
London restaurants Dubai: New places coming soon
Darlings, brace yourselves – London's hottest dining spots are officially boarding a one-way flight to the UAE, and we couldn't be more excited. If you've ever daydreamed about twirling Soho-style pasta or casually dining at the same spot where celebs hang out, like Scott's in Mayfair, your foodie fantasies are about to get very real. Oh, and yes – even the ultra-glam bathroom selfies you've seen all over your feed? Those vibes are landing too.
Some of the UK's most iconic restaurants are bringing their charm, flair, and seriously good food to our shores. Think cult classics, celeb-approved bites, and all the London cool without the grey skies. Basically, it's giving major main character energy – and we're so here for it.
Isabel Mayfair
Oh hello, glam! The iconic Isabel Mayfair – yes, the one with the velvet booths, moody lighting, and those Instagram-famous bathrooms – is making its way to Dubai. Set to open at The Galleria on Al Maryah Island in 2026, this London favourite is where fashion insiders sip cocktails and dinner turns into impromptu afterparties. Expect Mediterranean-meets-Latin plates (truffle pasta lovers, you're seen), an ultra-stylish crowd, and a whole lot of 'did-you-see-her' moments. IYKYK – and if you don't, you're about to.
📍Galleria Mall, Abu Dhabi.
Date: Late 2025.
Scott's Mayfair
Ready to be swept into the elegance of London's iconic Scott's Mayfair, now arriving in DIFC. Known for its exquisite seafood – think fresh oysters, caviar, and the finest shellfish – this hotspot has been the choice of celebs and royalty since 1851. With its Art Deco-inspired interiors and top-tier British classics, Scott's Dubai is set to be the ultimate destination for those who know how to indulge in style.
📍DIFC.
Date: TBC.
Park Chinois
London's swanky Park Chinois is landing in Dubai! Opening in 2026 at the Gran Meliá near Port De La Mer, this chic spot is all about those iconic Cantonese dishes (hello, Peking duck) and a seriously glamorous 1930s Shanghai vibe. Think luxe Art Deco interiors, intimate vibes, and views that'll make you feel like a star. Whether you're here for the food or just to see and be seen, Park Chinois Dubai is definitely where you'll want to be.
📍Gran Meliá, Port De La Mer.
Date: Early 2026.
China Tang
Get ready to indulge, because Mayfair's finest is headed your way. China Tang is bringing its legendary Cantonese classics to Dubai at The Lana Promenade by Dorchester Collection. Known for its iconic Peking duck and mouthwatering dishes, this hotspot has been the go-to for London's A-listers since 2005. Think 1930s Shanghai chic – the Art Deco dining room dripping in luxe and drama. Kate Moss to the Duchess of York, China Tang's guest list is a who's who of the famous and glamorous. If you've come to indulge in their renowned plates or simply to soak in the atmosphere, here's where you'll be seen.
📍The Lana, Dorchester Collection Dubai, Business Bay.
Date: TBC.
Big Mamma Group
If you've ever queued for truffle pasta or snapped that iconic shot of the lemon meringue pie at Gloria in London – you already know the Big Mamma Group doesn't play when it comes to vibes and food. And now, it looks like the cult-fave Italian restaurant group is packing up its signature OTT style and heading to the UAE.
While they're keeping the exact location hush-hush for now, all signs point to Dubai being next on their hit list. So yes, it's officially time to manifest those carb-fuelled nights under twinkly lights, with bold interiors and even bolder plates. Bellissima!
Check out these restaurants in Riyadh: They may or may not already have Isabel Mayfair 👀
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles

Khaleej Times
3 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
Dubai: 30,000 Filipinos celebrate Philippine Independence with cultural show, food
More than 30,000 Filipino expats gathered on Saturday at Hall 2 of the Dubai World Trade Centre for a vibrant celebration of the 127th Philippine Independence Day. The all-day event, running from 8am until 10pm, transformed the venue into a dynamic showcase of cultural pride and community spirit. From energy to night, the energy never waned, with attendees coming and going throughout the day, all echoing the same sentiment: 'The energy never faded.' From the moment doors opened, the venue buzzed with excitement. Families, friends, and individuals from all walks of life arrived draped in the colors of the Philippine flag, ready to immerse themselves in an authentic cultural experience. Attendees were treated to a feast for the senses. Food stalls lined the halls, offering freshly made Filipino classics, from adobo and lechon to icy treats like halo-halo. Around the venue, interactive exhibits showcased Filipino art and photography, while gaming corners and a lively main stage provided non-stop entertainment. Traditional and contemporary performances by local artists, including folk dances and modern musical acts, captivated audiences throughout the day. 'This event always feels like going back home,' said Em Serrano, a Filipino expat who has lived in the UAE for 11 years. Having attended the celebration for the past seven years, she turned heads this year with a striking dress she designed herself. 'This outfit was inspired by UAE heritage,' she shared. 'The red and black tones reminded me of the colours often seen during Ramadan. I asked a friend to make this specially for today, it represents the strong bond between the UAE and the Philippines.' The celebration was also attended by high-ranking dignitaries and Filipino diplomats, including Hans Leo J. Cacdac, secretary of the Department of Migrant Workers. 'It's truly an honour to take part in this celebration of our Philippine Independence Day here in Dubai. It's heartwarming to see our kababayans, our fellow countrymen, celebrating this important day in a country that has welcomed and supported our people so warmly. The UAE has been good to us, and events like this show how deep our friendship runs," Cacdac expressed to the crowd. Rashed Al Tamimi, director of Emirates Loves, also praised the Filipino community and reflected on the broader cultural message of the celebration: 'This celebration marks the 127th anniversary of Philippine independence, and we are proud to host this event. The Filipino community is a vital and vibrant part of the UAE. Their culture, joy, and unity bring light to our society. As Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum says, 'Tolerance is not just a slogan we raise, but a way of life we live.' And today, we live that value.' Historic friendship Beyond the festivities, the event stood as a testament to the enduring UAE-Philippines friendship. With diplomatic ties officially established in 1974, the bond between the two nations has continued to grow, anchored by shared values and mutual respect. With hundreds of thousands of Filipinos contributing to vital sectors such as healthcare, education, engineering, and retail, their role in the UAE's development is both significant and deeply appreciated. The celebration is homage to the June 12, 1898 declaration of Philippine independence after 333 years of Spanish rule. For many, the gathering was more than a national commemoration — it was a heartfelt reminder of identity, pride, and belonging, thousands of miles away from home. As the festivities came to a close, with music echoing through the halls and Philippine flags waving high, one message stood out clearly: the Filipino spirit is not just present in the UAE — it is thriving.


The National
3 hours ago
- The National
Flydubai plane lands at Damascus airport to end 12-year absence
The first flydubai flight to Syria in 12 years touched down at Damascus International Airport on Sunday, marking another significant step forward in the nation's postwar recovery. The low-cost airline announced plans last week to resume services to the Syrian capital in time for the busy Eid Al Adha break. Damascus was one of flydubai's first destinations nearly 16 years ago, but services were halted due to the civil war. Pictures shared by Sana, the Syrian news agency, showed gleeful passengers stepping off the plane on arrival at the airport. The flight was received by a welcoming party, which included the Emirati ambassador to Syria, Hassan Al Shehhi, and Abdul Al Saj, deputy chairman of the Syrian Civil Aviation Authority. The restarting of regular flights will be a major boost for Syrians in both the UAE and Syria, who have been deprived of a direct air link to connect with family and friends for so many years. The UAE's General Civil Aviation Authority announced the resumption of flights between the Emirates and Syria on April 14. The restoration of air travel between the nations came only days after Syrian President Ahmad Al Shara's first visit to the UAE since taking office, during which he held high-level talks with President Sheikh Mohamed. Mr Al Shara, who led the Hayat Tahrir Al Sham rebel group that ousted President Bashar Al Assad, is looking to improve relations with Arab neighbours and the Gulf states following a 13-year civil war in Syria. A landmark passenger flight from Syria arrived in the UAE on April 20 to usher in the resumption of air services. Flydubai's flight FZ 115 is to take off daily from Dubai International's Terminal 2 at 6.30am local time and arrive at Damascus International Airport at 8.45am local time. The corresponding flight FZ 116 will take off from Damascus at 10am, arriving in Dubai at 2.20pm. Flydubai will offer business and economy class seats on the flights. 'Damascus holds a special cultural and historical significance within the region and we are excited to serve the city again with a direct daily service, highlighting our commitment to supporting the UAE's efforts to foster regional connectivity,' said flydubai chief executive Ghaith Al Ghaith last week. 'The relaunch of flights to Damascus will enable passengers from the UAE and around the network to enjoy convenient travel options to the market,' said Jeyhun Efendi, divisional senior vice president of commercial operations and e-commerce at flydubai. 'After working closely with the relevant authorities to ensure that all necessary operational standards have been met ahead of the relaunch, we look forward to welcoming passengers back on board again soon, just in time for the coming Eid Al Adha holiday and peak summer travel period.'


Khaleej Times
4 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
What will Dubai look like in 2071? Find out at Museum of the Future this Eid
As Eid Al Adha approaches, the Museum of the Future has announced a vibrant programme of innovative and entertaining activities for visitors during the holidays, designed for families of all ages. Highlights include a virtual journey through space, direct interaction with robots, and unforgettable photo opportunities across the museum's futuristic sections. Visitors can embark on a unique space exploration experience aboard the OSS Hope orbiting station. This interactive journey presents the latest innovations and research conducted aboard the station and offers insights into what Dubai and the world might look like in 2071. On the second floor, the 'Tomorrow, Today' exhibit allows visitors to interact with the humanoid robot Ameca, ask questions in multiple languages, and capture memorable photos. Guests can also enjoy 'Al Waha', a sensory experience designed to help restore natural balance and mental clarity. In the 'Earth Dreams' exhibition by artist Refik Anadol, visitors can explore immersive installations that reflect on the human-nature connection. Inspired by atmospheric imagery, the exhibition blends AI-generated digital artworks with a futuristic vision of art, technology, and nature. The museum also presents 'The Vivarium', the latest addition to its Nature Rehabilitation Lab. This living installation showcases an innovative model of environmental design, featuring genetically modified organisms—plants, insects, and microorganisms—within a sealed ecosystem. Visitors can control temperature, humidity, and lighting with a single touch to observe how the organisms adapt in real time. On the first floor, 'Future Heroes' offers an interactive play area dedicated to children. Designed to develop skills in a fun and safe setting, the space encourages learning through exploration, collaboration, and creativity. For visitors looking to capture the perfect Eid snapshot, the museum's iconic architecture provides a stunning and unique backdrop that blends heritage with the future.