There are plenty of reasons to look forward to the opening of this award-winning robatayaki Japanese restaurant. It’s a concept by Rainer Becker, the man behind Zuma Dubai, which has been a dining institution of the emirate even since it launched in 2018. Roka Dubai will be opening in Zaha Hadid-designed The Opus by Omniyat, in business Bay, in early 2020 and diners can expect to find the restaurant’s robata grill at the heart of the venue, serving up signature dishes such as scallop skewers with wasabi and shiso.

 

The contemporary northern Chinese restaurant, which originates from Hong Kong and has an award-winning location in London's Shard building, will be opening a branch in Dubai early this year. Hutong will be coming to Gate Building 6, DIFC, where it will be serving signature dishes like it's Red Lantern (crispy soft-shelled crab with dried chili) and Halibut Red Star noodles, as well as some dishes created exclusively for Dubai.

 

Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian restaurant SushiSamba first launched in New York City in 1999, and it will bring its luxe decor and buzzing vibe to the UAE this year. The restaurant will opening doors on the 51st floor of The Palm Tower on Palm Jumeirah, promising glittering views of Dubai’s skyline. The Dubai branch will also have its own distinct style in terms of atmosphere and feel, most comparable to the restaurant's outpost at London’s 110 Bishopsgate.

 

This restaurant, located along the French Riviera, is famous for being a celebrity hot spot, having been visited by the likes of Eva Mendes and Jay Z. And soon UAE residents can get a taste of Baoli, which will be opening doors in DIFC in 2020, offering its signature fusion of Mediterranean and Asian fare.

 

The year will see the launch of The Royal Atlantis Resort and Residences on The Palm Jumeirah, and with it will come the opening of some world-famous restaurants. One of them happens to be Jaleo, a Spanish tapas joint from Michelin-starred celebrity chef Jose Andres. The restaurant, which already has a number of branches across the US, will serve its signature tapas, paellas and more.

 

The Royal Atlantis Resort and Residences will also see the launch of a restaurant by Heston Blumenthal, the British celebrity chef behind a three-starred British restaurant The Fat Duck. Dinner by Heston Blumenthal already has branches in London and Melbourne and its Dubai opening is highly anticipated. The restaurant is known to offer modern dishes, inspired by historic recipes. If its London outpost is anything to go by, one can expect offerings like “Meat Fruit”, made from chicken liver parfait, and Earl-Grey-cured salmon.