9 New Restaurant Openings To Have On Your Radar
Around the Block x CHAR
Nad Al Sheba Mall, Dubai
Bringing two distinct vibes under one roof, this new opening at Nad Al Sheba Mall blends easy mornings with fiery evenings. From 7am to 2pm, it’s business as usual at Around the Block – the homegrown café loved for its specialty brews, global breakfast dishes and relaxed community feel. Come afternoon, the lights dim and CHAR takes over: a bold new grill bar built around open flame and soulful flavour. Expect freshly baked bread with rich, smoky dips, inventive small plates and mains straight off the fire, all elevated with premium ingredients and a dose of drama.
Follow @CHARCONCEPT
Lucia’s
Rixos Baghdad Hotel, Baghdad
Following its success in Dubai, Doha and Athens, Lucia’s is now heading to Baghdad, with an opening at the new Rixos Baghdad Hotel on the horizon. Set to become one of the city’s most exciting new culinary destinations, the restaurant will channel the same lively atmosphere, elevated Italian plates and vibrant interiors the brand is known for. Created by 7 Management, Lucia’s blends coastal charm with immersive entertainment and classic hospitality – all designed to evoke the soul, flavour and glamour of ‘la dolce vita’ in the heart of the Iraqi capital.
Follow @LUCIASBAGHDAD
SALT
Marassi, North Coast, Egypt
This summer, SALT brings its signature laid-back energy to Egypt’s North Coast with a new pop-up in Marassi. Located on Marina Walk, the lifestyle-driven concept is known for turning burgers and soft serve into a cult-worthy experience – and the Marassi edition is no different. Open daily until late, it’s the perfect pit stop for beachgoers, city escapees and anyone in vacation mode. With a loyal following across the GCC, this long-awaited Egyptian debut blends SALT’s signature charm with the spirit of Sahel – simple pleasures, bold flavours, and good vibes only.
Follow @FINDSALT
/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.me%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe-me%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F07%2Fnew-new-restaurants-to-try-full-bleed.jpg?itok=_r5J_nZs)
GUSTO
Burj Daman Tower, DIFC
Bringing a touch of Milanese charm to the heart of DIFC, GUSTO is a new Italian restaurant and café concept from hospitality veteran Carlo Tinelli (formerly of L’Amo and Chic Nonna). Intimate and elegant, the space offers just 42 covers, designed to shift seamlessly from a laid-back breakfast spot to a polished dinner destination. Think fresh pastries served standing at the bronze-accented bar, silky cacio e pepe at lunch, and veal cotoletta by candlelight. Rooted in Italian tradition but styled with Dubai sophistication, it’s a warm, quietly luxurious setting made for long conversations, espresso rituals and refined comfort any time of day.
Follow @GUSTO_DXB
La Petite Maison
Arabian Gulf Street, Kuwait City
Long considered a benchmark for refined French-Mediterranean dining, La Petite Maison is set to open its doors in Kuwait this November. Located just steps from the iconic Kuwait Towers, the light-filled space promises signature Riviera charm – elegant interiors, a breezy alfresco terrace, and a menu rooted in the bold yet delicate flavours of the South of France. Following acclaimed openings in London, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh and beyond, the Kuwait outpost will bring LPM’s signature joie de vivre to a new coastal setting – complete with playful artwork, polished service and a bar serving reimagined mocktails.
Visit LPMRESTAURANTS.COM
Kokoro
Dubai Mall & Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi
Since opening in 2024, Kokoro has become the UAE’s go-to for handrolls – and now it’s expanding, with a new outpost arriving at Dubai Mall later this year, followed by Saadiyat Island in early 2026. Known for its sleek counter-seating concept, made-to-order rolls, and sharp, minimalist aesthetic, the homegrown brand has earned a cult following across the city. Founded by Tamer El Khayat and Faisal Yabroudi, Kokoro delivers Japanese precision with a contemporary edge – all served with serious energy and attention to detail.
Follow @KOKORO.DXB
Vera Versilia
Kempinski Hotel, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai
Inspired by the sun-drenched coastline of Tuscany, Vera Versilia brings the charm of Forte dei Marmi to the heart of Dubai. Set within the Kempinski Hotel, this new seafood-led concept blends Tuscan elegance with coastal soul – from Carrara marble interiors to a Crudo bar serving Sicilian prawns and Calvisius caviar. Executive Chef Marco Garfagnini, a native of Versilia, serves up reimagined classics like Trenette di Pesce and Tortellini with beef ragù, while the signature vermouth trolley and cocktail menu take you on a mixology tour of the region.
Follow @VERAVERSILIA
/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.me%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe-me%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F07%2F6-9-new-restaurants-to-have-on-your-radar-3.jpg?itok=zG5_KULZ)
ROKA & ROKA by the Beach
Mandarin Oriental, Bodrum
This summer, Bodrum welcomes two new outposts of the globally celebrated ROKA – the original open-air restaurant and its first-ever beachside concept. Both located within the grounds of Mandarin Oriental, Bodrum, the signature Japanese Robatayaki menu takes centre stage, with sushi, sashimi and flame-grilled dishes served against a backdrop of Aegean views. While ROKA offers a refined evening experience surrounded by olive trees and natural stone, ROKA by the Beach brings a lighter take to the sun-soaked shoreline. Together, they mark a major culinary moment for the Turkish Riviera.
Visit ROKARESTAURANT.COM
Mr. Chow
DIFC, Dubai
With outposts in London, Beverly Hills, New York, and Riyadh, Mr. Chow is no stranger to iconic status – and now, it has made its Dubai debut in DIFC. Brought in by hospitality group MJS Holding, the legendary Chinese restaurant blends theatrical flair with timeless glamour, offering signature dishes like hand-pulled noodles and Beijing duck, all served against a backdrop of sleek black-and-white interiors. More than just a place to eat, Mr. Chow is a cultural institution – and the Dubai opening promises the same bold attitude, impeccable service and high-profile energy that made it a favourite among artists, actors and the fashion crowd for over five decades.
Visit MRCHOW.COM
DISCLAIMER: We endeavour to always credit the correct original source of every image we use. If you think a credit may be incorrect, please contact us at [email protected].
/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.me%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe-me%2Ffiles%2Fwebsite-images%2F2023%2F07%2Fsl-middle-east_0.jpg?itok=mM7sU9m0)
