Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) has long been known as one of Dubai’s top destinations for dining, coffee, and nightlife. Over the past few months, the district has welcomed a fresh wave of restaurants and cafés, giving regular visitors even more reasons to explore beyond their usual favourites. From a Kyoto-inspired coffee shop and New York-style pizza by the slice to an authentic Manhattan deli and a live-fire steakhouse, these new openings bring a variety of flavours and experiences to the neighbourhood.
DIFC’s latest openings offer plenty of reasons to visit. Here are some of the newest restaurants and cafés worth adding to your list.
Kurasu
Originally from Kyoto, Kurasu has quickly become one of DIFC’s most talked-about coffee shops. Designed around the Japanese concept of Ma, which celebrates simplicity and balance, the café offers a calm retreat from the fast pace of the financial district. Warm timber finishes inspired by Kyoto’s famous temples, minimalist interiors, and carefully brewed speciality coffee make it an ideal stop before work, during lunch, or for an afternoon break.
Coffee remains the main attraction here, with hand-drip brews prepared using beans roasted at the brand’s Kyoto roastery. Matcha lovers are equally well catered for, with ceremonial-grade matcha whisked fresh to order. Signature drinks include the popular Cloud Matcha, Black Sesame Latte, and Matcha Latte Espresso, while the pastry selection features light bites such as Orange Saffron Loaf, Mocha Banana Bread, and Feta Jalapeño Rolls.
- Location: Gate Avenue, Zone C, DIFC (opposite Hooga)
- Timings: Daily, 7 am to 10 pm
- Entry: No reservation required. Pay for what you order.
Za Za Slice
Fans of New York-style pizza now have another reason to visit DIFC. Za Za Slice has opened its latest branch at Gate Avenue, bringing its oversized 20-inch pizzas and generous slices to the heart of the financial district. This is also the brand’s first licensed location in Dubai, making it a popular choice for casual lunches, after-work dinners, and evening meet-ups.
The menu focuses on thin, crispy pizzas with creative toppings. Popular choices include the Alabama Smoke with pulled brisket and Alabama white barbecue sauce, The Red with marinara, stracciatella and hot honey, and gourmet options such as Tricolore and Trufuto. If you’re still hungry afterwards, the Tres Leches cake, New York cheesecake, and tiramisu are all worth saving room for.
- Location: Gate Avenue Roofline, DIFC
- Timings: Daily, 11 am to 11 pm
- Entry: Walk-ins welcome. Pizza slices start from AED 25, while whole pizzas start from AED 175.
Hudson & Rye
Dubai’s first authentic New York-style delicatessen has officially arrived in DIFC. Created by a team of native New Yorkers, Hudson & Rye recreates the feel of classic neighbourhood delis, serving comforting sandwiches, homemade pickles, and traditional American desserts in generous portions.
The menu is centred around scratch-made ingredients, including house-cured meats and freshly baked bread. Signature Reuben sandwiches, tuna melts, crispy fried chicken cutlet sandwiches, and cheeseburgers are among the highlights, while breakfast lovers can stop by for buttery biscuits filled with eggs, cheese, and their choice of filling. To finish, expect classic black and white cookies, New York cheesecake, toasted coconut cake, and banana split sundaes.
- Location: Ground Floor, Tower 3, DIFC Square
- Timings: Monday to Thursday: 8 am to 8 pm, Friday: 8 am to 9 pm, Saturday and Sunday: 9 am to 9 pm
- Entry: Walk-ins accepted. Reservations are recommended during busy periods.
Jospereno
If you’re looking for flame-grilled meats and hearty comfort food, Jospereno is one of the newest additions near DIFC worth visiting. Located in the Al Murooj Complex, the restaurant revolves around live-fire cooking using a Spanish Josper charcoal oven that reaches temperatures of around 350°C. The result is steaks, briskets, and grilled dishes with a rich smoky flavour.
The menu features premium Wagyu cuts, slow-cooked brisket, burgers, handmade pasta, and popular sharing boards designed for two people. One of its standout dishes is the charcoal-fired ribeye board, served alongside fries, smoked rice, bread, and the restaurant’s signature bone marrow. Business lunches are also available during the week, making it a convenient option for those working nearby.
- Location: Violet Building, Al Murooj Complex, Al Mustaqbal Street, near DIFC
- Timings: Daily, 11 am to 1 am
- Entry: Walk-ins only. Sharing boards start from AED 199.
Barrafina
One of London’s best-known Spanish restaurants has made its international debut in Dubai. Barrafina has opened at DIFC’s Gate Village, bringing its signature counter dining experience and authentic Spanish flavours to the city. The restaurant combines a lively open kitchen with indoor seating and a terrace, creating a relaxed setting that works equally well for lunch, dinner, or an evening with friends.
The menu focuses on traditional Spanish tapas made with high-quality seasonal ingredients. Diners can expect freshly prepared small plates, seafood, cured meats, and daily specials that change according to the freshest produce available. The counter seating offers a front-row view of the chefs at work, adding to the overall dining experience. Alongside the food, the restaurant also serves a carefully curated selection of Spanish beverages to complement the menu.
- Location: Podium Level, Gate Village Building 1, DIFC
- Timings: Daily, 12 pm to 12 am
- Entry: Counter seating is available for walk-ins, while reservations are recommended for the main dining room.
Siena
Bringing a taste of Tuscany to the heart of DIFC, Siena blends refined Italian dining with elegant interiors inspired by a traditional Tuscan palazzo. Marble finishes, fresco-style details, bespoke chandeliers, and a spacious terrace create an inviting setting that transitions seamlessly from daytime lunches to lively evenings.
The menu celebrates classic Italian cooking using seasonal ingredients and quality produce. Highlights include the Siena Rigatoni, lobster focaccia, pizzas, beef carpaccio, and a selection of desserts, including the restaurant’s classic tiramisu. Throughout the evening, the atmosphere gradually becomes more energetic with music and entertainment, making it a popular choice for date nights, celebrations, and group dinners.
- Location: Gate Village, DIFC
- Timings: Daily, 12 pm to 1 am
- Entry: Reservations are recommended. Main courses typically start from around AED 145 per person.
FAQs
What are the newest restaurants and cafés to open in DIFC?
Some of the latest openings include Kurasu, Za Za Slice, Hudson & Rye, Jospereno, Barrafina, and Siena.
Which new café in DIFC is best for specialty coffee?
Kurasu is a popular choice for specialty coffee and ceremonial-grade matcha. The Kyoto-born café has quickly become a favourite among professionals working in the area.
Are these new DIFC restaurants open every day?
Most are open daily, although operating hours vary by venue. It’s always worth checking the restaurant’s official website or social media before visiting.
Which new DIFC restaurant is good for group dining?
Jospereno is a great option for groups thanks to its large sharing boards, while Siena and Barrafina are both well-suited for celebrations and dinners with friends.
Is parking available in DIFC?
Yes. DIFC offers several public parking facilities as well as valet services at many restaurants and nearby buildings. The district is also easily accessible via the Dubai Metro, with Emirates Towers and Financial Centre Metro Stations both within walking distance of many venues.
