7 new openings in Dubai

We aren’t quite into new opening season yet, but the wheels are slowly being put in motion. Over the past few weeks we’ve seen some newbies spring up, and excitement is starting to build over those in the pipeline. Latina hangouts, American diners, posh pizza and healthy take-away are all on the menu with Dubai’s new openings. Here are the ones you need to know about.

Crab Tavern
Having recently opened in London, Crab Tavern is getting its claws into Dubai too, with a menu packed with seafood favourites and grilled meats. The American-style diner is on the casual side, with booths, high-top counters and a bar, making it a great after-work addition to Media One’s portfolio. Try it out before July 31 for 50 percent off your food bill.
Opening: Open now.
Details: Level 9, Media One Hotel,

Spirito
The Brazilian Lounge & Kitchen is bringing the taste of Rio to Dubai, with traditional dishes such as Pastel De Carne (that’s pastry filled with braised beef to you and me), along with music including Latin jazz, samba and reggae. The stylish space is a bar hangout as well as a restaurant, so expect a lively atmosphere. Those who hashtag #GetInTheSpirito will receive a code with the chance to win a discount from their bill, and there’s a generous 50 percent off the food bill throughout August.
Opening: August 1
Details: Level 9, Media One Hotel,

Pret to Go
The Media City branch of Pret to Go marks the brand’s third launch in under a year. The concept of fresh fast-food, soups, salads and hot pots has already proven a hit with Dubai’s office workers. With buzzwords like ‘wholegrain’, ‘gluten-free’ and ‘organic’, it sounds as healthy as it is. Apparently the domination of Dubai’s lunching scene is set to continue, with a further 3 openings on the horizon.
Opening: Open now.
Details: DMC building 7, +971 434 3427,

The Black Lion
Billed as Reform Social & Grill’s ‘trans-Atlantic cousin’, The Black Lion is certainly a welcome addition to the family. The American gastropub serves up Uncle Sam’s favourites, with the likes of fish pie, prawn cocktail and surf & turf. We reckon this is set to become a regular after-work hangout for Downtown residents.
Opening: July 18
Details: Ground Floor, H Hotel, +971 4 359 2366,

Pi.Dubai
Italian soul food is always something we can get on board with. The restaurant’s owners reportedly spent months creating their own artisan dough recipe, which will place their pizzas amongst the city’s finest. Expect this kind of quality to run through the whole menu with hormone-free meats, wild seafood and seasonal vegetables.
Opening: Expected opening is July 19. Follow on Instagram for more details @pidubai
Details: Dubai Mall, www.pidubai.com

Kuai
As the hipster district everyone’s talking about, Boxpark combines shopping and al fresco dining. The latest eatery to open is Kuai, which serves up Chinese street food with a modern twist. Fitting the theme of the district, it’s all very urban, and you’ll find the menu packed with quirky treats such as honey grilled seabass.
Opening: Open now.
Details: Boxpark Dubai, +971 4 343 9906, www.eat-kuai.com

Leila Café
The mid-range, family-friendly Lebanese restaurant Leila has broadened its reach with a new location in Arabian Ranches 2, adding to its established branches in Mirdif City Centre and Downtown Dubai. It serves simple, crowd-pleasing Lebanese staples, with fresh, generous mezze and tender grills. Considering the mall in which it is housed remains surrounded by construction and dust, it will be a welcome oasis for those moving into Arabian Ranches’ newer developments.
Opening: Open now.
Details: Arabian Ranches II, +971 4 277 0272