September is giving Dubai’s dining scene a fresh start, with everything from a two-Michelin-starred London import and contemporary Persian cooking to Japanese neighbourhood dining and an experimental botanical beverage lab. Several eagerly awaited venues have now opened, while others are making their debut during the month. Here are seven names to have on your radar.
Where: Dubai | When: September 2026 | Location: Various locations across Dubai, UAE
Gymkhana Dubai brings its celebrated Indian cooking to DIFC
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One of September’s biggest arrivals is Gymkhana, the Dubai outpost of the acclaimed London restaurant. The original Mayfair venue holds two Michelin stars, and its UAE debut brings many of its best-known Indian dishes to DIFC alongside creations developed specifically for Dubai. Expect richly spiced curries, tandoori specialities, biryanis and sharing plates in a two-level dining room inspired by India’s historic social clubs.
Where: Gymkhana Dubai | When: Opened September 1, 2026 | Time: Daily, 6.30 pm–1 am | Location: Gate Village, Building 7, DIFC, Dubai
Bayroot Deli brings Lebanese comfort food to Sheikh Zayed Road
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Bayroot Deli takes a more relaxed approach, combining the feel of a modern deli with recipes rooted in Lebanese family cooking. Created by Fadi Almahaini with his mother, Hoda Altaki, the menu moves from charcoal-grilled meats and shawarma to mezze, salads, sandwiches and bowls. Its late-night hours also make it particularly useful when most conventional lunch and dinner services have finished.
Where: Bayroot Deli | When: Opened September 12, 2026 | Time: Daily until 6 am | Location: Aspin Commercial Tower, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai
Noren Restaurant JLT adds a new Japanese neighbourhood spot to JLT
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Noren is designed as an approachable Japanese restaurant rather than a once-in-a-while destination. Set inside Pullman Dubai Jumeirah Lakes Towers, the menu covers raw dishes, sushi and plates from the grill, with ingredients and techniques kept firmly at the centre of the experience. The restaurant comes from hospitality figures with previous Zuma experience and opened reservations at the start of September.
Where: Noren | When: Opened September 2026 | Time: Daily, 6 pm–11.30 pm | Location: Pullman Dubai, Cluster T, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai
Le Guilan introduces contemporary Persian dining Downtown
Le Guilan draws inspiration from Gilan, the lush Caspian province in northern Iran, and reworks Persian flavours through contemporary European technique. The all-day concept overlooks South Ridge Park, with dishes such as saffron French toast and slow-cooked meats illustrating its mix of Persian tradition and modern presentation. Its setting and botanical terrace also position it as one of the month’s more distinctive Downtown openings.
Where: Le Guilan | When: September 2026 | Time: Daily, 8 am–11 pm | Location: DAMAC Maison Distinction, Downtown Dubai
Aurōm experiments with botanicals instead of a standard drinks menu
Aurōm is not a conventional café or bar. The new concept at JW Marriott Marquis focuses on non-alcoholic botanical drinks, using techniques including extraction, distillation and fermentation to develop flavour from local and regional ingredients. Created with botanical specialist Michael Isted and The Herball, it also gives speciality coffee a similarly experimental treatment.
Where: Aurōm | When: Opened September 2026 | Time: Daily, 12 pm–12 am | Location: JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai, Business Bay
Pepe Cucina brings casual Italian dining to JBR
Pepe Cucina has arrived at Address Beach Resort with an Italian menu built around familiar crowd-pleasers including pizza and fresh pasta. The venue combines restaurant dining with an open-air terrace and views towards Bluewaters Island and Ain Dubai, while a children’s area and games add a more relaxed, family-friendly side to the experience.
Where: Pepe Cucina | When: Now open | Time: Tue–Thu 4 pm–12 am; Fri–Sun 12 pm–1 am | Location: Address Beach Resort, JBR, Dubai
TATTU Dubai Restaurant and Bar returns high above Dubai Marina
TATTU is back at Ciel Dubai Marina with its dramatic combination of contemporary Asian food, skyline views and high-rise interiors. The restaurant occupies Level 74, while the wider concept also extends to elevated lounge and pool experiences higher in the tower. The September reopening introduces another chapter for a venue that has become closely associated with sky-high dining in Dubai Marina.
Where: TATTU Dubai | When: Reopened September 2026 | Location: Level 74, Ciel Dubai Marina, Dubai