Gymkhana, the two-Michelin-starred restaurant from London’s JKS Restaurants, has opened reservations ahead of its highly anticipated UAE debut on September 1st. Located in Gate Village, Building 7, DIFC, the acclaimed restaurant brings its Indian cuisine, heritage and hospitality to Dubai for the first time. Reservations are now available via the restaurant’s website.
Gymkhana Dubai’s kitchen will be led by Executive Chef Rahul Rana, under the guidance of Global Culinary Director Chet Sharma, and JKS Co-Founder and Creative Director Karam Sethi. Like London, the menu draws inspiration from the rich culinary traditions of North India, complemented by influences from the South and West, with bold, layered flavours rooted in tradition. The menu is divided into Nashta, Kebabs & Tikkas, Game & Chops, Curry & Biryani, and Sabzi.
Signature dishes from the London restaurant, including Kid Goat Methi Keema & Salli; Tandoori Masala Lamb Chops with Walnut Chutney; Achari Paneer Tikka; and Chicken Butter Masala, will sit alongside a selection of new dishes created exclusively for Dubai. Highlights include Fatechand Kachori Chaat with Green Mango, Chettinad Duck Dosa with Coconut Chutney; Makhmali King Crab & Malai Pyaaz, Wagyu Beef Sukka with Bone Marrow, and Goat Shank Nihari. For dessert, guests can enjoy new creations such as Rasmalai & Emirati Qishta and Gajar Ka Halwa Soft Serve.
Spanning two levels and a terrace with seating for up to 137 guests, the DIFC restaurant, designed by Samuel Hosker of North End Design alongside Karam Sethi, reinterprets the Mayfair flagship’s distinctive design through a lighter green palette, bespoke Indian stained-glass and rattan and cane detailing, reeded timber panelling, Murano lights, taxidermy, a captain’s board and artwork referencing the history of India’s gymkhana clubs.
The ground floor features two dining areas with warm lantern lighting, patterned ceilings and plush booth seating around a bar finished in Indian marble, while the lower-ground floor, accessed via a mirrored staircase, introduces ornate chandeliers, a striking Peacock Bar and a mirrored, jewellery-box ceiling – a space that seamlessly transforms from a dining room into a private dining room, seating up to 14, or accommodating up to 30 people for standing parties.
Founded in London’s Mayfair in 2013 by siblings Jyotin, Karam, and Sunaina Sethi of JKS Restaurants, Gymkhana is one of the UK’s most in-demand restaurants. Taking its name from the elite social and sporting clubs of India, the restaurant pays homage to the institutions where members of high society gathered to dine, drink, socialise, and celebrate. After earning its first Michelin star within nine months of opening, Gymkhana was awarded a second Michelin star a decade later in 2024, cementing its status as a defining name in classic Indian dining.
Gymkhana’s Dubai opening this September marks the next chapter in the restaurant’s international growth, following successful expansion for the group in Riyadh and Las Vegas.
Gymkhana will open for dinner service from September, with lunch service to follow in October. To secure a table, reservations can be made via the website.
Opening hours:
Monday – Sunday: 18:30 – 01:00
Lunch hours to follow from October