Gymkhana, the two Michelin-starred restaurant from London, is set to open in Dubai this September, marking its highly anticipated UAE debut. Located in Gate Village at Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the city’s key vibrant cultural and lifestyle hub, , the restaurant will bring its celebrated blend of Indian cuisine, heritage and hospitality to the region for the first time. Founded by siblings Jyotin, Karam and Sunaina Sethi of JKS Restaurants – who are credited for their innovative, boundary-pushing approach to hospitality – Gymkhana London is one of the city’s most celebrated and in-demand restaurants, beloved by A-listers and critics alike.
The restaurant takes its name from the elite social and sporting clubs of India, paying homage to the institutions where members of high society gathered to dine, drink, socialise and celebrate. Since opening in Mayfair in 2013, Gymkhana has become one of the defining names in Indian dining. Awarded its first Michelin star within nine months of opening and a second Michelin star in 2024, the restaurant is known for its classic Indian cuisine and hospitality. Following its expansion to Riyadh in 2023 and Las Vegas in 2025, Dubai marks the next chapter in the restaurant’s international growth.
Pavan Pardasani, Global CEO, JKS Restaurants: ‘Dubai has established itself as one of the world’s leading culinary destinations, making it a natural home for Gymkhana’s next chapter. Our ambition has always been to share the restaurant’s approach to Indian cuisine and hospitality with new audiences, while remaining true to the heritage and character that define the brand. We are excited to bring Gymkhana to DIFC and look forward to welcoming guests to experience the food, service and atmosphere that have made the restaurant so special.’
Saleh Al Akrabi, Chief Real Estate Officer, DIFC Investments, said: “DIFC is proud to be the home of Gymkhana’s UAE debut. As Dubai’s leading hub for world-class gastronomy, Gate Village is the perfect stage for Gymkhana’s celebrated two Michelin-starred dining experience. We look forward to our community of residents, professionals, and international visitors experiencing their legendary hospitality right here in the heart of the city.”
Set across two levels and seating up to 137 with an additional terrace, the restaurant features two ground floor dining areas defined by warm lantern lighting, patterned ceilings, booth and banquette seating, while the lower level introduces mirrored ceilings, ornate chandeliers and a striking peacock bar.
Gymkhana’s cuisine is rooted in tradition, taking influence from the breadth of India. Known for its bold flavours and richly layered spicing, the menu will feature many signature dishes divided between chaat-style sharing plates, tandoori-grilled specialities, classic curries and biryanis, alongside a number of exclusive dishes created specifically for the Dubai location.
Gymkhana Dubai is set to open on Tuesday 1 September 2026 at Gate Village, Building 7, DIFC. The opening of Gymkhana in Dubai follows a successful launch of Gymkhana in Las Vegas in December 2025, and sister-restaurant Ambassadors Clubhouse in New York earlier this year.
DIFC has grown into a vibrant lifestyle destination attracting business professionals and corporate clientele from DIFC and beyond as well as those seeking quality dining experiences. DIFC’s curated business set menus and flexible lunch hours allows diners to balance productivity with refined dining at an elevated setting, where every experience begins at The Gate. DIFC is easily accessible by Dubai Metro with the Financial Centre Metro Station a 3-minute walk away, with ticketless parking and Salik enabled across the district.
Visit https://www.difc.com/experience/things-to-do for more information on the destination.
