Dubai’s food scene has evolved in recent years. The city has long been known for opening its doors to concepts from around the world, many of which have established themselves as part of its scene. More recently, however, homegrown restaurants have taken over the spotlight, catapulting Dubai onto the world’s food stage, and silencing those who once viewed the city as a place that only imported its success stories.
Many have even exported their success and when you walk through some of London’s glitziest neighbourhoods, there are many familiar names – concepts born and shaped in Dubai, that are now thriving in the UK capital. These are the Dubai restaurants busy making a name for themselves in London.
Courtesy Gaia
Gaia Mayfair
Gaia first opened its doors in DIFC’s Gate Village in 2018, sparking a step-change for Dubai’s dining scene, which usually looked outwards to bring fine-dining concepts to the city. It quickly gained a loyal following as the city’s first truly homegrown fine-dining restaurant, counting members of the Dubai royal family among its patrons. This Greek-Mediterranean concept from Fundamental Hospitality also paved the way in taking Dubai’s restaurants worldwide, opening in the likes of Monte-Carlo and Marbella, before arriving in the heart of London’s Mayfair in December 2023. Sitting on the corner of Dover Street, across the street from The Ritz, Gaia Mayfair will feel familiar to fans of the Dubai original – a fish counter glistens with the catch of the day, clusters of circular chandeliers hang from the ceiling, and the menu, from chef Izu Ani, features classic staples, with a few UK-exclusive additions.
Address: 50 Dover Street, London
Courtesy Shanghai Me
Shanghai Me
Another Fundamental Hospitality import, the original Shanghai Me sits just across from Gaia in DIFC’s Gate Village, and has now joined its sister restaurants in Mayfair. Opened earlier this year on the 28th floor of the London Hilton on Park Lane – becoming the neighbourhood’s highest restaurant in the process – Shanghai Me London now occupies the space once belonging to A-list hangouts Galvin at Windows and 10 Degrees Bar. By day, the restaurant is flooded with natural light from its floor-to-ceiling windows, with panoramic views over Hyde Park, while by night, it transforms into a dimly lit space that offers the same sultry vibes as the Dubai original. The vista might be all London but the menu is all Dubai, with roast duck topped with foie gras and caviar, yellowtail carpaccio with black truffle, and lobster tempura with caviar.
Address: London Hilton on Park Lane
