From family-led cafes to Michelin-starred dining, add these to your weekend plans

Across the UAE, homegrown female-led dining is having a moment. Rooted in personal stories, cultural memory and a strong sense of identity, these spaces go beyond food. From intimate cafés to destination restaurants, each brings a distinctive perspective to the region’s evolving hospitality scene. Here are some of the female-owned dining destinations to discover in the UAE.

Kumo
Founded by the duo behind SALT, Emirati chef Amal AlMarri and Saudi entrepreneur Deem AlBassam, Kumo offers a thoughtful take on Japanese-inspired dining. Located within a converted villa on Al Wasl Road, the space evokes the warmth of a Kyoto family restaurant, designed to encourage guests to slow down and disconnect. The menu balances authenticity with accessibility, while the concept itself reflects the founders’ intention to create a space centred around pause and understated escapism.

Kinoya
Chef Neha Mishra has built Kinoya around a deep respect for traditional Japanese ramen culture. What began as a passion project shared online has evolved into one of Dubai’s most sought-after dining spots. Known for its rich broths and meticulous approach, every bowl reflects Mishra’s dedication to her craft, from handmade noodles to carefully layered flavours.

Asma Restaurant
Founded by three Emirati sisters and inspired by their mother, Asma Restaurant presents a contemporary interpretation of Middle Eastern cuisine. Drawing on flavours from across the Levant, the concept blends heritage with a modern sensibility, honouring traditions passed down through generations.

To The Moon & Back Coffee
Created by Emirati founder Zainab Al Mousawi, To the Moon & Back Coffee brings Melbourne’s coffee culture to a quiet corner of Jumeirah. The café balances playful design with a serious approach to coffee, reflecting Al Mousawi’s journey into the craft after discovering her passion abroad.

The Grey
Helmed by Sheikha Al Mheiri, The Grey stands out for its minimalist aesthetic and creative energy. More than a café, it operates as a gathering point for Dubai’s artistic community, with interiors that feel closer to a gallery than a traditional coffee space. Alongside its acclaimed coffee offering, it features a carefully curated menu.

Lulu & The Beanstalk
Founded by two sisters with backgrounds in filmmaking, Lulu & The Beanstalk is a deeply narrative-driven concept inspired by their grandmother. The space blends coffee, dining and storytelling, with a bookshop and immersive interiors that invite guests into a world of imagination. Every detail reflects the founders’ creative roots, transforming the café into a sensory experience where hospitality and storytelling coexist.

Home Bakery
Launched by Emirati siblings Hind and Abdulla Al-Mulla, Home Bakery has become a household name known for its nostalgic approach to desserts and speciality coffee. While its signature cookies remain a defining feature, the concept is built on comfort and familiarity, offering a sense of home through both flavour and atmosphere. The founders’ focus on quality ingredients and consistency has allowed the brand to grow while maintaining its original, heartfelt identity.

Trio Speciality Coffee
Founded by Ameena Farhah, Aysha Reshma, and Sadaf Abdul Jabbar, Trio Speciality Coffee is a reflection of friendship, ambition and community. Born from a shared dream, the café focuses on creating meaningful coffee experiences, where each cup is treated as both craft and ritual. With an emphasis on sustainability and connection, the founders have created a space that feels welcoming and homely.