It’s said the DIFC Gate Village is the most populated F&B area by square foot in all of Dubai. In a city of over 9,000 f&b outlets, that’s some achievement.

It is home to the mainstay best restaurants in Dubai; La Petit Mason (LPM), Roberto’s and Zuma and also the impressive Cipriani Dubai.

Then, it’s got lots of places that open and close all the time, with probably extortionate fit-out costs, never mind rent in one of Dubai’s most expensive areas.

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Last year La Luz, Ceviche, Firebird and Tortora all closed down in DIFC, opening a new restaurant there is a very brave thing!

Three new places have taken the plunge; Peyote (which initially opened last year and has been revamped), MINA (replacing Firebird by the same Chef) and Flair No. 5 have all opened and we’re curious to see what faith has in store for them…

Peyote

It’s a Spanish word for cactus, there is even a cactus salad on the dish. This place opened in April of 2017, but has recently been refreshed with a new design and menu. It’s slick. The bar area has a skull on the wall and there is the option to dine in the lounge or the restaurant area.

MINA

Part of the Four Seasons hotel, with an entrance at Gate level and also next to LPM. MINA is the second attempt by Michael Mina of the San Francisco restaurant scene fame, to create a new concept for this space. Firebird, a jazzy diner, closed down, but this one feels like a more native fit. The dining room is more elegant which can suit the DIFC scene, and the garden area has been really nicely designed. 

Flair No. 5

Flair No.5 is a new outdoor bar and lounge in the Ritz Carlton, DIFC. Think botanical cocktails, herb-infused drinks and floral-inspired sharing menus, in a garden space. 

What’s the food like?

Peyote is a place where you will get a very exciting meal; the food, presentation and taste are excellent. 

I’m fairly confident in saying you won’t find better tacos in Dubai, these are certainly the best I’ve ever had. 

And the churros dessert is a real treat.

Next time you want a really exceptional of a meal, come here.

MINA served a delicious warm bread on arrival and that sets the tone. 

The beef tartare prepared at the table was excellent as were our fish main courses.

Beef tartare prepared at the table…

We haven’t got down to Flair No. 5 yet, but here’s something to whet your appetite 

Will they survive?

Let’s hope so.

Peyote certainly deserves too, it’s a beautiful place and the Mexican food is excellent. MINA looks like it’s the perfect concept for the location, a mix between the high-end LPM and the hotel dining at Four Seasons, good for a more casual business lunch or evening dinner. Flair No. 5 probably has a good chance to replace the clientele of the temporarily closed Calabar lounge.