If there’s one thing I love about Dubai, it’s that the city never stops reinventing itself. Whether it’s a restaurant import from abroad, a quirky new hangout, or even a beauty concept designed to save you time, there’s always something fresh to explore. This week, I rounded up five spots and experiences that made it onto my radar—each one completely different, but all equally worth trying.
A Slice of London in Dubai: Scalini
Few things make me happier than hearing about a new restaurant opening, especially when it comes with a London stamp of approval. Scalini, a fine-dining Italian favorite from the UK, has officially made its way to Dubai—nestled inside the Four Seasons, in the space that once belonged to Jean-Georges.
The ambiance feels intimate and charming, with cozy interiors and a delightful outdoor garden for those cooler evenings. As for the menu, it’s the kind of Italian food that lingers in your memory. The truffle pasta is their signature and absolutely worth the hype, the burrata is fresh and indulgent, and if you’re looking for the perfect sweet ending, the crêpe suzette delivers in both drama and taste.
After-Work Indulgence: La Cantine du Faubourg
Thursday evenings have become somewhat of a ritual for me at La Cantine du Faubourg in Emirates Towers, and their newly launched after-work lounge menu just gave me another reason to keep coming back.
Available weekdays from 5–10 pm in the indoor bar and lounge, this menu is all about sharing plates with just the right balance of comfort and sophistication. Think creamy burrata with cherry tomatoes, wagyu sliders, calamari, quinoa salad, yellowfin tuna ceviche, and their cult-favorite Coquillettes de mon enfance (yes, it’s as indulgent as it sounds).
The drinks packages make it even better: AED 200 gets you unlimited mocktails, while AED 250 includes two glasses of grape. I went for a quick bite and ended up staying the night—always the sign of a great evening.
Casual Nights Done Right: Axe House
For a change of pace, Axe House in JLT is the kind of place that makes casual nights feel fun and effortless. Inspired by Shoreditch, the vibe is urban and playful—brick walls, graffiti, industrial touches—the sort of setting that works just as well for date night as it does for a gathering with friends.
The food is classic British with a modern twist. My favorites? Halloumi fries that were salty and satisfying, and chicken bao buns that disappeared too quickly from our table. Add in craft beers, a playlist mixing old-school and R&B, and the kind of staff (shoutout to Francis) who make the whole night more enjoyable, and you’ve got yourself a go-to spot. Bonus points for the arcade-style fun—air hockey and a pool table—that let us end the night on a playful note.
Beauty in Half the Time: Bedashing Beauty Lounge
If there’s one thing I dislike, it’s wasting time. Enter the Bedashing chair at Bedashing Beauty Lounge—a genius concept that allows you to get multiple treatments without moving an inch.
I tried it at their City Walk branch, and in just over an hour, I had my hair washed, blow-dried, styled, and my nails done (complete with chrome nail art)—all from the same chair. It’s designed for the modern woman who’s constantly multitasking, and honestly, it’s a total game-changer. No hopping between stations, no waiting—just efficient, seamless beauty. They have branches across the UAE, and I can already see this becoming a staple in my routine.
Healthy Lunches Made Simple: The Lunchbox
I’ll admit it—I love food far too much to eat clean seven days a week. But when it comes to weekday lunches, I rely heavily on meal deliveries to keep me on track. Recently, I discovered THE LUNCHBOX, and it’s quickly become a favorite.
Their meals are gluten-free, sugar-free, and low-carb, yet still filling and flavorful. Each day brings a different menu with a starter and main, which means you’re never bored, and the portions are surprisingly generous. What I love most, though, is the price point—it’s far more affordable than typical lunch takeout, starting at AED 193 for a weekly plan or AED 760 for a month. Healthy, budget-friendly, and convenient? That’s a winning combination.
Final Thoughts
What I love most about this city is its ability to offer something for everyone. Whether you’re in the mood for a polished Italian dinner at Scalini, sharing plates and good vibes at La Cantine, a laid-back night at Axe House, or a one-stop beauty fix at Bedashing, Dubai always has something new up its sleeve. And for those weekday grinds, The Lunchbox proves that healthy eating doesn’t have to feel like a compromise.
Five finds, five very different experiences—but all worth adding to your list. After all, isn’t that what makes Dubai so exciting?
