The UAE’s restaurant landscape never stands still. This summer, a wave of new openings and innovative dining concepts is giving food lovers plenty of reasons to venture beyond their usual favourites. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly activity, a nostalgic taste of New York, a beachfront weekend feast or a chef-crafted dessert experience, these latest launches deserve a spot on your must-visit list.
Dodo Pizza Academy: Turning Pizza Making into a Family Experience
Dubai’s Jumeirah Lake Towers has welcomed the UAE’s largest Dodo Pizza Academy, an interactive venue designed to make cooking both educational and entertaining for children.
Unlike traditional pizza-making parties where ingredients are prepared in advance, the academy encourages young participants to get involved in every step of the process. Children chop vegetables using safety knives, knead dough from scratch and assemble their own pizzas under the guidance of the academy’s lively mascot-chef.
For Dodo Pizza, the focus extends beyond food.
“Children should leave with great memories, not just a pizza,” says marketing director Anton Nykyforov, highlighting the brand’s commitment to creating meaningful community experiences.
The venue is also set to host movie nights, yoga sessions, summer camps and seasonal-themed workshops throughout the year, positioning itself as a multifunctional family destination rather than simply a restaurant.
Price: From Dh79 per child
Bookings: 056 545 4064
Hudson & Rye Brings a Slice of New York to DIFC
Dubai’s financial district has gained a taste of authentic New York deli culture with the opening of Hudson & Rye in DIFC Square.
Created by New Yorkers Emma Zabinsky Csillag and chef Daniel Ross-Leutwyler, the restaurant embraces everything that made Manhattan’s neighbourhood delis iconic. Think classic Reubens packed with pastrami, golden tuna melts, cold roast beef sandwiches and indulgent grilled cheese creations.
Breakfast lovers can also expect comforting American staples, from fluffy buttermilk pancakes to buttery biscuits topped with a range of sweet and savoury options.
The nostalgia continues with desserts including black-and-white cookies, banana split sundaes and rich New York cheesecake, making Hudson & Rye as much a cultural experience as it is a dining destination.
Location: DIFC Square, Dubai
A Family-Friendly Weekend Feast at Al Raha Beach Resort
Abu Dhabi’s Al Raha Beach Resort & Spa is raising the bar for family weekends with its newly launched Saturday Family Lunch at Sevilla Restaurant.
The expansive buffet combines international flavours with local favourites, offering everything from fresh seafood and sushi to carving stations, salads, cheeses and decadent desserts.
What sets the experience apart is the added value. Guests can enjoy access to the resort’s private beach and swimming pool after lunch, transforming a traditional brunch into a full-day family outing.
As temperatures continue to climb this summer, the combination of dining and leisure is likely to appeal to residents looking for a quick weekend escape without leaving the city.
Price: Dh210 per adult
Children: Under five dine free; ages five to 12 enjoy 50% off
Bookings: 056 545 0274
Chef Kelvin Cheung’s Little Cakes Deliver Big Flavour
At Jun’s in Downtown Dubai, acclaimed chef Kelvin Cheung is proving that great things come in small packages.
Known for his globally inspired cuisine that combines Chinese, Canadian, American, Indian and French influences, Cheung has introduced Little Cakes, miniature versions of the restaurant’s sought-after gluten-free Kelvin Cakes.
Priced at Dh50 each, the collection features rotating seasonal flavours designed to offer diners an indulgent yet approachable dessert experience.
Upcoming summer flavours include:
July 24-26
- Strawberry Shortcake
- Chocolate Hojicha
July 31-August 2
- Ube with Brown Butter Taro Root Schmear
- Chocolate Mousse Almond Praline
Available both at Jun’s and via Deliveroo through Liu by Jun’s, the cakes are expected to become one of the season’s most talked-about sweet treats.
From interactive culinary workshops and nostalgia-driven dining concepts to resort-style brunches and chef-led dessert innovations, the UAE’s hospitality sector continues to reinvent the dining experience.
These new openings reflect a growing trend across the country: consumers are no longer simply looking for a meal. They want memorable experiences, family-friendly activities and concepts that bring people together.
For food enthusiasts, summer 2026 offers no shortage of exciting first sittings.
