When a restaurant survives more than a decade in Dubai’s ever-changing dining scene, it’s practically a landmark. Roberto’s Dubai is one of those places. And now, the much-loved Italian spot is stepping into its next chapter with a refreshed identity that still feels very much like the Roberto’s everyone fell for back in 2012.
Roberto’s Returns To DIFC In 2026 With A Fresh Look At Old Italian Soul
We all have witnessed Dubai’s dining evolution for years. Watching Roberto’s prepare for its January 2026 reopening feels a bit like catching up with an old friend who’s returned from a long trip, familiar, but with a spark you can’t miss.
The new chapter leans into what Roberto’s has always done best. Elevated cooking with quality ingredients served with warm, easy hospitality that makes you feel exclusive. The team is bringing back the soul that made the restaurant a standout when DIFC’s dining scene was still finding its identity.
A Space Designed To Flow
Now for the fun part: the new look. The refreshed space blends Milanese mid-century design with that cinematic Italian flair you’d expect from a brand that’s grown roots in Dubai. The dining room is brighter, the terrace has more room to breathe, and the bar lounge has a deeper charm. What I like most is how naturally the space shifts from day to night. Long lunches slide into aperitivo hour, and then into dinner effortlessly.
A Culinary Reset in Italy
Before the reopening, the kitchen team went straight to the source, Italy. They trained with Chef Enrico Bartolini, the most Michelin-decorated chef in the country. That alone tells you how serious they are about this next phase.
But the real magic happened when they spent time with regional producers and artisans. They’re bringing that knowledge back to Dubai.
Also Read: Say Hello To Shalwa, An Outdoor Food Pop-Up At Dubai’s Museum Of The Future
What’s Next?
More details will drop as the opening approaches. But what to expect at the newly opened Roberto’s? It’s evolving with intention and stepping into a future that respects its past while speaking to Dubai’s appetite for modern Italian dining. January 2026 can’t come soon enough.
Cover Image Courtesy: Roberto’s Restaurant/Website
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First Published: November 27, 2025 3:33 PM
Dining and Cooking