1 – BRASSERIE QUARTIER AT THE ST. REGIS DUBAI
Launching last month in Dubai’s promising Al Habtoor City complex, right in the heart of the emirate, the hotel arrived with two fine-dining establishments, including Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s J&G Steakhouse serving 17 cuts, and the hotel’s signature restaurant Brasserie Quartier. Serving modern- French fare with a contemporary twist, and an adjoining patisserie creating handmade chocolates, pastries and cakes made to order, the venue recreates the vibrant ambience of a neighbourhood restaurant within a relaxed setting, in the hotel’s own words.
2 – ENIGMA AT PALAZZO VERSACE DUBAI
The world’s first restaurant to change its cuisine concept and chefs four times a year arrived in Dubai on January 10. Thrice-Michelin-starred chef Quique Dacosta will kick off proceedings at the Creek-side hotel's quirky eatery, and all chefs on rotation throughout 2016 are promised to be within the World’s 50 Best. “I’m thrilled to make my mark in Dubai under Palazzo Versace and I hope that diners enjoy Enigma and my culinary selection, which has deep Mediterranean roots and avant-garde influences, as much as I will enjoy the experience,” said Dacosta.
3 – CIPRIANI DUBAI AT GATE VILLAGE
Following in the footsteps of Cipriani Yas Island, which recently launched an opulent new “Sail & Dine” promotion, Cipriani Dubai – set to launch by early February – will join some of the city’s finest restaurants in Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). The iconic Italian dining establishment continues the legacy of Giuseppe Cipriani, who opened famed Venetian venue Harry’s Bar in 1931. The team promises the new Middle Eastern opening to be a veritable time machine – a throwback to an era of true service and simple luxury.
4 – FARZI CAFE DUBAI, BY ZORAWAR KALRA
Standing out from this new pack in terms of flavour, this new "modern spice bistro" aims to bring the cuisine back en vogue. Zorawar Kalra, described as the “Prince of Indian Cuisine”, has amalgamated traditional dishes with contemporary presentations, culinary styles and ambiance – “where culinary art meets the alchemy of modern presentations and cooking techniques like molecular gastronomy to absorb the guest into the ultimate gastronomic illusion.” The first branch will open at City Walk Phase 2 in Jumeirah early this year.
5 – QUATTRO PASSI AT VICEROY PALM JUMEIRAH
OK, so this one isn't open just yet, but following his successful F1 pop-up at Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi, chef Antonio Mellino has announced the addition of Quattro Passi at the upcoming Viceroy Palm Jumeirah Dubai in late 2016. The sequel to the Mayfair restaurant vows to bring the flavours of Campania to the emirate, with fresh Mediterranean ingredients flown in daily from Italy. “Dubai is rapidly evolving to become one of the world’s food capitals, and with a two-Michelin-starred chef at the helm, Quattro Passi is set to ignite the culinary scene even further,” said the hotel’s GM, Mikael Svensson.