MONICA SELECTS
Check out our list of the latest happenings in food, travel and lifestyle
REGULARLY UPDATED:
last update 7th October 2026
EAT
New Japanese in JLT- NOREN
- Location: Jumeirah Lakes Towers
- Concept: The first independent restaurant from Ilir Caushi and Pawel Kazanowski, former Managing Director and Executive Chef behind Zuma’s global success
- Vibe: Named after the traditional Japanese entrance curtain, designed to be part of everyday life, from a quick drink at the bar to a business lunch, dinner with friends or the full tasting menu
- Drinks: Signature cocktails and an extensive sake list at the central island bar
We’re trying it soon to tell you what we think! Follow DoinDubai’s Instagram to see what it’s like when we go.
Just in:
- Noren Business Lunch
- Monday – Friday
- 12:00pm – 5:00pm
- AED 89 per person
- Includes miso soup, chef’s selection of starters and choice of one main.
LIFESTYLE
THEATRE: Game. Set. Match. (Re-Run) Back by Popular Demand
- What: A homegrown comedy-drama returning after a sold-out first run in 2025, with an all UAE-based cast and crew
- The story: Seven old friends, one tennis club suite and one risky game: every phone goes on the table, and every message gets shared. What could possibly go wrong?
- Why go: Sharp, funny and very relatable. If you’ve ever been in a relationship, a group chat or sent a text you’d rather nobody saw, this one’s for you
- Good to know: Adapted from the Italian hit Perfect Strangers, which has been remade around the world. This version gives it a UAE twist, with characters drawn from the nationalities we all live alongside here
- When: 16th – 18th October 2026, 7:30pm nightly
- Where: The Junction Theatre, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz
- Price: Tickets from AED 105
TICKETS ON SALE NOW
BOOK here
EAT
NEW Greek in Downtown – ERGON AGORA
- Location: Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai
- The name? Ergon means “work” or “craft” in Greek, and an agora was the ancient Greek marketplace where people met, ate and shopped
- Concept: The first Agora outside Greece from Greek food brand Ergon. It’s a 2,000 sqm Mediterranean destination with five concepts under one roof: the main Agora Restaurant, 72H Bakery for slow-fermented breads, Balboa for 90s-inspired casual bites, Tzeneral, a modern take on the old Greek neighbourhood patisserie, and Ergon Originals, a Greek pantry shop
- Vibe: Part restaurant, part market, part hangout. You can drop in for bread and coffee, stay for lunch, pick up something sweet and take home some Greek pantry treats
- Good to know: Open all day, from breakfast at the bakery through to dinner, desserts and shopping
We’re trying it soon to tell you what we think! Follow DoinDubai’s Instagram to see what it’s like when we go.
LIFESTYLE
QUEEN - It's a Kind of Magic Tour
Sony Music Vision presents Queen Budapest, capturing the band’s final filmed performance with Freddie Mercury and the first Western stadium rock show behind the Iron Curtain.
Filmed on July 27, 1986 at Budapest’s Népstadion during ‘The Magic Tour’, the concert features hits including We Will Rock You, We Are the Champions, Under Pressure and Bohemian Rhapsody.
Restored in 4K by Sir Peter Jackson’s Park Road Post Production, with newly remixed audio, the film hits cinemas and IMAX globally from October 7 via Trafalgar Releasing, marking 40 years since the historic show.
A multi-format audio package, including a 3LP vinyl set for the first time, follows on October 30.
TICKETS ON SALE NOW
DETAILS AT queenbudapest.com
WATCH & LISTEN TO TIE YOUR MOTHER DOWN
LIVE FROM BUDAPEST here
EAT
More for Less because we need to watch our spending!
☕ Coffee and a crosisant in Maina mall with a view.
The Deal Coffee AND a croissant at an outside table overlooking the boats in the marina.
The Vibe Still cool enough to sit comfortably outside, even up to 10am. The perfect spot to gather your thoughts before you start shopping, or just get a bit of work done with a view.
Price AED 26
Where The Coffee Club
🥙 Marina-Side Mezze enough for a hearty snack for two! Bread is complimentary.
The Deal Three generous portions of tasty hot or cold mezze with fresh bread, plus great service.
Price Just AED 56
Where Habib Beirut
🍣 Sushi with friends but without the fuss – just make sure it’s Wednesday!
The Deal Feeling Japanese ? 18 pieces of sushi for AED 71.
The “Monica” Tip It’s also a great shortcut if you’re putting together a grazing table for friends, far less faffing about than making it yourself.
Price AED 71
When Every Wednesday
Where? Across Sushi Art locations in the UAE, for delivery, dine-in and takeaway.
EAT
NEW JAPANESE IN JUMEIRAH - Coming Soon!
EAT – Tora Tora is coming to Dubai
- Location: First Avenue Mall, Jumeirah
- Concept: New ramen-focused Japanese concept inspired by Japanese street culture
- Food & Drink: Ramen, Japanese street food and handcrafted beverages in a bold, energetic setting
- Vibe: Designed to become Dubai’s go-to destination for ramen and Japanese street food, working from breakfast and quick lunches through to casual dinners with friends
- Opening: Coming soon, date to be announced
We’re trying it soon to tell you what we think! Follow DoinDubai’s Instagram to see what it’s like when we go.
ESCAPE
NEW Hotel Opening in MUNICH - THE DEAN MUNICH
- Location: Westend, Munich, close to Marienplatz, Viktualienmarkt and the old town
- Concept: The Irish lifestyle hotel brand’s biggest property yet, with 281 rooms. It’s their second German opening this year, after The Dean Berlin in February
- The Look: Designed by Munich-born Tatjana von Stein, who mixes Bavarian Art Nouveau (Jugendstil) curves with glossy, 80s-nightlife glamour. Rooms are calm, in soft greens, with DS & Durga toiletries inspired by Ireland’s landscape
- Eat & Drink: Ibasho is a modern Japanese restaurant from consultant Chef Alex Craciun, who has worked in Michelin-starred kitchens in Japan and helped launch Sosharu in London. Think pressed sushi (wagyu with caviar, anyone?), a robata grill and sake cocktails. There are also three bars
- Wellness: Power, The Dean’s fitness concept, has an indoor pool, sauna, steam room and music-led classes
- Art Lovers: The hotel has its own art programme, The City Beneath the City, with works by Munich-based contemporary artists throughout the building, from the lobby to the rooms
- Price: Rooms from €225 per night
The “Monica” Tip: Walk along the River Isar, then head back for a Seijaku Martini at Ibasho, made with sake, vodka, pickled ginger and cucumber.
EAT
HIGH END HAPPY HOUR - DIFC - Spanish Style
The Vibe A good selection of sangrias, red or white wine, beer and a few cocktails on rotation.
Any food? Yes! A selection of vegetarian and non vegetarian snacks, small plates made for sharing.
Noteworthy The white wine was excellent quality, genuinely better than places we’ve paid more for.
Price AED 35 per drink and per snack, each snack comfortably feeds two.
When 4pm to 7pm, weekdays only
Where? Barrafina, DIFC Gate Village 5. Mention DoinDubai when you book.
Save room for dessert, a few spoons of the Basque cheesecake is a must.
Thank you to Chef Ishan for coming out to chat with us during the experience.
Want more high end happy hours?
Check out our High End Happy Hour post for the full list.
EAT - featured
Set lunch TRIED and RECOMMEND
Good value high end set lunch available on the WEEKEND too. What do you get for AED 165 per head?
Click the picture to find out.
The Menu Edamame to start for the whole table, then choose 2 starters each from a really good selection, one main course, served with a generous side of mushroom rice.
Add on Dessert for a very reasonable AED 35 we liked the cheesecake.
Good to know At AED 165 it’s a good deal. Add a cocktail, glass of wine and a coffee and some pudding, you’re looking at roughly +AED 150 per head; still a very nice high-end deal, especially for visitors who want something that wows.
The “Monica” Tip Ask for one of the alcove tables overlooking the ocean.
When Saturday and Sunday as well as Monday to Friday | 12:30 PM – 4:00 PM
Where Nobu, Atlantis – The Palm, NOT Nobu The Royal. Mention DoinDubai when you book.
NEW - Business Lunch Cocina Tres
LOVE MEXICAN? Then read this
Cocina Tres now opens during the day with La Comida – its first-ever weekend lunch. Business lunch is served every Friday and Saturday.
AED 120 for two courses or AED 145 for three courses.
- The Menu: Start with Guacamole de la Casa, Diosa Verde or crisp Tuna Tostadas. For mains, choose from three signature tacos or wood-fired dishes including Pescado Zarandeado, Pollo Rostizado and Coliflor a las Brasas – all served with authentic rice, beans and warm, handmade tortillas.
- The Vibe –A celebratory end to the work week or a relaxed, social midday break.
- Mention DoinDubai when you book.
FEATURED - Tried & Tested
LOVE OYSTERS ? Then read this
Unlimited Oysters & Prosecco Fresh oysters, flowing prosecco – all unlimited. We tried this deal on a balmy Friday evening and loved it! Managed to sit on the terrace too.
Add some snacks and the weekend is off to a good start!
When Friday evenings till closing
Where FLOOKA – Dubai Marine Beach Resort, Jumeirah 1 Book ahead – Who remembers this place from when they first came to Dubai?
Price AED 155 per person from 7pm till closing time. Mention DoinDubai when you book.
HAPPPY HOUR - DAILY
GREAT WAY TO WIND DOWN- Central American style
Girl and The Goose – Tranquilo Hour Tried and loved this one! Was there again last Monday!
The Vibe Good selection of wine, cocktails and prosecco.
Any food? Yes! A very good bar bites menu, featuring favourites like Gigi’s Guacamole and the famous empanadas – choose chicken or cheese with caramelized onions.
Price Drinks starting at AED 35.
When Daily | 4:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Where Girl and The Goose – Ground Floor, Anantara Downtown Dubai (formerly The Oberoi), Business Bay. Mention DoinDubai when you book.
Check out the DoinDubai Instagram F&B Highlights for more like this → @doindubai
ESCAPE - FEATURED
Back to Bangkok - FLYDUBAI TO BANGKOK
STARTED! JULY 2026 flydubai starts a new double-daily service from DXB Terminal 3 to Don Mueang International Airport DMK – not BKK
Frequency 2x daily (bringing Thailand operations to 28 weekly flights).
Terminal Operating from DXB Terminal 3 (Emirates codeshare)
Why DMK? Don Mueang is located north of the city center, offering a faster gateway to Bangkok’s vibrant street food scene and central districts.
Network Bangkok joins Krabi, Langkawi, and Penang in flydubai’s growing Southeast Asian footprint.
Eat, sleep and see the city like a local
✈️ See our favourite Bangkok Bites on IG here
NEW SUBSCRIBER PRO TIP! If you want our curated Bangkok Guide subscribe to the blog here.
FEATURED - NEW
LIFESTYLE: Hidden garden cafe & Co working
Cool New Co-Working Spot Now it’s getting hot outside, this one is a breath of fresh air.
Where is this? Artisan Bakers – The Garden Concept brings the outside in with lush greenery, great breakfast and a hidden-in-plain-sight garden cafe vibe.
Perfect for a working morning that doesn’t feel like work.
Where – Sheikh Zayed Road, near Gold and Diamond park. Go before word gets out. Valet parking available.
LIFESTYLE featured
Get on this list
I went to a taster session of Giovanna Elias’s The Connection Code and was genuinely impressed – that’s why I’m happily recommending it here.
The premise? the quality of your life is determined by the quality of your relationships, and Giovanna’s work is all about connecting with more purpose and more clarity. This isn’t a heavy or difficult course – it’s genuinely useful.
Come away with techniques and tips you can apply instantly. I’ve been using them myself, and they’re accessible and easy to put into practice.
So if that resonates, and you want to get more out of your relationships simply by communicating better, add your name to Giovanna’s list to hear when the next dates are announced.
Reach out to her via Instagram:
@giovanna.fjm.elias
LinkedIn: Relationships & Communication Coach
See my taster experience via the DoinDubai Networking & Wellbeing highlights on Instagram: @doindubai
and just register your interest in the next workshop.
EAT
Eating Out: Still some discounts but not as big but getting smaller. See below
Keep checking this page for the NEWEST offers, more coming in all the time.
The Guild – ICD Brookfield Updated July We think WEDNESDAY is the best day of the week. Ladies free flow wine at the bar – complimentary.
Robertos – Gate Village 5 DIFC – HAPPY HOUR from 4pm till later Monday to Saturday. Wine and cocktails around AED 40 served with selections of bread, olive oils and small snacks. A nice apperitvo menu too. But really you could EAT THE VIBES here. A stunning refurbishment worth going just for that. Get a table on the terrace.
Josette – ICD Brookfield The 50% off brunch has ended BUT for MAY it’s still AED 399 house package that’s 40% off for weekend brunch AND 30% off usual a la carte menu as we write that includes food and beverages – note KIDS EAT FREE when parents book the brunch package – SEE TUESDAY DEAL ABOVE
Kira – Marsa Al Arab Enjoy 30% off your total bill – ongoing but it gets very busy at the weekend!
Il Borro Jumeirah Al Naseem – is offering an AT HOME menu comprising of starters, mains and a dessert designed to share for 2 people. AED 350 in total.
We had dinner at the restaurant itself this week, My Top Tip is the Bufala pizza 8 slices AED 98 fabulous.
Arrogante – Dubai Opera District 30% off a la carte and the Ikigai deal 20 pieces of gourmet sushi for AED 159.
FEATURED
Best value high end weekend lunch deal
A fabulous contemporary Japanese Robatayaki experience in the heart of the city AVAILABLE ON SUNDAYS TOO! Where are we?
ROKA – Business Bay
The Price: AED 125 per person (Classic) AED 180 per person (Premium)
The Menu multiple starter each followed by one signature main course and a side of ginger toban rice.
Vibe: Sleek, urban, sophisticated feel. Nice terrace with cool views of the Burj Khalifa.
The “Monica” Tip: We love the dedicated vegetarian business lunch menu (AED 125)
When: Monday to Friday | 12:00pm – 3:30 pm AND SUNDAY (A rare find for a “business” deal – show them this post when you book!
Location: Level 1, ME Dubai, The Opus by Omniyat, Business Bay
LIFESTYLE
Wellness & Events
SACRA (Jumeirah 1) the region’s wellness complex features a 50sqm banya and advanced hydrothermal recovery.
YOUR BRAND IN FRONT OF PEOPLE WHO ACTUALLY SPEND
Get featured on Monica Selects
Monica Selects is a hand-curated shortlist, it’s not an algorithm, not a directory.
Our 1000 subscribers are Dubai residents and frequent visitors who trust this list because everything on it has been personally tried and loved by me, or it’s something that’s on our must try list!
Our subscribers trust my taste. If your brand belongs here, please get in touch.
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If you think you’re a fit, get in touch. We’ll tell you honestly if you are.
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