A London heavyweight arrives
One of London’s most acclaimed restaurants is finally heading to Dubai. Gymkhana, the two-MICHELIN-starred Indian restaurant that has become a favourite among critics, celebrities and food lovers, is set to open its first UAE outpost at Gate Village, DIFC, on Tuesday 1 September.
The opening marks the latest step in the restaurant’s global expansion, following launches in Riyadh and Las Vegas, and promises to bring the same refined take on Indian cuisine that made its Mayfair original one of the UK’s most sought-after dining destinations.
Named after the historic Indian social and sporting clubs where members gathered to eat, drink and celebrate, Gymkhana has built a reputation for serving bold, flavour-packed dishes inspired by cuisines from across India.
The Dubai menu will feature many of the restaurant’s signature favourites, from chaat-style sharing plates and tandoor-grilled specialities to rich curries and fragrant biryanis. There will also be a selection of dishes created exclusively for the Dubai restaurant.
If the London original is anything to go by, expect expertly balanced spices, premium ingredients and polished service in an elegant setting.
The new restaurant will span two floors in Gate Village, with seating for 137 guests plus an outdoor terrace.
Interiors will stay true to the Gymkhana aesthetic, featuring warm lantern lighting, patterned ceilings, plush booth seating and banquettes upstairs, while the lower level will showcase mirrored ceilings, ornate chandeliers and a dramatic peacock-inspired bar.
It’s another major addition to DIFC’s ever-growing line-up of destination restaurants, reinforcing the district’s reputation as one of Dubai’s top dining neighbourhoods.
Gymkhana first opened in London’s Mayfair in 2013 and quickly became one of the city’s standout restaurants, earning its first MICHELIN star within its first year. In 2024, it was awarded a second star, cementing its place among the world’s leading Indian restaurants.
The restaurant is part of JKS Restaurants, the hospitality group behind acclaimed concepts including Trishna, Brigadiers, Berenjak, Hoppers and Ambassadors Clubhouse.
Speaking about the launch, Global CEO Pavan Pardasani said Dubai’s status as one of the world’s leading culinary cities made it the natural next destination for Gymkhana, adding that the team is excited to introduce its signature food, hospitality and atmosphere to guests in the UAE.
With one of London’s most celebrated Indian restaurants finally arriving in Dubai, this is shaping up to be one of the city’s biggest restaurant openings of the year.
Image credit: Supplied
Curious, expressive, and always chasing new ideas, Zainab sees creativity as a way of life. She thrives on discovering new perspectives, connecting with people, and turning inspiration into something tangible. Her work and her world reflect a balance of intuition, imagination, and authenticity.
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