Luxury Style

In January 2025, Hanu opened its doors at St. Regis Gardens on Palm Jumeirah, introducing Dubai to a refined expression of Korean culinary artistry in a rooftop setting that frames the Burj Al Arab. From its first weeks, Hanu established itself as a standout destination on the city’s competitive dining scene — a place where tradition meets indulgence high above the Dubai skyline.

At the heart of Hanu’s kitchen is Chef Kyung Soo Moon, whose training in Seoul’s finest kitchens informs a menu that balances authenticity with modern luxury. Signature dishes such as caviar-topped galbi tartare and kimchi-infused lobster headline a selection designed to pair with both rare sojus and Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.

The restaurant’s understated aesthetic enhances its culinary focus. A minimalist terrace adorned with bamboo accentsopens to sweeping views of Dubai, the skyline shimmering beyond — a setting that has become a natural backdrop for photographs since opening.

Hanu’s launch quickly captured the attention of the city’s dining elite. Hanu welcomed 8,000 diners within its first two months, a testament to its swift rise in popularity. The restaurant’s exclusive caviar tasting menu, offered nightly, became an immediate success, selling out consistently since its debut.

Hanu’s fusion of Korean tradition with the luxuries of Dubai’s dining culture reflects the city’s role as a global stage for elevated cuisine. Its rapid acclaim underscores a broader trend: in Dubai, culinary experiences are as much about artistry and heritage as they are about spectacle and exclusivity.

With its rooftop perch, dedicated chef, and a menu that draws both from Korea’s deep-rooted flavors and Dubai’s appetite for refined indulgence, Hanu stands as a new beacon in the city’s evolving gastronomic landscape — a testament to how Dubai continues to elevate world cuisines to new heights.

Photo credits: HANU Dubai Instagram. 

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

On the 52nd floor of the Palm Tower, high above the iconic Palm Jumeirah, CouCou Dubai has emerged as one of 2025’s standout rooftop destinations. Since opening its doors in late 2024, CouCou has captured the attention of Dubai’s discerning diners and global visitors alike, blending Mediterranean-inspired cuisine with panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf.

At CouCou, dining is elevated — both figuratively and literally. The restaurant’s terrace offers a 360-degree vista of the Dubai coastline, with sunsets that have driven a reported 30% increase in bookings for prime evening slots this year, according to The Rooftop Guide. Against this stunning backdrop, the menu reads like a celebration of Mediterranean opulence: Oscietra caviar crowns flame-grilled octopus, while lobster ravioli is paired with vintage Champagnes, including the coveted Dom Pérignon Vintage 2013.

Inside, a sleek bar illuminated by crystal chandeliers anchors the venue’s vibrant ambiance — a space as photogenic as it is inviting. Live jazz performances accentuate the refined yet festive mood, making CouCou a favorite haunt for Dubai’s high rollers, who come as much for the cuisine as for the atmosphere.

Beyond its gastronomic allure, CouCou offers a multi-sensory experience. The Sky Lounge promises signature cocktails crafted by expert mixologists using globally inspired flavors and eclectic ingredients. Whether for dinner, dancing, or a late-night cocktail, the venue’s festive rooftop setting invites guests to indulge in an evening where sophistication meets playful energy.

CouCou Dubai stands not just as a restaurant, but as a statement — where haute cuisine, panoramic views, and an indefinable high-energy spirit create a destination unlike any other in the city.

Photo credits: CouCou Dubai.

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

In a city renowned for pushing culinary boundaries, KIRA has swiftly emerged as one of Dubai’s most talked-about dining destinations of 2025. Perched on the rooftop of the newly opened Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, the contemporary fusion concept embodies the city’s appetite for culturally blended fine dining — and delivers it with quiet confidence.

Behind KIRA’s kitchen is Carlos de los Mozos, Group Executive Chef at AlphaMind. A chef whose career spans four continents, de los Mozos trained in Michelin-starred kitchens before taking the helm of some of AlphaMind’s most acclaimed concepts. At KIRA, he channels a distinctive style, merging heritage with innovation to craft dining experiences that are both elevated and immersive.

Opened in March 2025, KIRA reflects Dubai’s cosmopolitan palate through a carefully curated menu bridging Japanese and Mediterranean flavors. Designed in understated natural tones, the space exudes modern elegance while inviting guests into the culinary process via its open kitchen concept. The rooftop terrace — offering sweeping views of the iconic Burj Al Arab — further anchors KIRA’s appeal as a destination for refined yet relaxed dining.

On the plate, KIRA emphasizes fresh, high-quality ingredients, presented with inventive flair. Complementing the cuisine is a beverage program featuring rare sakes and a selection of Old World wines, curated to enhance the cross-cultural flavors of the menu.

In a city that constantly redefines luxury hospitality, KIRA has quickly secured its place among Dubai’s noteworthy new venues of the year.

Photo credit: Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab. 

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.

Perched atop The Lana in Downtown Dubai, High Society transforms from a chic poolside lounge by day to an adults-only rooftop sanctuary after 5 p.m. in 2025. Under the direction of Michelin-starred chef Jean Imbert—renowned for his work at Plaza Athénée in Paris and voted Chef of the Year 2019 by GQ—High Society elevates indulgence with culinary artistry that emphasizes simple yet authentic flavors.

Menu highlights include the croque-caviar, where golden brioche is layered with Oscietra caviar, and seared scallops delicately drizzled with truffle oil. The wine list, curated by sommelier Claire Dubois, features rare Champagnes like Krug Clos du Mesnil, meticulously paired with each dish. The sleek infinity pool, mirroring the Burj Khalifa, sets a cinematic scene complemented by intimate dining pods softly illuminated under starlight.

Since its relaunch in March 2025, High Society has emerged as a magnet for Dubai’s affluent crowd, recording a 15% increase in reservations from global jet-setters. Tables are booked weeks in advance, underscoring Dubai’s mastery in blending high gastronomy with breathtaking vistas. The venue’s beverage menu extends beyond rare Champagnes to include cocktails and spirits inspired by ancient sun-worshipping civilizations—offering guests a sensory experience that transcends conventional rooftop dining.

Photo credits: Dorchester Collection. 

Alexander Agafiev Macambira

Alexander Agafiev Macambira is former tech contributing writer for Forbes Monaco.

Perched within the striking Al Habtoor City complex, Spa Alila at The St. Regis Dubai, The Palm, independent of Marriott’s direct branding, is a breathtaking sanctuary where celestial-inspired design meets unparalleled luxury. Renowned for its ethereal beauty, this spa transforms wellness into an otherworldly experience, set against the glittering backdrop of Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah, making it a haven for those seeking both aesthetic splendor and profound rejuvenation.

Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, Dubai’s 2025 hotspot, hosts The Cullinan, a sophisticated steakhouse that has quickly become a must-visit. Designed by architect Tristan du Plessis, its interiors marry gleaming marble with antique golds and olive leather, while the Burj Al Arab-facing terrace offers white-clothed tables under whimsical, animal-printed umbrellas.

Perched on the 122nd floor of the Burj Khalifa, At.mosphere is the world’s highest restaurant, offering French-European cuisine with panoramic views of Dubai’s skyline and the Arabian Gulf. In 2025, it remains a Michelin-starred icon, blending opulence with culinary finesse under chef Nicolas De Visch.

The degustation menu, starting at 880 AED, showcases dishes like langoustine royale and tarte tatin, crafted with premium ingredients. The art-deco interiors, featuring jewel-toned wallpaper and mirrored staircases, evoke timeless luxury. Afternoon tea, accompanied by live violin and piano, is a decadent ritual, with delicate sandwiches and champagne.

Despite its lofty price and formal dress code, At.mosphere’s allure lies in its unmatched setting. The view - glittering skyscrapers by day, a neon tapestry by night - makes it a favorite for celebrations. Booking well in advance is essential, as tables by the floor-to-ceiling windows are highly sought after. At.mosphere is Dubai dining at its most iconic.

Photo credits: Atmospheredubai Instagram.

Alexander Agafiev Macambira

Alexander Agafiev Macambira is former tech contributing writer for Forbes Monaco.

The Lana, opened in 2024 by the Dorchester Collection, sits along Marasi Bay Marina, offering serene views of the Burj Khalifa. Designed by Foster + Partners, its 225 rooms and suites, starting at 50 square meters, embrace understated elegance with pale rose velvet, pink leather, and mosaic columns. The rooftop infinity pool is a highlight, reflecting Dubai’s skyline at dusk.