Dubai is set for another wave of restaurant arrivals, with several international names preparing to launch across DIFC, Bluewaters, Business Bay, and Downtown Dubai in the coming months. These new restaurants in Dubai are expected to further strengthen the city’s fast-growing global dining scene.
The upcoming openings are largely led by chef-driven concepts and globally established brands expanding into the city for the first time.
From Michelin-recognised Indian dining to Japanese omakase counters and Nikkei fusion concepts, the new additions reflect a continued shift toward experience-led dining.
Many of these restaurants already have strong reputations in cities such as London, Lima, and Tokyo, and are now preparing their Dubai openings.
Here are some of the most anticipated restaurants set to open in Dubai soon.
Gymkhana
One of the world’s most celebrated Indian restaurants is preparing to open its first branch in the UAE, in Dubai.
Originally launched in London in 2013, Gymkhana quickly earned a Michelin Star for its refined take on traditional Indian cuisine. The restaurant later expanded to Riyadh, and now Dubai is next.
The name “Gymkhana” comes from the historic social clubs of colonial India, where people gathered to dine, drink, and socialise. That inspiration carries through to the restaurant’s interiors and overall atmosphere, which combine vintage-style elegance with modern fine dining.
The menu takes influence from across India, with a strong focus on tandoori grills, regional curries, biryanis, kebabs, and sharing-style dishes.
Gymkhana is expected to become one of DIFC’s biggest fine-dining openings once launched.
- Location: DIFC
- Status: Upcoming (2026, TBC)
Chotto Matte
International Nikkei restaurant Chotto Matte is bringing its Japanese-Peruvian dining concept to Dubai. The restaurant is set to open at The Ritz-Carlton, DIFC, adding another high-profile venue to the area’s growing dining scene.
Founded by Kurt Zdesar in London in 2013, Chotto Matte has expanded globally with locations across the UK, North America, and the Middle East.
The brand is known for combining Japanese cooking techniques with bold Peruvian flavours, creating dishes that are colourful, vibrant, and designed to be shared.
The menu typically includes sushi, ceviche, sashimi, robata-grilled meats, and signature Nikkei plates. Alongside the food, the restaurant is also known for its dramatic interiors, live DJs, art-led design, lava stone finishes, and energetic atmosphere.
Its cocktail programme also takes inspiration from both Tokyo and Lima, using ingredients such as yuzu, matcha, shiso, and tropical Peruvian fruits.
- Location: The Ritz-Carlton, DIFC
- Status: Upcoming (2026, TBC)
Neo Temaki
After building a following through pop-ups and festival appearances, Neo Temaki is opening a permanent location inside the JW Marriott Marquis Dubai in Business Bay.
The concept focuses entirely on hand-rolled sushi, also known as temaki, served fresh and made to order in a lively, fast-paced setting.
Neo Temaki first gained attention during events such as Sole DXB, where its colourful branding, retro Japanese-inspired visuals, and energetic atmosphere quickly stood out.
Previous menus featured hand rolls such as salmon teriyaki, tuna koshu, and yasai temaki, along with poke bowls and Japanese-inspired small plates.
While the full menu for the permanent restaurant has not yet been revealed, the Dubai location is expected to expand significantly on the original pop-up offerings.
The brand’s playful pink cat logo and retro Japanese design style have already helped it build a strong social media following ahead of launch.
- Location: JW Marriott Marquis Dubai, Business Bay
- Status: Upcoming (2026)
Taiga
Taiga is a Japanese teppanyaki omakase restaurant located at Banyan Tree Dubai on Bluewaters Island. The concept comes from the team behind TakaHisa and focuses on a chef-led dining experience built around precision and performance.
Teppanyaki involves live cooking on an iron grill in front of guests, while omakase is a chef-curated menu where each course is selected and served by the chef. At Taiga, both are combined into a theatrical dining format.
Guests can expect premium seafood flown in from Tokyo’s Toyosu Market, along with A5 wagyu cuts, including Kobe, Matsusaka, and Ozaki beef.
With reservations already available and early service underway, Taiga is currently in its soft opening phase.
- Location: Banyan Tree Dubai, Bluewaters Island
- Status: Soft open / reservations live
Osaka Nikkei
Globally recognised Peruvian-Japanese restaurant Osaka Nikkei is preparing to open its Dubai branch inside the upcoming Mandarin Oriental Downtown Dubai.
Originally founded in Lima in 2002, Osaka became known for blending Japanese techniques with bold Peruvian flavours, helping popularise Nikkei cuisine internationally. The brand now operates restaurants across cities, including Madrid, Miami, Buenos Aires, and São Paulo.
The Dubai venue will open on the 35th floor of the hotel, pairing skyline views with Osaka’s signature moody interiors and music-driven atmosphere.
While the final Dubai menu has not yet been confirmed, international locations are known for dishes such as crispy quinoa rolls, hotate nisei scallops, osaka nigiri, tako truffle, and osaka steak. Desserts often include flavours like yuzu and miso, while the crafted beverages feature ingredients such as pisco, shiso, matcha, and tropical fruits.
With its global reputation and prime Downtown location, Osaka Nikkei is expected to become one of Dubai’s major new fine dining openings.
- Location: Mandarin Oriental Downtown Dubai
- Expected opening: 2026 (TBC)
FAQs About New Restaurants in Dubai
Which new restaurants are opening soon in Dubai in 2026?
Some of the most anticipated upcoming restaurant arrivals in Dubai include Gymkhana, Chotto Matte, Neo Temaki, and Osaka Nikkei. These remain in pre-opening phases as of now.
Is Taiga already open in Dubai?
Taiga is currently in an early opening phase at Banyan Tree Dubai on Bluewaters Island. Reservations are available through official channels, and the restaurant is gradually welcoming guests as operations ramp up.
Where is Gymkhana Dubai opening?
Gymkhana is expected to open in DIFC. The restaurant is known internationally for its Michelin-starred Indian cuisine and colonial club-inspired interiors.
What cuisine does Chotto Matte serve?
Chotto Matte specialises in Nikkei cuisine, which blends Japanese cooking techniques with Peruvian flavours. The menu typically features sushi, ceviche, sashimi, robata-grilled dishes, and signature cocktails.
What is teppanyaki omakase at Taiga?
At Taiga, teppanyaki refers to live cooking on an iron grill in front of guests, while omakase is a chef-curated dining experience where each course is selected and served by the chef. The concept focuses on premium seafood and A5 Wagyu beef.
Where is Osaka Nikkei opening in Dubai?
Osaka Nikkei is set to open on the 35th floor of Mandarin Oriental Downtown Dubai. The restaurant is known globally for its Peruvian-Japanese Nikkei cuisine.
When is Neo Temaki opening in Dubai?
Neo Temaki is expected to open in early 2026 at JW Marriott Marquis Dubai in Business Bay.
Which upcoming Dubai restaurants are best for Japanese food lovers?
Japanese food lovers should watch Neo Temaki, Taiga, Chotto Matte, and Osaka Nikkei, as each offers a different interpretation of Japanese and Nikkei dining.
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