Dubai's DIFC is set to welcome Café François in early 2027, the newest venture from Group François, known for London’s acclaimed Maison François and Café François. This significant project is the result of three years of collaboration with Keybourne Group, aimed at creating a modern all-day dining experience that also pays homage to traditional French café culture.
Scheduled to operate every day of the week, Café François will provide a versatile space for patrons from morning until night, featuring a menu rich in French classics with a blend of global influences. A hallmark of the dining experience will be the trolley service, reminiscent of Maison François, adding a theatrical element to meals served in a lively and engaging atmosphere.
The inception of Group François dates back to 2020 with the launch of Maison François in St James’s, combining the love for French culinary traditions with genuine hospitality. Following that success, the team opened Café François in Borough Yards in 2024, inspired by the bustling energy of Parisian cafés and Montreal's elegant bistros.
Designed by Studio Shayne Brady, Café François will evoke the charm of a classic French brasserie in its DIFC location. The restaurant's decor will include bespoke lighting, oak-panelled banquettes, mosaic tile work, and the signature neon signage, all while integrating the brand’s distinct clock features, both inside and out. This design aims to create a warm, inviting atmosphere that evolves with diners' needs throughout the day.
“Café François is a love letter to the café culture we have enjoyed on our travels, and we couldn’t think of a better home for its next chapter than DIFC, with its mix of people who live, work and visit Dubai. We want it to be everything a grand café should be: welcoming, fun and hospitable, somewhere to drop in for breakfast or settle in for a long dinner, with a little theatre from the trolleys. We have spent three years shaping this with our partners at Keybourne and cannot wait to welcome our first guests.” – Founder, François O’Neill
Café François is anticipated to open at DIFC, Zaa’beel Second, Trade Centre, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, in early 2027.
