Dubai’s dining scene continues to evolve in 2025, welcoming a range of innovative concepts that are set to captivate the city’s discerning food lovers. From modern culinary havens to creative takes on international cuisines, the new restaurants in Dubai this year promise to redefine your dining experience. Whether you’re craving bold, fusion flavors or want to immerse yourself in authentic dishes from around the world, these new hotspots offer something for every palate. Let’s explore five new culinary gems in Dubai that are sure to make waves this year.
Culinara: Dubai’s Elevated Culinary Experience
Culinara is a groundbreaking new dining destination located at The Link in One Za’abeel, the world’s longest cantilevered building. Positioned 100 meters above ground, Culinara combines 12 original, homegrown restaurant concepts under one roof, offering a truly dynamic and social dining experience. This elevated food hall brings together an exciting array of global flavors, offering something for everyone.
Notable highlights include The Dish by Chef Sperxos, which serves Mediterranean small plates; SIO Ramen House, where renowned chef Reif Othman serves umami-rich ramen bowls; and Joumana’s Table, offering family-style comfort food that celebrates Middle Eastern cuisine. Each kitchen tells a unique story, grounded in personal heritage and presented with contemporary flair, making Culinara an unmissable destination for food enthusiasts in Dubai.
Harummanis: A Taste of Malaysia in the Heart of Dubai
Harummanis brings the bold and comforting flavors of Malaysian cuisine to Dubai with its latest outpost in Wasl 51. This iconic restaurant, founded in Singapore as a humble hawker stall in 1992, has now evolved into a global concept that remains true to its heritage. Known for its dedication to authentic technique, Harummanis offers a menu that spans both familiar and lesser-known Malaysian dishes.
The Dubai location’s Michelin Bib Gourmand status highlights its exceptional offerings, such as rendang tok, char kway teow, and lontong. Chef Akmal Anuar’s careful use of spices and fresh ingredients creates a balance between bold and nuanced flavors, offering guests a rich culinary journey into Malaysia’s diverse and multicultural gastronomic heritage. Whether you’re a Malaysian food connoisseur or a first-timer, Harummanis is the place to experience the depth of this Southeast Asian cuisine.
FORMA: Where Culinary Art Meets Creativity
Located within the culturally rich Al Safa Art & Design Library, FORMA offers a dining experience that blurs the lines between culinary artistry and creative expression. Developed by Belhasa Hospitality, the team behind popular spots like NAC and Table Otto, FORMA is a laid-back yet refined concept that combines great food with stunning design.
The menu features light, crispy pizzas with inventive toppings such as miso corn, beef bacon pistachio, and hot chicken, alongside classic options like margherita and pepperoni. In addition to pizzas, guests can enjoy creative small plates such as burrata poppers with hot honey, halloumi panzanella, and crispy prawns with samyang dip. With its artistic atmosphere and inventive flavors, FORMA provides a refreshing dining experience that is as visually stimulating as it is delicious.
Kumo: A Serene Escape into Japanese Tradition
Kumo, meaning “cloud” in Japanese, brings the elegance of Kyoto to Dubai’s Al Wasl neighborhood. Located within a reimagined 1980s villa, this tranquil dining concept focuses on creating an intimate, serene atmosphere that celebrates traditional Japanese cuisine in its purest form.
Designed with natural woods, soft textures, and delicate shoji patterns, Kumo’s interiors provide a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. The restaurant’s culinary philosophy is simple yet refined, with each dish thoughtfully prepared using seasonal ingredients and traditional techniques. Although the full menu remains under wraps, the approach is clear: grounded Japanese dishes, shared among diners, with a focus on pure flavors and careful execution. Kumo is perfect for those who seek a quiet, reflective dining experience in a setting that emphasizes subtle elegance.
China Tang: A Legacy of Cantonese Excellence
For lovers of Cantonese cuisine, China Tang offers a taste of timeless sophistication. Located on the waterfront promenade of The Lana, Dorchester Collection, this Dubai outpost of the iconic London restaurant brings a refined take on Cantonese classics, complete with Art Deco interiors and a legacy of fine dining.
Founded by the late Sir David Tang, China Tang evokes the glamour of 1930s Shanghai, with chinoiserie details and handpicked objets d’art that create an opulent dining environment. The restaurant’s highlight is its duck oven room, where guests can watch chefs prepare the restaurant’s famous Cantonese duck—a dish that has earned China Tang its reputation as a destination for culinary precision and luxury. Whether you’re craving traditional dim sum or elegant seafood dishes, China Tang promises a memorable dining experience.
HANU: Contemporary Korean Cuisine with a Cultural Twist
Located within the luxurious St. Regis Gardens on Palm Jumeirah, HANU offers a fresh, innovative approach to Korean cuisine. Bridging South Korea’s rich culinary heritage with modern innovation, HANU presents familiar flavors in ways that surprise and delight.
The restaurant’s immersive cultural experience is reflected in its carefully crafted dishes that blend traditional Korean ingredients with modern presentation techniques. From Korean barbecue to artful twists on classic dishes, HANU takes Korean cuisine to the next level while staying true to its roots. With its chic ambiance and expertly crafted flavors, HANU is the place to experience contemporary Korean dining at its finest.
Conclusion: Dubai’s New Culinary Landscape Awaits
Dubai’s restaurant scene in 2025 is a celebration of creativity, tradition, and innovation. Whether you’re looking for elevated dining at Culinara, an authentic Malaysian experience at Harummanis, or a serene Japanese escape at Kumo, the city’s new restaurants offer something for every type of food lover. These culinary gems are redefining the dining landscape in Dubai, offering both locals and visitors new and exciting ways to explore the world through food. Don’t miss out—these hot spots are the future of dining in Dubai.
