From Fouquet's to Hutong: 10 new restaurants that have opened in Abu Dhabi and Dubai in 2020

We’re only into March and the UAE has already seen an influx of new culinary destinations that will entice even the most discerning diners. From fine dining concepts to street food eats, there’s no shortage of new concepts to tantalise the taste buds. Here’s a look at some of restaurants that have opened so far in the UAE this year. January was off to a good start as award-winning contemporary Northern Chinese restaurant Hutong opened its doors in Dubai’s DIFC. After its success in London, New York, Miami and its home country Hong Kong, the restaurant is all set to serve up its signature dishes like its roast duck, soft-shell crab with red chilli and Peking duck with pancakes to UAE foodies. It also introduced some dishes exclusive to the Dubai restaurant include the Suen Cai Yu (sea bass and pickled cabbage crispy dumpling) and hamour fillet, locally sourced and served in a chilli broth. Meanwhile, the interiors of the licensed restaurant are inspired by the Silk Road, complete with a wishing tree and lotus shaped lamps. The restaurant has also since launched a business lunch priced at Dh125, available from Sunday to Thursday from 12pm-2.30pm. After its success as a delivery-only concept, Pokai opened its first restaurant in Dubai Internet City. The Hawaiian poke bown concept offers residents six signature bowls like the spicy tuna tartare, beef teriyaki and tropical salmon, all featuring fresh vegetables, meats, and natural flavours like ponzu, teriyaki, yuzu and more. Those willing to get more adventurous can opt for the customisable bowls, and choose between varieties of healthy ingredients. Also on the menu are salads, soups, and dessert (try a date pudding pot or a gluten-free avocado brownie). Prices for the poke bowls start at Dh49. February saw the launch of Nostos, a family-friendly restaurant, in Barsha Heights’ Mercure Dubai. The casual eatery offers foodies an authentic Greek dining experience with traditional dishes like souvlaki, moussaka, kleftiko, flame-grilled meat, seafood wraps and more. Customers can also tuck into soups and salads, and try appetisers such as fava beans with octopus, stuffed calamari with feta cheese, and rustic Spetsofai spicy beef sausage with peppers and garlic. Mains include the delicious-sounding Mosharaki Kokinisto beef casserole and Pikilia Thalasinon platter (a mix of grilled prawns, mussels, battered cod, grilled sea bass and a green salad). For dessert, the much-loved Loukoumades dumplings make an appearance, with toppings like Nutella, honey, coconut and ice cream available. In February, licensed concept Masala Bazaar opened at the Park Regis Kris Kin hotel, Bur Dubai, offering foodies traditional Indian fare from the North to the South, and the East to the West of the country. On the varied menu is the murgh malai kofta (chicken dumplings) from the Northwest, Chingri Malai curry (prawns in coconut and mustard sauce) from the Northeast, Teen Mirch Murgh (tangy, sweet chicken) from the Southwest and Hyderabad mutton chop (lamb chops) from the Southeast. Foodies can explore the myriad flavours of the country, all while seated in the comfort of the restaurant’s classy interiors that pay tribute to the country, with colourful murals and dimly lit lanterns. Those looking for a late-night hot spot featuring lively music, Japanese bites and a party ambience will be glad to hear about the launch of Kanteen. The restaurant and lounge which opened in Millennium Place, Dubai Marina, offers robatayaki, with vegetable, meat and seafood options, as well as starters like the miso soup, gyoza, tartare tacos and crab crispy rice cakes. There’s also a selection of tempuras, maki rolls, sashimi and sushi. Finally, one can end the meal on a sweet note with treats like the yuzu cheesecake lollipop, popcorn snickers and black sesame ice cream. Popular British brands Bite Me Burger Co. and Get Plucked, which have been operating as ghost restaurants in Dubai, recently launched a permanent, dine-in restaurant together in Gate Avenue, DIFC, giving gourmet burgers a lot to be excited about. Bite Me Burger Co. serves beef, chicken, duck, lamb and veggie mini burgers with signature sauces, and guests are sure to get a kick out of flavours such as the (non-alcoholic) Bloody Mary and Jack Daniels burger. Meanwhile, vegetarians can try out the Vegan Me, a chickpea patty with tahini, or the Vegetari Anne (with a portobello mushroom patty and Brie). Get Plucked, on the other hand, is known for its cheekily-named chicken burgers, wings and popcorn bites and sides. And, of course, Instagram-worthy chicken cones. The restaurant inspired by “Mediterranean hedonism and bohemian luxury” opened on the 46th floor of the new Taj Jumeirah Lakes Towers on February 23, offering mesmerising views of Dubai’s skyline. Residents heading to the rooftop restaurant can expect a menu with influences from Southern Europe, and the Middle East, with dishes like cheese saganaki, smoked eggplant salad, grilled octopus with rock salt and mashed chickpea, moussaka and Greek-style Keftedes making an appearance. Meanwhile, a selection of flatbreads, skewers, sandwiches, burgers and mezze platters will ensure no one leaves hungry. The licensed concept will also have a resident DJ playing beats come evening. Home-grown luxury florist Forever Rose made waves earlier this year when it launched its first Forever Rose Cafe in The Galleria Mall, Al Maryah, Abu Dhabi. The unique selling point of the cafe? Everything from the furniture to the cutlery is illustrated in black and white, giving the impression that customers are stepping into a 2D drawing. The dainty, Instagram-haven serves a number of sweets and coffees in keeping with its floral themes like the rose, saffron and pistachio milk cakes, tarts and mousses. When it comes to beverages, items to try out include the orchid latte, rose and lavender lemonades, lavender latte and, the cafe's signature drink, the Forever Rose latte. In a first for Abu Dhabi, a beach lounge opened in Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi that aims to combine farm-to-table food with holistic living and mindfulness. Shala, which derives its name from the Sanskrit word for home, is a Bohemian chic concept, complete with dreamcatches, white fabrics and wicker lanterns. The menu is intriguingly divided into four sections, following an elemental theme of Fire, Earth, Water and Air, with dishes like smashed avocado with banana chips, grilled lamb chops and salsa verde, vegan tartare and roasted cauliflower with labneh, zatar and pomegranate. The concept also aims to conduct wellness workshops and exercise sessions in the future. One of the most awaited openings in the capital, the UAE outpost of French restaurant Fouquet opened in Louvre Abu Dhabi on February 3. With the menu being designed by Michelin-lauded Pierre Gagnaire, foodies certainly have a lot to look forward to including his famous tuna tataki. Other dishes to tuck into include the burgundy snails with garlic and prawns with avocado and pink grapefruit for starters, beef tartare, sole meuniere and fish 'n' chips for mains and a millefeuille for dessert.

From Fouquet's to Hutong: 10 new restaurants that have opened in Abu Dhabi and Dubai in 2020

How many of these new eateries have you tried so far?