DIFC widens its gastronomic offerings

A host of new fine-dining restaurants, casual cafés and coffee shops are opening in Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), further widening its selection of cuisines. DIFC is already home to 50-plus culinary outlets, spanning a diverse range of fine and casual dining.

The upcoming dining outlets include Greek restaurant Gaia, which is already serving up a taste of the Mediterranean. Avli by Tasha’s, due to open in the coming weeks, is a new concept from the team behind Tasha’s and The Flamingo Room by Tasha’s. Marea, a New York dining icon with two Michelin stars for its Italian food, will open in the spring. Also set to open in spring is one of Paris’ newest sensations, Yeeels that serves French gastronomy. Baoli from Cannes is set to open in April, which promises to provide an environment for international classic and Mediterranean recipes.

Those looking for something lighter with an urban twist will soon also be able to head down to a pedestrianly-friendly promenade between Gate Village and Gate District. This area will be filled with six street cafés, which have all been leased as well as a signature dining pavilion. Opening in early 2019, this area will attract DIFC workers, residents as well as visitors from across the city. Bull & Roo Hospitality’s Common Grounds will open in the Gate District shortly along with other new concepts.

“DIFC is home to a vibrant ecosystem of culture, lifestyle and dining brands that complement our world-class business environment. This rich combination has transformed the Centre into one of the region’s most prestigious destinations. These new brands range from casual cafés concepts to flagship fine dining and each offer an exciting addition to DIFC’s fresh and modern food scene,” says Nabil Al Kindi, chief real estate officer of DIFC Investments. “With our integrated and connected retail destination Gate Avenue coming on stream in 2019, we will continue to enhance our thriving lifestyle infrastructure, bringing more celebrated dining concepts closer to the community of Dubai.”

DIFC currently accommodates up to 8.5 million visits a year, offering a premier urban retail, leisure and F&B ecosystem that serves its growing community of businesses, residents and tourists. Complementing the presence of the most prestigious financial services brands, the Centre is home to Dubai’s most sought-after collection of fine-dining outlets. Within the DIFC’s managed premises are Zuma, Le Petit Maison, Cipriani, Roberto’s, Royal China, BB Social Dining, Michael Mina Brasserie, Gaucho, INDIE, Intersect by Lexus and Caramel.