Gymkhana readies for Dubai debut this year

Gymkhana, the two Michelin-starred Indian restaurant, will launch its first UAE restaurant in the Gate Village at Dubai International Financial Centre on 1 September.

The 137-cover restaurant will be set across two floors alongside an additional terrace and serve Gymkhana’s signature fare - chaat-style sharing plates, tandoori-grilled specialities, classic curries and biryanis - alongside a number of new dishes developed exclusively for its Dubai clientele.

This restaurant follows on from Gymkhana’s international expansion to Riyadh in 2023 and Las Vegas last year, alongside sister restaurant the Ambassadors Clubhouse’s debut in New York earlier this year.

Pavan Pardasani, global CEO of Gymkhana parent company JKS Restaurants said: “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.”

Gymkhana was founded in 2013 and earned its first Michelin star in 2014, winning its second in 2024 under chef director Sid Ahuja, who stepped down earlier this year.

Last month the Indian restaurant group appointed Chet Sharma, long-time collaborator with JKS Restaurants and Bibi chef patron, as its new global culinary director.