Dubai’s restaurant scene is going through one of its most exciting phases yet in 2026, with approximately 20 Michelin-starred venues, three new restaurants opening every single day on average, and a clear shift away from fussy fine dining toward bold flavours, authentic cuisines, and accessible tasting menus.
The Big Food Trends Shaping Dubai in 2026
Food writers and chefs across the city are pointing to several defining trends this year. Cuisineless dining is one of the biggest, where chefs break free from national cuisine labels and mix influences without boundaries — Middle Eastern dishes using Japanese ingredients, African food made with European techniques. Chewy textures are also having a major moment, from mochi ice cream to stretchy pastries and jelly-topped desserts. Hojicha, the toasted Japanese green tea with warm, caramel-tinged flavours, is being tipped as the drink of the year, while cabbage has emerged as an unlikely culinary star, appearing charred, fermented, and roasted on menus across the city.
The Most Anticipated New Openings
Nobu has opened at One Za’abeel, set inside the world’s longest cantilevered structure and bringing its Japanese-Peruvian menu to a dramatic skyline-facing space with live entertainment for the first time in Dubai. London’s cult tapas bar Barrafina has made its first international debut in the city, bringing counter dining and classic Spanish plates including croquetas, grilled prawns, and a creamy tortilla. Mediterranean dining has surged, with AVLU opening on Palm Jumeirah serving slow-cooked Turkish lamb shoulder, salt-cooked wild sea bass, and grilled Greek octopus alongside the city’s growing appreciation for honest, ingredient-forward cooking.
Michelin Stars Keep Coming
As of 2026, Dubai has approximately 20 Michelin-starred restaurants, up from 11 when the guide first launched in 2022, including two two-star establishments. STAY by Yannick Alléno and Il Ristorante by Niko Romito hold the two-star honours, while Tresind Studio, Ossiano, and Avatara are among the one-star holders. Fine dining tasting menus at starred venues typically range from AED 600 to AED 2,500 per person.
Where to Eat This Summer With DSS Deals
Dubai Summer Surprises kicks off today, July 2, with Summer Restaurant Week running from July 13 to August 2, offering curated set menus at some of the city’s most popular restaurants. The 10 Dirham Dish promotion follows from August 3 to 30, offering select signature dishes at participating venues across Dubai for just Dh10 — making it one of the best times of the year to explore new restaurants across every price range.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the biggest food trends in Dubai in 2026?
Key trends include cuisineless dining, chewy textures, hojicha lattes, and authentic Mediterranean and Mediterranean-adjacent cuisines.
How many Michelin-starred restaurants does Dubai have in 2026?
Dubai has approximately 20 Michelin-starred restaurants as of 2026, including two two-star establishments.
When is Dubai Summer Restaurant Week 2026?
Summer Restaurant Week runs from July 13 to August 2, 2026, as part of Dubai Summer Surprises.
