DIFC dining

Explore the most anticipated restaurant openings in Dubai for 2026. From Yannick Alléno’s Pavyllon to the Spanish heritage of Barrafina and the live-fire intimacy of Window.

10 new and upcoming restaurant openings in Dubai in 2026

Jenny Susan / February 2, 2026

Explore the most anticipated restaurant openings in Dubai for 2026. From Yannick Alléno’s Pavyllon to the Spanish heritage of Barrafina and the live-fire intimacy of Window.

l Gattopardo, the glamorous Italian restaurant perched on the 51st floor of ICD Brookfield Place and inspired by the romance of the Italian Riviera, is proud to announce that it has been awarded the prestigious Gold Star for Best Italian Wine List at the Star Wine List of the Year UAE Awards 2025, presented by World’s Best Sommelier, Raimonds Tomsons. The annual awards recognise the UAE’s most exceptional wine lists, spotlighting programmes that demonstrate exceptional curation, depth, sustainability and connoisseurship. Il Gattopardo also received the Silver Star for Best Newcomer, acknowledging its thoughtful approach to selection, its commitment to Italian heritage and the way its wine programme harmoniously elevates the restaurant's refined menu, placing it among the region’s leading voices in wine excellence. Il Gattopardo continues to refine its celebrated wine programme with the addition of world-class labels and thoughtfully sourced selections that showcase the depth and diversity of Italy’s most renowned regions. The Sommelier Selection includes notable wines such as the 2023 Giuseppe Quintarelli Bianco Secco (Veneto) and the 2017 Chardonnay, W...Dreams, Jermann (Friuli-Venezia Giulia), each chosen for its distinctive character, balance and ability to complement the menu. The selections are designed to pair seamlessly with signature dishes, including Branzino, a wild sea bass fillet served with acqua pazza sauce, clams and oregano, as well as Astice, featuring half native lobster with fettuccine in a rich lobster reduction. For richer dishes, the Bistecca Fiorentina, a 40-day aged Black Angus beef T-bone served with truffle and mustard jus, pairs beautifully with the 2022 Isole e Olena Chianti Classico (Tuscany). Meanwhile, Maltagliati pasta with slow-cooked beef cheek in a rich beef jus pairs seamlessly with the 2019 Mastroberardino Taurasi Radici (Campania), offering depth and structure to mirror the dish. With this distinguished honour from Star Wine List, Il Gattopardo further cements its status as a destination for elevated dining, distinguished craftsmanship and exceptional wine culture in the UAE. Where power lunches meet intimate dinners, aperitivo hour turns into late-night revelry and Italian flavours are reimagined for Dubai’s cosmopolitan crowd. A resident DJ sets the tone with retro Italian hits until 1:30am, infusing the space with a lively energy that makes Il Gattopardo a destination for both intimate gatherings and vibrant late-night celebrations.

F&B

Il Gattopardo Awarded Gold Star for Best Italian Wine List

Rachel Miller / January 8, 2026

Il Gattopardo at ICD Brookfield Place wins the Gold Star for Best Italian Wine List and Silver Star for Best Newcomer at the Star Wine List UAE Awards 2025.