Dubai Dining: October’s Hottest Tables & The News We'Ve Been Waiting For

Dubai never takes a break when it comes to food — and this month is serving some seriously exciting news for anyone who lives to brunch, lunch, or linger over truffle pasta.

From anniversaries to grand openings, here’s where you’ll want to book a table.

Carbone Dubai at Atlantis The Royal

Finally, the news everyone’s been waiting for: Carbone, the New York-Italian institution, has landed in Dubai. Officially opening its doors on October 6, Carbone brings old-school glamour to Atlantis The Royal, complete with jewel-toned banquettes, a show-stopping jellyfish tank, and chandeliers that feel straight out of a Sinatra movie.

On the menu? All the hits — the cult Spicy Rigatoni Vodka, veal parm, and tableside theatrics that make dining at Carbone as much performance as it is meal. With Atlantis’ already competitive dining portfolio, this is set to be one of the city’s toughest reservations.

📍 Address: Atlantis The Royal, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
📲 Bookings: atlantis.com

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ROKA Turns Five (Business Bay)

Since opening in 2019, ROKA has been one of the city’s go-to spots for contemporary Japanese robatayaki dining. This month, the Business Bay outpost celebrates its fifth anniversary with limited-edition dishes — like braised beef short rib with pickled daikon — and signature cocktails including the Umami Highball.

The highlight? A one-night-only Sake Dinner on October 1, pairing exclusive sakes with a bespoke tasting menu. Five years on, ROKA remains one of the buzziest addresses for sleek dining and an energy-filled atmosphere.

📍 Address: The Opus by Omniyat, Business Bay, Dubai
📲 Bookings: roka-dubai.com

Armani/Amal Weekend Ritual (Burj Khalifa)

Perched in the Armani Hotel inside the Burj Khalifa, Armani/Amal has always been synonymous with elevated Indian cuisine. Their new Weekend Lunch Ritual (Friday–Sunday, 1:00pm–4:00pm) is designed for long afternoons spent sharing family-style dishes.

For AED 260 per person, diners enjoy a spread that includes raj kachori, lamb chops, fish stew, creamy butter chicken, and desserts like saffron rasmalai. With panoramic views of Downtown Dubai and the world’s tallest building just outside the window, it’s as much about the setting as it is about the food.

📍 Address: Armani Hotel, Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai
📲 Bookings: armanihoteldubai.com‍
📲 Bookings: Opening soon via bigmamma.group

Jun’s Goes Business Class (Downtown Dubai)

Forget the sad desk lunch. Jun’s on Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard is redefining the weekday meal. Their Business Lunch runs from Monday to Friday, 12:00pm–3:30pm, priced at AED 125 for two courses or AED 145 for three. Expect starters like Wagyu beef potstickers, mains inspired by a global mix of flavors, and desserts such as the inventive coconut ube pie. With vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free options, Jun’s hits the sweet spot between efficiency and indulgence.
📍 Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd, Downtown Dubai
📲 junsdubai.com

Gerbou Brings Emirati Flair to Lunch (Nad Al Sheba)

Adding a local twist to the weekday routine, Gerbou in Nad Al Sheba offers a Business Lunch rooted in Emirati-inspired flavors. Available Monday to Friday, 12:00pm–3:00pm, the set menu is AED 140 per person (starter + main + water). Guests can finish with dessert for AED 20. Think authentic notes, contemporary comfort, and a sense of place.
📍 Nad Al Sheba 1, Dubai
📲 gerboudubai.com

Bussola’s Brunchissimo Relaunch (Jumeirah Golf Estates)

Spritz in hand, music in the air, and sunshine on the terrace — Brunchissimo at Bussola is back. Inspired by the Amalfi Coast, this Saturday ritual (1:00pm–4:00pm) is all about la dolce vita: Burratina prepared at the table, Vitello Tonnato, wood-fired pizza, risotto of the day, jumbo prawns, lamb cutlets, and more.

The show continues with a roaming tiramisu trolley, cannelloni prepared live, and bowls of fresh fruit. Drinks lean Italian, too: Aperol spritz, Limoncello, sgroppino whipped tableside. At AED 570 per person (sparkling beverages included), it’s a decadent afternoon meant to linger.
📍 Bussola, Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai
📲 jgebookings@bussola.ae | +971 4 586 7760 | dubaigolf.com/jge/brunchissimo

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THE OPENING WE CAN'T WAIT FOR

Gloria by Big Mamma (Ritz Carlton DIFC)

If you’ve dined at Pink Mamma or Ober Mamma in Paris, you know the hype. The Italian dining collective Big Mamma Group is finally bringing its velvet-soaked, truffle-heavy magic to Dubai with the opening of Gloria Osteria at the Ritz Carlton DIFC this December.

Expect Milan-in-the-’70s glamour, oversized chandeliers, and dishes that lean toward indulgence: lobster-stuffed casoncelli, wagyu saltimbocca, and mafaldine pasta drowning in fresh truffle. Judging by Big Mamma’s European outposts, reservations will be a battle once booking lines open — so get ready.

📍 Address: Ritz Carlton DIFC, Gate Village, Dubai International Financial Centre

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