurant and more a living cultural experience. Translating to “House of the Traveller,” the heritage home brings Her Excellency Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi’s vision to life through Emirati hospitality, Silk Road–inspired flavours and thoughtfully curated spaces for dining, shopping and reflection. From its serene central courtyard with a green-tiled fountain to its rooftop terrace overlooking Sharjah Creek, every corner is designed to evoke the warmth of homecoming. Alongside its menu, guests can explore Soghat Elowal’s handcrafted goods and Al Kutubkhana’s curated books, making Bait Elowal a place where cuisine, culture and craft meet.

For more information visit @baitelowal

Alba, Downtown Dubai

Set within the cultural hub of Dubai Opera Plaza, ALBA offers a refined dining experience where Asian street food flavours meet European culinary technique. Created by Metafoodies and designed by award-winning architect Tristan Du Plessis, the space is instantly striking, with soaring ceilings, umbrella installations and oriental accents creating a theatrical yet intimate atmosphere. Helmed by Brand Chef Vladimir Chistyakov alongside Chef Minho Ted Shin, the menu blends Korean, Japanese and Chinese influences through a contemporary lens, encouraging sharing and discovery. Elegant, lively and undeniably romantic, ALBA is a natural choice for date nights, special occasions and evenings that call for something a little elevated.

For more information visit @albarestdubai

Sobremesa, Downtown Dubai

Tucked into the vibrant heart of Souk Al Bahar, Sobremesa is more than a restaurant—it’s a celebration of lingering, connection, and flavour. Named after the Latin tradition of staying at the table long after the last bite, the Downtown Dubai bar and grill delivers an immersive experience through agave-forward cocktails, charcoal-grilled Mexican cooking, and a design that draws the eye at every turn.

From the hypnotic black-and-white spiral overhead to the warm burnt-orange walls, every detail of Sobremesa’s 60-cover interior has been curated to balance energy with intimacy. Cacti and mirrored panels punctuate the space, while cream linen banquettes and dark wood tables offer a welcoming backdrop for everything from first dates to group celebrations. In cooler months, outdoor seating spills into the souk’s courtyard, providing a quieter retreat from the lively buzz inside.

For more information visit @sobremesa.dubai

Kokoro, Dubai Mall

Opening in January 2026, Kokoro brings its Texas-born Japanese handroll concept to the heart of Dubai Mall, introducing a dining experience where simplicity, precision, and connection take centre stage. Kokoro focuses on the intimate relationship between chef and guest, allowing every moment at the counter to feel personal and deliberate.

The Dubai Mall location embodies the brand’s philosophy through serene, minimal design. At the heart of the space, the sushi counter invites guests to watch chefs craft handrolls, sushi, sashimi, and seasonal dishes with quiet focus and intention, celebrating ingredients in their purest form. Seating is intentionally limited to maintain an intimate, close-knit atmosphere, ensuring every visit feels like a curated journey into Japanese culinary craft.

For more information visit @kokoro.dxb

Hanbok, Al Maryah Island

Set to open in early 2026 at The Galleria Al Maryah Island, Hanbok brings a new chapter to Abu Dhabi’s evolving dining scene. Named after Korea’s traditional attire, the restaurant merges contemporary Korean cuisine, striking design, and a serene waterfront setting, joining the city’s culinary destinations.

From the moment you enter, Hanbok’s interiors done by DBM Studio guests are transported into historical Korea. Vertical fabric installations cascade from the ceiling, echoing the flow of hanbok skirts, while natural light shifts across the space, interacting with sculpted bars, open kitchen corridors, and a main dining area adorned with floral chandeliers and textile features. The effect is cinematic yet intimate, blending artistry with architectural precision.

The menu balances bold Korean flavours with a contemporary approach, highlighting charcoal-grilled meats, delicately crafted specialities, and layers of contrasting textures and tastes.

For more information visit @hanbokabudhabi

Revolver, Business Bay

Revolver is a culinary theatre where South Asian flavours ignite over open flames, guided by the expertise of Chef Jitin Joshi. With 27 years of experience in world-renowned kitchens, Joshi fuses traditional South Asian techniques with international influences, creating dishes that are as precise as they are primal. At the heart of Revolver is fire—literally. Wood-fired grills and tandoors lend smoke and char that infuse every dish, from robust meats to thoughtfully prepared vegetarian options.

The interiors set the stage for the experience: a dramatic copper ceiling glows above dark leather seating, while a signature bullet-shaped chandelier draws the eye toward the central open kitchen. The space is intimate yet theatrical, balancing sophistication with warmth, and making every meal feel like a curated event.

For more information visit @revolver_dubai

Mama Trattoria, Business Bay

Nestled in the lively Mama Shelter Hotel, Mama Trattoria transforms Business Bay’s hotel lobby into a whimsical ode to Italian domesticity and culinary craft. Hundreds of vintage tea towels hang overhead like laundry lines, while towering stained-glass windows bathe the space in jewel-toned light, creating an interior that is as photogenic as it is inviting.

At the heart of the restaurant, a copper-domed wood-fired oven anchors the open kitchen. The scents of burning wood, fresh basil, and garlic mingle in the air, offering a sensory prelude to the menu that balances tradition with Dubai-friendly flair.

Warm terracotta walls, striped green-and-cream banquettes, and mismatched velvet chairs in coral, mint, and burgundy make the dining room feel like a Milanese neighbourhood restaurant with a playful twist. Open from breakfast through midnight, Mama Trattoria bridges hotel convenience and destination dining, offering an authentic slice of Italy in a setting that feels equal parts theatrical, charming, and utterly delightful.

For more information visit mamashelter.com