September Dining Guide: New Restaurant Openings and Seasonal Menus to Try in the UAE

There is always plenty happening across the UAE dining scene, and we have highlighted some notable first sittings worth experiencing. Among them, Orfali Bros Roots features a spicy bulgur salad made with Aleppo chilli paste, fresh tomato, puffed bulgur, olive oil, and shiso as a signature dish at Orfali Bros.

One of the UAE's most lauded restaurants is kicking off the new season with Sunday lunch, Syrian-style. Aromas of Aleppo begins with hummus, muhammara, kibbeh nayeh, tomato salad, and Roots bulgur salad, made with the Michelin-starred Orfali Bros’ signature Aleppo chilli and shiso leaf mix. For the main course, there is kibbeh mashwieh with walnuts, bone marrow, and cucumber yoghurt, followed by haytaliyeh featuring milk curd, burnt syrup, and mastic ice cream. The set meal starts from Dh295 per person, while other menu favourites such as Wagyu tenderloin lollipops with cherries and pine nuts can be added at an extra cost every Sunday at Al Wasl Road, Jumeirah 1, Dubai.

Private catering company MonChef, which has been serving luxury events across the UAE since 2023, has opened its first permanent restaurant. Located in Dubai Design District, La Lupa offers Mediterranean fare ranging from breakfast and antipasti to risotto, seafood, and steak within a setting of natural materials, earthy tones, and soft lighting.

In Sharjah, newcomer Murmur takes its name from murmuration—the phenomenon of birds swirling in synchronised formations—hinting at the concept behind the homegrown fine-dining restaurant. Located in Aljada, Sharjah, the menu brings together Gulf flavours, global influences, and culinary storytelling, featuring dishes like arancini reimagined as Emirati machboos, Wagyu short-rib hummus, and signature musakhan lasagne.

As summer draws to a close and the city settles back into its working rhythm, Jamavar, Downtown Dubai's Michelin-starred Indian restaurant, is easing the return with a new business lunch at Address Residences Opera District, Downtown. Diners can expect starters such as Chandni Chowk ki aloo tikki, followed by chargrilled dishes like murgh malai kali mirch and a cherry, pepper, and coconut sorbet to finish.

What began as a cloud kitchen for Emirati entrepreneur Afra Al Darmaki has found a permanent home in Abu Dhabi. Intended serves coffee and sweet treats—such as coconut cloud espresso and date-walnut cookies made with fruit from Al Darmaki’s family farm in Al Ain—at Al Jiwa-a Street, Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi. All treats are gluten-free, contain no refined sugar, and are made without artificial flavours.

At The Spaniel British brasserie on Bluewaters Island, Dubai, a new sharing feast of roast beef and chicken alongside slow-cooked lamb is available every Sunday. Designed for groups of four or more, the roast comes complete with all the trimmings, including Yorkshire puddings and cauliflower cheese.

Paus Eatery, a wellness space complete with a spa, padel court, movement spaces, and cafe, is highlighting its new evening dining menu featuring Italian classics and a cosy atmosphere where guests are encouraged to share dishes.

Two-Michelin-starred Indian restaurant Gymkhana has arrived from London to Dubai, located at Gate Village, DIFC. Serving dinner until 1am, the venue offers London favourites such as tandoori masala lamb chops and kid goat methi keema alongside Dubai exclusives including jackfruit ghee roast, imli black cod with peanut chutney, and Wagyu beef sukka with bone marrow.

Meanwhile, JBR's newest Italian restaurant, Pepe Cucina at Address Beach Resort, Dubai, brings wood-fired dishes, handmade pasta, and a Saturday brunch, alongside a separate games bar and dedicated children's area.