Fed up with asking yourself ‘Where should I eat tonight?’ These are the most exciting openings arriving in Dubai over the next couple of months. book a table immediately.

FOGO DE CHÃO

In a nutshell

Creatively carved cuts for carnivores

The lowdown

Dubai’s seemingly endless love affair with Brazilian churrasco marches on with Fogo de Chão. The original opened in Brazil back in 1979, then expanded exponentially across the US, before opening in Jeddah last August. Now it makes its Dubai debut in DIFC.

Order

The costela beef ribs boast a moreish salty crust

Central Park Towers, DIFC, Dubai, daily noon to 4pm and 7pm to 11pm. Tel: (04) 3438867. Taxi: Central Park Towers. facebook.com/fogodechaouae

MINA BRASSERIE

In a nutshell

The latest opening from famed US chef Michael Mina

The lowdown

When news broke that Michael Mina’s retro American diner Firebird was closing, it left a lot of people slightly miffed. Worry not though, as he’s replaced it with Mina Brasserie – a lively spot featuring modern American food. Highlights include a burrata with toasted pistachio, perfectly roast chicken served with truffle mac and cheese, and wood-fired lamb chops.

Order

The tuna tartare with pine nuts, garlic, mint and sesame-habanero oil is one of the chef’s most acclaimed creations

Four Seasons Hotel DIFC, Gate Village, DIFC, Dubai, daily noon to 1am. Tel: (04) 5060100. Taxi: Four Seasons DIFC. minabrasserie.com

COVA MILANO

In a nutshell

Gourmet treats for the sweet of tooth

The lowdown

One of the most historic cafés in the heart of Milan’s fashion district, Cova Milano makes its debut in Dubai Mall’s Fashion Avenue extension soon. The Italian pasticceria mirrors the style of the original café founded in 1817, though there’s also a more contemporary terrace, which will overlook the Dubai Fountains and Dubai Opera.

Order

The fruit tarts are somewhat legendary

Dubai Mall, Dubai, opening date tbc. Metro: Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall. covamilano.com

Luchador

In a nutshell

Chilled out Mexican rooftop cantina

The lowdown

With fab views of the coast and Burj Al Arab, the terrace of this rooftop restaurant is the ultimate place for a lazy lunch or post-work cocktail. Inside, Mexican wrestling masks and colourful decor set the tone for a vibrant dining experience. Tacos, guacamoles, ceviches, carnitas and all your other Mexican faves get a flavourful upgrade, while the live music gets the fiesta vibe flowing.

Order

Their salmon guacamole is perfect partner for your sundowners.

Aloft Palm Jumeirah, Dubai. Mon to Thurs, 5pm to 2am, Fri and Sat 1pm to 2am.

Tel: (04) 2475550. Taxi: Aloft Palm Jumeirah

aloftpalmjumeirah.com

MORIMOTO

In a nutshell

High-end Asian dining from a true
sushi master

The lowdown

You’ve got Masaharu Morimoto to thank for bringing sushi to the West. The ‘Iron Chef’ was instrumental in making sushi a popular mainstream dining experience in the US. Now, he’s opening his debut restaurant in Dubai at the Renaissance Downtown. Morimoto occupies two floors and has four terraces, one bar, plus live teppanyaki and sushi counters. Expect a fusion of traditional dishes with western ingredients and preparation techniques.

Order

We’re hoping the famed morimoto omakase tasting menu makes it across
the pond

Renaissance Downtown Hotel, Marasi Drive, Dubai, opening date TBC. Tel: (04) 5125577. Taxi: Renaissance Downtown Hotel. marriott.com

MASTERCHEF THE TV EXPERIENCE

In a nutshell

Dining for TV addicts

The lowdown

Fans of hit TV show MasterChef (ahem, us) are going to love the new restaurant opening in Wyndham West Bay Dubai Marina Hotel later this year. Not only does the MasterChef TV set inspire the interior, but diners will be able to choose from an ever-changing menu featuring original dishes conceived by former contestants.

Order

Dishes by your favourite former TV stars. Anyone else hoping for Christine Ha’s Vietnamese catfish from season three? Just us? OK, then.

Wyndham West Bay Dubai Marina Hotel, Al Seba Street, Dubai Marina, Dubai, opening date TBC. Tel: (04) 4078888. Taxi: Wyndham Dubai Marina. wyndhamdubaimarina.com

AVLI BY TASHAS

In a nutshell

The latest UAE outpost from the eponymous South African chef

The lowdown

From the top South African restaurateur behind the widely acclaimed Flamingo Room By Tashas at Jumeirah Al Naseem, and Galleria Mall café Tashas, is Avli By Tashas, your new go-to for Instagrammable food and décor in Downtown Dubai. Natasha Sideris is taking on the old La Luz space in DIFC, which closed in the last quarter of 2017 after almost a year of operation. We’re hoping the latest incarnation will fare better – and on current form, we reckon Tashas should succeed.

Order

The menu is yet to be unveiled, but we’re hoping for some serious African spicing…

Four Seasons Hotel DIFC, Gate Village, DIFC, Dubai, opening date TBC. Tel: (04) 5060000. Taxi: Four Seasons DIFC. avlibytashas.com

ASIA DE CUBA

In a nutshell

A cult international dining experience popular with the fashion crowd

The lowdown

Already a favourite in Abu Dhabi, this cult eatery, which also has branches in New York, London and Bahrain, has finally made it to Dubai. Taking over the site of China Grill, which closed its doors at the end of February, the trendy Chino Latino eatery boasts an inventive menu encompassing everything from tacos to sushi.

Order

The Asian paella, stuffed with shellfish and olives, defines the fusion concept

The Westin Mina Seyahi, Beach Road, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3994141. Taxi: Westin Mina Seyahi. asiadecuba.com

GAIA

In a nutshell

The flavours of Greece, transported to the Gate Village

The lowdown

We’re thoroughly looking forward to the arrival of Gaia, which will offer high-end Greek cuisine in DIFC when it opens this October. Inspired by Grecian culture and named after the goddess of Earth, the menu has a seafood focus and is said to be influenced by each element of the Greek region. Expect dishes from the Kalimata olive groves to the delicacies of the islands.

Order

The freshest of seafood is expected to be the restaurant’s calling card

Gate Village, DIFC, Dubai, opening in October.