TEN NEW DUBAI RESTAURANTS TO CHECK OUT THIS WEEKEND

Ten of the hottest new restaurants in town for you to explore.

99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant Dubai:

Three years since it first rolled into Abu Dhabi with its fine-dining Japanese cuisine, 99 Sushi Bar and Restaurant is now open at the Address Downtown Hotel Dubai, overlooking the world’s tallest building – the Burj Khalifa. All of the 99 signature dishes are present and correct in Dubai, including the gunkan sushi, spicy tuna tartar and the 99 Katsu Sando. A new go-to spot for Japanese haute-cuisine.

GO: Call (0)4 547 2241 for reservations and more information.

Al Beiruti:

Al Beiruti is a place for those who want a taste of the real Beirut. True to Lebanese culture, Al Beiruti oozes aspiring Lebanese hospitality, making guests feel like they’ve travelled to the heart of Lebanon without having left Dubai. Al Beiruti is an all-day dining destination that offers something for every part of every day. Some of the key signature dishes include zaatar hummus, mustard ras aasfour, Al Beiruti kibbeh and Al Beiruti fries. Enjoy bright mornings over freshly-made mankoushés straight out of the oven, the perfect cup of Lebanese coffee on Al Beiruti’s terrace at sunset, long lunches with the family and afternoons spent with friends.

GO: Email info@albeiruti.com or call (0)4 320 0043 for reservations and more information.

Brass Monkey:

Brass Monkey, a fun and colourful venue at Bluewaters Dubai features a 12-lane bowling alley, VR racing simulator, snooker tables and more than 60 arcade games spread over two floors! Whether you want to play, party or dine with friends and family, Brass Monkey aims to bring the fun with its extensive selection of retro video games! For a slice of Americana, there are sliders, tacos, pizzas and the legendary banana split, or if you fancy a taste of Asia, dishes include bao buns, gyoza, green curry mussels, miso salmon and short rib. Vegetarian and vegan guests can tuck into vegan tacos featuring mushrooms, avocado, vegan cheese and truffle oil, as well as a roasted purple cauliflower steak served with cauliflower puree. 

GO: Visit www.brassmonkeysocial.com or call (0)4 5827277 for reservations and more information.

Cloud Lounge:

Serving fresh and authentic Lebanese and Turkish cuisine at Studio One Hotel, Cloud Lounge offers a fusion of flavours to the communities in Arabian Ranches, Motor City, Sports City and DAMAC Hills. The Mediterranean-inspired venue takes guests on a cultural and culinary adventure featuring a tempting menu of elegantly presented dishes and exquisite drinks and created by a team of expert mixologists. There’s also a terrace with comfortable seating and adorned with lemon and orange trees that are perfect for a hearty al fresco dining experience.

GO: Visit www.cloud-lounge.com for reservations and more information.

Koko Bay:

Inspired by the beaches of Bali, new beachfront restaurant Koko Bay has opened at the picturesque West Beach development on Palm Jumeirah. The restaurant offers pleasing boho-chic interiors plus a toes in the sand al fresco dining experience. Featuring a menu of modern Asian and European-influenced dishes, alongside bespoke beverages, Koko Bay is ideal for those looking for a relaxed afternoon or an enchanting evening under the stars. Arrive for the breathtaking sunset views and stay for dinner under the stars.

GO: Visit www.kokobay.co for reservations and more information.

L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon:

L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon opened this week in DIFC and comes to us from acclaimed chef and restauranteur Joël Robuchon. The restaurant has been designed in distinct Joël Robuchon style, meaning diners can expect the brand’s signature red and black colour scheme, accentuated by touches of brass in a refined yet informal dining experience. The menu revolves around seasonal ingredients which have been carefully sourced from over 100 different producers. Dishes will compromise of only a few elements to allow the ingredients to shine, as Axel Manes takes Joel Robuchon’s signature dishes and gives them a modern twist. Diners can expect French fine-dining with a selection dishes prepared in front of guest that includes crispy poached egg with caviar, truffle pizza, Dover sole à la plancha, as well as vegetarian ceviches and carpaccio. 

GO: Visit atelier-robuchon.ae for reservations and more information.

Missippi’s Pool Bar & Social Hub:

Opening this weekend, Missippi’s Pool Bar & Social Hub is located on the rooftop of Avani Ibn Battuta Dubai. Blending a touch of the tropics, visitors can expect an array of mixed beverages, smoothies, and slushies to help create a relaxed holiday-esque mood. Meanwhile, the menu features everything from breakfast favourites such as acai bowls and eggs Benedict, to causal poolside fare and more substantial options, including crusted chicken, jumbo prawns and a wide choice of maki rolls. The venue itself is an Instagrammers dream with its bright pastel tones, pink parasols, cabanas and flamingo inflatables, providing plenty of photo opportunities for the Gram!  

GO: Email reservations@missippisdxb.com or call (0)55 269 7351 for reservations and more information.

Palm Bay:

A bright new restaurant has opened its doors at Club Vista Mare on Palm Jumeirah. Palm Bay is a fresh and funky new concept that offers informal social dining with a taste of the Caribbean. Step away from the sandy shoreline, and inside you’ll discover colourful furniture, neon signs and Instagramable murals with phrases like “your vibe attracts your tribe.” Outside on the terrace, there is a choice of two gardens to sit back and relax in while you sip a chilled beverage and savour the beachfront views. Soul food is the name of the game at Palm Bay, and for those unfamiliar with Caribbean cooking, expect a fusion of African, Cajun, Creole, European and Latin American influences. An extensive beverage menu is available to complement the food, with everything from fresh fruity mixed drinks to no-nonsense cold ones to quench your thirst. 

Go: Email reservations@palmbaydubai.com or call (0)4 554 2665 for reservations and more information.

The Pangolin:

The Pangolin has opened its doors at The Els Club in Dubai Sports City, offering a new lifestyle destination for residents of Sports City, Motor City and Studio City. A neighbourhood venue that has been designed for casual socialising, The Pangolin is the brainchild of restaurateur Sergio Lopez and Australian chef Troy Payne. Covering a space of 60,000 sqft and spread over two floors, the venue features two casual restaurants, two bars, a private dining room, a member’s room, and a first-floor terrace. The ground-floor restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, and offers updated twists on classic breakfast dishes such as fresh hot smoked salmon with pull-apart bread soldiers, soft boiled eggs with a dill dressing and crumpets with poached eggs, wilted Greens and smoked beef rib.

GO: Email hello@thepangolindubai.com or call (0)54 4438 288 for reservations and more information.

Tulum:

A new go-to spot for Mexican cravings, Tulum combines its desirable location overlooking the Dubai Fountains with delicious Mexican cuisine and an atmosphere to keep you entertained. The spectacle of the fountains is not the only entertainment on offer, as Tulum features an in-house Mariachi band who will serenade your table, singing Mexican classics and even a rendition of Happy Birthday if you’re celebrating. The menu is cleverly divided into distinct sections with playful descriptions, such as “the flavours of Mexico in one hand.” It includes Mexican Street Style Corn, Roasted Bone Marrow Tacos and Grilled Lobster Quesadillas. For more abundant portions, the main courses offer a range of appealing choices such as Baked Mexican Wild Caught Jumbo Shrimp, Yucatan-Style Braised Veal “Piblil” and Braised Duck Leg Carnitas.

GO: Email info@tulum.ae or call (0)4 514 0135 for reservations and more information.