UAE Dining Scene Revives as Popular Restaurants and Hotspots Prepare to Welcome Back Diners

Following a quiet summer period, restaurants across the UAE are welcoming guests back as the country's dining scene gears up for the final months of the year. Some establishments closed temporarily for renovations or interior enhancements, while others relocated, changed operators, or used the summer months to rethink their offerings. Regional uncertainty has also contributed to an unusual year for the hospitality industry across the Emirates, with shifting visitor numbers and changing dining habits affecting the sector. Now, several familiar names are returning, ranging from an Italian favorite in Jumeirah to a sky-high Asian restaurant in Dubai Marina.

Scalini Dubai
Status: Reopened
Location: Restaurant Village, Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach
Scalini Dubai has reopened following renovations to its Restaurant Village venue at Four Seasons Resort Dubai. The Italian restaurant has retained its signature blue and yellow palette while introducing Mediterranean-inspired interiors with ivory and navy accents, striped fabrics, and warm timber finishes. Its veranda has also been redesigned with citrus trees, a white pergola, and Sicilian-inspired tiles. Executive chef Francesco Cortorillo has refreshed the menu, featuring dishes such as crudo di gamberi rossi di mazara, made with raw Sicilian red prawns and Datterino tomatoes; tableside beef tartare; and linguine alla nerano with fried Italian courgette, basil, and rare Provolone del Monaco cheese.

Andaliman
Status: Reopened
Location: Level 24, The Link, One&Only One Za’abeel, Dubai
Indonesian restaurant Andaliman has moved to a new spot at One&Only One Za’abeel, relocating from its former poolside setting to the 24th floor of The Link. Perched 100 metres above Dubai, the restaurant offers views across the city alongside a menu drawing on flavors from across the Indonesian archipelago. Led by chef de cuisine Ismawan Dzabir, the menu includes beef rendang, slow-braised with coconut, turmeric, and ginger, as well as locally sourced seafood grilled over coconut-husk charcoal. The new location also features a Sambal Trolley, bringing a selection of Indonesian chilli pastes tableside for diners to choose their preferred flavor and heat level.

Hitchki Dubai
Status: Reopened
Location: Novotel Dubai Gold District, Deira, Dubai
Bollywood-inspired restaurant Hitchki has reopened at Novotel Dubai Gold District in Deira, operating under Phoenix Hospitality Group. The restaurant, which first arrived in Dubai in 2019, has returned with refreshed interiors and an updated menu combining Indian favorites with contemporary influences. Dishes include Calcutta pani puri, dosa poppers, and bhut jolokia Wings & Rings, alongside Bollywood-inspired mains such as Butter The Chicken and Langda Tyagi Biryani. Live performances remain a central part of the experience, and the revamped venue has also introduced a new shisha lounge.

Coya Abu Dhabi
Status: Reopened
Location: Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island
Coya Abu Dhabi reopened in August following a brief closure for enhancement works at its home in The Galleria Al Maryah Island. The Peruvian restaurant closed at the beginning of the month for kitchen upgrades before returning with a menu drawing on Peruvian flavors alongside Japanese, Chinese, and Spanish influences.

Tattu Dubai
Status: Reopened
Location: Levels 74 and 81, Ciel Dubai Marina
Tattu Dubai Restaurant and Bar reopened at Ciel Dubai Marina following a temporary closure. The contemporary Asian restaurant returns across two of the upper floors of the world's tallest hotel. Tattu Restaurant & Bar on Level 74 features its signature suspended cherry blossom tree alongside the Black Dragon dining room and White Dragon Sunset bar. Tattu Sky Lounge & Terrace returns on Level 81 with 360-degree views across Dubai Marina and the Palm. The reopening introduces new dining experiences, including a weekday business lunch and a daily sunset offering at the Sky Lounge, with afternoon tea, brunches, and DJ sessions planned for later in the year.

Shimmers
Status: Reopened for dinner; lunch returns October 1
Location: Jumeirah Mina Al Salam, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai
Beachfront restaurant Shimmers at Jumeirah Mina Al Salam has reopened for dinner, welcoming guests back to its relaxed setting and Aegean-inspired menu. The evening experience includes live entertainment from a resident DJ, percussionist, and saxophonist. Lunch service returns on October 1, featuring An Aegean Pause, a three-course business lunch available from Monday to Thursday, 12.30pm to 2pm, priced at Dh180 per person.

Hakkasan
Status: Reopening on September 23
Location: Atlantis the Palm, Dubai
Hakkasan is preparing to reopen at Atlantis The Palm after temporarily closing earlier this summer. The Michelin-starred Cantonese restaurant was among several Atlantis Dubai venues to pause operations due to a review of operations in line with guest demand. Led by executive chef Andy Toh, Hakkasan returns with its signature dim sum, meat, and seafood dishes, alongside a new drinks menu. The brand first arrived in the UAE in 2011, initially opening at Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi before relocating to Atlantis The Palm.

The Grill
Status: Reopening on September 24
Location: Marriott Al Forsan, Abu Dhabi
The Grill at Marriott Al Forsan, Abu Dhabi, brings its steakhouse back with a menu centered on premium cuts of meat. Diners can expect Stanbroke Sanchoku Wagyu from Australia and USDA Prime beef, alongside signature cuts including tomahawk and T-bone steaks.

Tapasake
Status: Reopening this year
Location: The Link, One Za’abeel, Dubai
Tapasake is preparing to reopen at One Za’abeel this autumn following a major revamp of the venue at the top of The Link. The Japanese-led restaurant returns alongside its infinity pool, with a new Sky Lounge set up opposite the pool. The new menu combines Japanese cooking with Mediterranean influences, featuring dishes centered on sharing. The reopening follows a joint venture between Kerzner International and Sunset Hospitality Group to develop Tapasake as a stand-alone lifestyle brand.