Why London’s Restaurant Names Keep Opening in the UAE
From Gymkhana in DIFC to Scalini in Jumeirah and José by Pizarro in Abu Dhabi, London names are finding a second address in the sun. What’s bringing them here?
yapped Editors · Oct 27, 2026 · 1 min read
Quick facts
- Gymkhana
- Gate Village 7, DIFC
- Scalini
- Restaurant Village, Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach
- José by Pizarro
- Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers
Your London restaurant wishlist is getting more use in the UAE.
Gymkhana has arrived in DIFC, Scalini has been serving Dubai since 2018, and José Pizarro brought his Spanish cooking to Abu Dhabi in 2023. Together, they tell a story that stretches well beyond this season’s openings: London’s restaurant names have been finding a second home here for years.
Three Names, Three Different Moves
Gymkhana is going global. Dubai joins Riyadh and Las Vegas in its expansion, with JKS Restaurants bringing the London favourite to a new DIFC crowd.
For José Pizarro, an existing Hilton relationship and the appeal of a smaller restaurant helped seal the Abu Dhabi move. The right partner, the right-sized room.
Scalini is already settled in. Its London roots go back to 1988, but the Dubai restaurant has been serving at Four Seasons’ Restaurant Village since January 2018. It’s had plenty of time to become someone’s usual.
“A London rep might earn the first booking. The UAE version has to earn the second.”
Same Name. New Usual?
At Gymkhana, London favourites share the menu with Dubai additions: imli black cod, jackfruit ghee roast and Wagyu beef sukka with bone marrow. Your usual order has competition.
José by Pizarro keeps things intimate: 46 seats, Spanish cooking and sharing plates. Bring company worth lingering over lunch with.
The name might earn the first booking. What happens at the table earns the second.