Dubai’s restaurant scene is about to welcome one of the world’s most celebrated names in Indian dining. Gymkhana Dubai has officially confirmed that it will open this September at Gate Village in Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), giving UAE diners the opportunity to experience the restaurant that has earned international recognition, celebrity attention, and two Michelin stars in London.
The announcement has already created excitement among food lovers who have followed Gymkhana’s success for more than a decade. Known for its distinctive interpretation of classic Indian cuisine, elegant interiors, and sought-after reservations, the restaurant has become one of London’s most talked-about dining destinations.
Now, that same experience is coming to Dubai.
A London Dining Icon Heads To DIFC
Gymkhana first opened in London’s Mayfair in 2013 under JKS Restaurants. Founded by siblings Jyotin Sethi, Karam Sethi, and Sunaina Sethi, the restaurant quickly established itself as one of the UK’s leading destinations for Indian cuisine.
Within months of opening, Gymkhana earned its first Michelin star. In 2024, it secured its second Michelin star, placing it among the world’s most respected restaurants.
Its name comes from the historic gymkhana clubs of colonial India, social clubs that became gathering places for sport, dining, and conversation. That heritage continues throughout the restaurant’s identity, from its menu to its interior design.
Following successful international expansions in Riyadh and Las Vegas, Dubai becomes the next major destination for the acclaimed brand.
What Will Gymkhana Dubai Serve?
Guests can expect many of the signature dishes that helped make the London restaurant famous.
The menu will celebrate Indian cuisine with recipes inspired by different regions of the country. Diners can look forward to a selection of small plates, traditional chaat, expertly prepared tandoori dishes, slow-cooked curries, fragrant biryanis, and desserts inspired by Indian culinary traditions.
The Dubai location will also introduce dishes created exclusively for the UAE market while staying true to the restaurant’s established identity.
Every dish has earned Gymkhana recognition among international critics and loyal diners who continue to make reservations months in advance at its London location.
For anyone who has wanted to experience the restaurant without flying to the UK, September brings that opportunity much closer to home.
Inside The New Restaurant
Gymkhana is recognised for much more than its menu.
The Dubai restaurant will feature the same rich aesthetic that guests know from London. Warm lighting, intricate patterned ceilings, vintage-inspired furniture, mirrored surfaces, elegant chandeliers, handcrafted details, and the signature peacock bar all contribute to the atmosphere.
The venue has been designed to celebrate Indian heritage while maintaining the polished setting expected from one of the world’s leading fine dining restaurants.
Located inside Gate Village Building 7, the restaurant will occupy two floors with seating for approximately 137 guests, alongside an outdoor terrace for cooler months.
Its location places Gymkhana among many of Dubai’s leading restaurants, galleries, luxury boutiques, and international businesses.
Why DIFC Continues To Attract Global Restaurants
Dubai International Financial Centre has developed into one of the city’s premier lifestyle destinations.
While recognised globally as a financial hub, DIFC has also established an outstanding reputation for luxury dining. International restaurant brands continue choosing the district for flagship openings thanks to its central location, premium clientele, and vibrant hospitality scene.
Gymkhana joins a growing collection of globally recognised restaurants that have selected DIFC for their first UAE locations.
For residents, business professionals, and international visitors, the district has become one of Dubai’s most desirable destinations for lunch meetings, evening dinners, and special occasions.
The addition of Gymkhana strengthens that reputation even further.
Celebrity Favourite With Global Recognition
Part of Gymkhana’s reputation comes from its long list of high-profile guests.
The London restaurant has welcomed internationally recognised actors, musicians, athletes, business leaders, and public figures over the years, helping cement its status as one of the UK’s most desirable dining reservations.
Its reputation has also been strengthened through consistent recognition from Michelin, international restaurant rankings, and global food publications.
That level of recognition has helped Gymkhana earn loyal followers from around the world, many of whom already know the brand through visits to London.
Dubai’s international audience makes the city a natural next chapter for the restaurant.
Why This Opening Matters
Dubai continues to attract some of the world’s biggest hospitality brands, reinforcing its position as one of the leading destinations for international dining.
Gymkhana’s arrival gives residents another opportunity to experience an acclaimed restaurant without travelling overseas. It also highlights the continued interest that globally recognised hospitality groups have in expanding into Dubai.
Indian cuisine has long played an important role in the UAE’s culinary landscape. The arrival of a two Michelin-starred restaurant dedicated to Indian dining adds another prestigious name to that story.
Food enthusiasts, visitors, and longtime fans of the London restaurant now have another reason to plan a visit to DIFC this September.
What To Know Before You Visit
Gymkhana Dubai is scheduled to open in September at Gate Village, Building 7, DIFC.
Guests can expect a refined dining experience centred around award-winning Indian cuisine, signature interiors, and attentive hospitality.
Given the restaurant’s international reputation and anticipation surrounding its UAE debut, reservations are expected to be in high demand once bookings become available.
Anyone hoping to secure a table should keep an eye on Gymkhana’s official channels for reservation announcements and opening updates.
FAQ
What is Gymkhana Dubai?
Gymkhana Dubai is the first UAE location of London’s two Michelin-starred Indian restaurant Gymkhana.
Where will Gymkhana Dubai open?
The restaurant will open at Gate Village, Building 7, in DIFC.
When does Gymkhana Dubai open?
Gymkhana Dubai is scheduled to open on Tuesday, 1 September 2026.
What food will Gymkhana Dubai serve?
The menu will feature signature Indian dishes, including chaat, tandoori specialities, curries, biryanis, and exclusive creations prepared for the Dubai location.
Final Word
Gymkhana has spent years earning recognition as one of London’s defining restaurants. This September, Dubai diners will finally experience that celebrated name without leaving the UAE.
With two Michelin stars, a globally respected reputation, signature Indian dishes, and a prestigious address in Gate Village, Gymkhana Dubai is already one of the city’s most anticipated restaurant openings of the year.
For anyone planning their next special dinner, this is one reservation that will likely be at the top of the list.
