Dubai’s dining scene rarely slows down, and September 2026 is no exception. From a two-Michelin-starred London debut to a family-run Lebanese deli and a citywide Korean festival, here’s what’s actually new in Dubai this month.
New Restaurants Opening This September
Gymkhana Dubai
Gymkhana, the two-Michelin-starred London restaurant, opened in Dubai on Tuesday 1 September, marking its UAE debut at Gate Village, Building 7, DIFC.
The venue spans two levels with seating for 137 guests plus a terrace, inspired by the elite social clubs of colonial-era India.
The Dubai kitchen is led by Executive Chef Rahul Rana, previously known locally for heading Michelin-starred vegetarian restaurant avatāra, with a menu spanning chaat-style plates, tandoori specialities, curries and biryanis alongside dishes created specifically for the Dubai outpost.
Rocambolesco
This new two-storey Italian restaurant opens in Uptown Dubai this September, led by Executive Chef Luigi Stinga, recipient of the MICHELIN Guide Abu Dhabi Young Chef Award and previously at Talea by Antonio Guida.
Built around the Italian idea of la convivialità, or shared dining, the venue offers indoor seating, an outdoor terrace and bar, with a more intimate first-floor dinner-only space following later in the year.
Bayroot Deli
This new Lebanese deli opened on Saturday 12 September at Aspin Commercial Tower on Sheikh Zayed Road.
Founded by Fadi Almahaini and his mother, Hoda Altaki, the 56-seat, two-floor venue serves charcoal-grilled meats, mezze, sandwiches, and shawarma built around family recipes, with olive oil, thyme, and sumac sourced from the family’s farms in Lebanon. Guests can dine in or grab something on the go.
New Cafés And Seasonal Experiences
La Terrazza At Bvlgari Resort Dubai
Bvlgari Resort Dubai is bringing the spirit of Italy to Jumeira Bay Island with a seasonal summer experience running until 30 September. Set within Il Caffé and transformed with citrus accents and Mediterranean-inspired details, the experience pairs Roman-style pizzas from Pizza Bar by Pier Daniele Seu with regional Italian gelato from Il Gelato by Chef Niko Romito.
Dubai K-Fest
Dubai is hosting its first-ever K-Fest, a 10-day citywide festival celebrating Korean food, beauty, fashion and entertainment, running from 25 September to 4 October.
Organised by the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment on behalf of the Department of Economy and Tourism, the festival opens with a free concert at Dubai Festival City Mall featuring K-pop acts ONEUS and Kwon Eunbi, alongside Korean food pop-ups, limited-edition menus and beauty experiences across the city.
Restaurants Reopening This September
A number of established names are also returning to Dubai’s dining scene this month, following what’s been described as an unusual year for the city’s hospitality sector amid regional uncertainty and shifting visitor numbers:
- Tattu, back at Ciel Dubai Marina, the world’s tallest hotel, with Tattu Restaurant & Bar returning on Level 74 and Tattu Sky Lounge on Level 81, bringing back its contemporary Asian menu, signature cherry blossom tree, and 360-degree views over the Marina and Palm Jumeirah. New additions include a daily business lunch, with a sunset offering, afternoon tea and brunches planned later in the year.
- Scalini, the Jumeirah Italian restaurant, is reopening at Restaurant Village, Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach, following a full renovation. The refreshed venue keeps its signature blue-and-yellow palette alongside new Mediterranean-inspired interiors, with Executive Chef Francesco Cortorillo updating the menu.
Frequently Asked Questions
What New Restaurants Are Opening in Dubai in September 2026?
Notable September openings include Gymkhana Dubai (the two-Michelin-starred London restaurant’s UAE debut at DIFC on 1 September), Rocambolesco in Uptown Dubai, and Bayroot Deli, a new Lebanese deli on Sheikh Zayed Road which opened on 12 September.
Are Any Well-Known Restaurants Reopening in Dubai This September?
Yes. Tattu has reopened at Ciel Dubai Marina, and Scalini has reopened following a full renovation at Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach, among other venues returning after closures for renovations, relocations, or operational changes.
What’s new in Dubai this September beyond restaurants?
Alongside new dining openings, Dubai is hosting Dubai K-Fest, a 10-day Korean culture festival running from 25 September to 4 October, and La Terrazza, a seasonal Italian summer pop-up at Bvlgari Resort Dubai running until the end of September.
The Outlook
Dubai’s dining scene shows no sign of slowing heading into the final months of the year, with high-profile new openings, a family-founded neighbourhood deli, a major reopening season, and a first-of-its-kind cultural festival all landing in the same month.
For restaurants and cafés looking to build visibility around a launch or relaunch, September’s crowded openings calendar makes strong, well-timed coverage even more valuable.
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