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    10 hidden low-key dining spots to visit in Dubai

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    Life

    June 19, 2025

    With a significant number of noteworthy eateries, Dubai is not shot of delectable restaurants that cater to your palate.
    It always becomes a well-deserved meal when you finally reach a meal that requires usage of a GPS, a guidebook or simply instructions by a colleague at work. If you’re looking for an unconventional hidden restaurant, then you’re in the right place. Swipe through our guide of unique hidden gems to visit the next time you wish to eat out.

    Dubai has a wide range of dining options, including some fantastic low-key hidden spots. Here are a few hidden gems where you can enjoy a more relaxed and intimate dining experience:
    Berenjak

    With two UAE outposts in Dar Wasl, Dubai and AlJada, Sharjah, this Persian restaurant is anything but low-key when it comes to flavour and decor – it is, after all, awarded with the prestigious Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand for two consecutive years. The vibe reminds you of a hole-in-the-wall eatery along the streets of Tehran, while the mazeh-style dishes and charcoaled kababs are reminiscent of home-cooked, mum-made meals, delivering the kind of dining experience that you would want with family or visiting friends.
    For reservations, email reservations@berenjakuae.com   
    Gohan

    Found down a fridge-lined corridor in the French restaurant, Japanese restaurant and bar Gohan is a dark, moody, tucked away space. This intimate space can seat 30 diners at a time with the DJ spinning to some of the most eclectic tunes all night. “The main guideline when it comes to Gohan was to get as close as the authentic Japanese food with a twist of modernity and street food”, Chef Gilles Bosquet told Emirates Woman in an interview. It’s open from Monday to Friday 12pm to 4pm and for dinner from 7pm to 2am daily.
    For more information visit gohan.com
    Origami

    For a low-key dining experience, Origami’s newest redesigned space at Jumeirah boasts a stylish fitout along with fine array of new menu items.
    Tucked away in Jumeirah’s Al Souq Mall in Fishing Harbour 3, this homegrown hidden gem serves a fine selection of signature small plates, creative sashimi offerings, and traditional nigiri using the freshest ingredients. Highlights include the japanese potato salad, sashimi tartare, black cod, bluefin tuna, and yellowtail roll.
    The redesigned space features a moody atmosphere blended with sleek and minimalistic interiors reminiscent of alleys of Japan. The counter seats are perfect for solo dining or for guests who want front-row views and enjoy the culinary artistry and action up close.
    For more information, visit eatorigamisushi.com

    Hawkerboi

    What started as one of Dubai’s most sought-after supper clubs has now gone on to open its own restaurant. From first hosting in secret locations around Dubai, this highly-anticipated venue takes inspiration from the founder’s life in the Far East. Known for his concealed identity, Hawkerboi is considered the Banksy of Dubai in the culinary world and never fails to amaze his diners with exquisite dishes that represent his travels. With delectable dishes such as Wagyu Skewers with Peanut Nahm Jim, Charcoal Short Ribs and more, the space is designed for with red neon piping to balance the underground foodie community in the city. Designed by its parent company EatX, this space projects a vast open kitchen by mastering the art of balance and theatre. Located at The Park, Jumeirah Lake Towers, the restaurant is open from Sunday to Thursday 7pm to 10pm and Friday and Saturday 7pm to 11pm.

    Honeycomb Hi-Fi

    Given the title of Dubai’s first listening bar, Honeycomb Hi-Fi brings to life a lavish record store, a High-Fidelity sound system, warm and minimal interiors designed for quality acoustics, and an izakaya kitchen to round out their vision. With a casual Japanese menu inspired by a traditional izakaya, guests can indulge in hot, binchotan grill and rice/noodles sections with a variety of dishes to share. By delivering a modern twist on Japanese classics, guests can dine at this luxe haven from 7:30pm to 3am on Friday and Saturday and Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 7:30pm to 2am and visit this hidden gem in Pullman hotel.
    For more information visit honeycombhifi.com
    WAWA Dining

    Located on the ground floor of the Golden Tulip Hotel in Al Barsha, its entrance is straight out of Tokyo and designed to resemble a traditional storefront with lanterns, handwritten signs, and warm colours. WAWA takes a modernized touch on Korean-infused Japanese cuisine with a varied selection of spirits, Maki, Jako Fresh and WAWA platters. This low-key spot is definitely a must-visit.
    For more information visit here.

    Adaline

    This classic Italian restaurant and supper club has opened in DIFC, Dubai. Adaline is set to transform Dubai’s dining and nightlife scene with their vibrant dinner experience. The restaurant is a cornerstone of Dubai’s exciting social scene, seamlessly blending old-world charm with modern flair, and reimagining the allure of a grand, intimate dinner party. Music is at the core of the Adaline experience, with live performances designed to ignite a sense of nostalgia. Each night, guests will enjoy live bands blending jazz, modern soul, and anthems from the 1990s and 2000s. It’s open seven days a week from 5pm until late.
    Reif Kushiyaki
    It’s kushiyaki-inspired but this friendly restaurant offers far more than just grilled skewered meats and vegetables. The menu also covers a wide range of starters, sushi and ramen – and never forget to save room for one of their creative desserts crafted to perfection. The restaurant has been given a Michelin title and is located in Dar Wasl Mall, Time Out Market and Dubai Hills Business Park.
    For more information visit reifkushiyaki.com
    7tales

    Founded by celebrity Chef and owner of two Michelin-starred restaurants in London, Jason Atherton’s three-venue dining City Social and drinking concept spans the top 3 floors of the iconic Grosvenor House, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Dubai, and showcases culinary artistry and craftsmanship at its finest. Perched at the top of a sweeping staircase is 7Tales. The Izakaya-styled speakeasy bar is set to transport guests to Tokyo after dark, with graffiti lined walls and Japanese hip-hop tunes played by 7Tales’ resident DJs Perched at the top of a sweeping staircase is 7Tales. Grosvenor House. The restaurant is open from Monday to Thursday from 6pm until 2am and on Fridays and Saturdays 6pm until 3am and 7 Tales is open from 7pm until 2am on Monday through Thursday and from 7pm until 3am on Fridays and Saturday.
    Kokoro

    Hailing from Huston, Texas, this one-of-a-kind hidden gem, is the first Handroll sushi bar in Dubai. Known for its delectable array of dishes, guests “break the rules of sushi”, every bite of the Kokoro menu offers a sense of culinary excellence. Using only the freshest fish, harvested seaweed, delectable house-made sauces, and signature warm rice, Kokoro creates an unforgettable dining experience. Located in the heart of Alserkal Avenue, this is definitely one concept to try.
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    Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Instagram @gohan More

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      How the co-founders of hand roll bar Kokoro are redefining the UAE dining scene

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      Tamer El Khayat and Faisal Yabroudi, co-founders of Kokoro – the UAE’s first hand roll bar – discuss the creation behind the latest outpost and how it aims to redefine the dining scene.
      What do the first 30 minutes of your day look like, your morning routine?
      Tamer El Khayat (TEK): I get my workout and training in the first part of the day, usually it’s an hour of jujitsu (new hobby) and gymming with my wife.
      Faisal Yabroudi (FY): Dropping the kids off to school, gymming and heading to a polo field to ride. My passion is polo.
      Talk us through your respective backgrounds and what first evoked your interest in the F&B space.
      TEK: I have spent over 20 years in the hospitality industry, driven by a passion for doing things differently – with intention and purpose, not merely for novelty’s sake. Early in my career, I had the privilege of working with Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, an experience that deepened my understanding of world-class service and operational excellence. This foundation inspired me to eventually start my own ventures. With our healthy pizza brand, Pinza, we set out to prove that pizza can be both ridiculously delicious and truly healthy. Meanwhile, Faisal, who had been managing his family’s real estate construction and development business, always felt a pull toward the hospitality sector. His longstanding passion led him to partner with me, and together we launched Pinza – a venture that has since blossomed into multiple successful brands.
      Tamer El Khayat and Faisal Yabroudi, co-founders of Kokoro
      Tell us about the concept and your vision for Kokoro. What is the process of starting a new concept and where do you begin?
      At Kokoro, our vision is to transform Japanese cuisine by infusing tradition with innovative flair and a touch of playfulness. We set out to introduce a concept that not only honours the authentic techniques of Japanese culinary art but also disrupts the conventional dining experience by reimagining it for a modern audience.
      The journey began when we first encountered the original Kokoro concept in Houston, where the exceptional hand rolls and creative approach immediately caught our attention. This inspired us to bring that same level of quality and innovation to Dubai. Tamer, who was born in Houston and raised in Dubai, brings a unique perspective to the project. With a deep understanding of both cultures and the local market, he knows exactly what needs to be done to ensure a successful launch in this dynamic city.
      Our process starts with thorough market research, studying the success of the original concept while gauging the tastes and expectations of our new audience. In collaboration with trusted partners like Daniel and Patrick, we have re-developed the brand to retain its core identity while tailoring it to disrupt and elevate the local dining scene. In essence, Kokoro is about blending the authenticity of Japanese cuisine with a fresh, modern twist designed to captivate food enthusiasts and redefine the dining experience.

      “At Kokoro, we’ve flipped that script by making the bar the most coveted seat in the house”

      Can you define the inspiration behind the design and ambiance of the restaurant? What sort of dining experiences can visitors expect?
      TEK: Faisal and I set out to create something entirely new for the region – an experience that challenges local dining norms and invites customers to enjoy sitting at the bar. In the Middle East, traditional dining typically involves private tables, and sharing space is not the norm. At Kokoro, we’ve flipped that script by making the bar the most coveted seat in the house.
      Our vision was to craft a compact, intimate space where great food, good music, and service with smiles come together to create a memorable dining experience. Guests can expect a lively atmosphere that encourages interaction and breaks away from conventional dining, offering a fresh and dynamic way to enjoy a meal.
      Diners at Kokoro take an unexpected flavour journey. How was the menu conceptualized and what are the key standout items to try at Kokoro?
      At Kokoro, our culinary journey is defined by our expertly crafted handrolls. We intentionally keep our menu small to focus on quality over quantity—unlike many Japanese restaurants that overwhelm guests with too many options. This curated approach allows us to perfect each item, ensuring a consistent and memorable dining experience. One of our most exciting offerings is our once- secret menu, which has now become a favourite among regulars. Standout items include the Surf n’ Turf handroll and Spicy Akami, both of which have quickly become hits. We’ve also embraced innovative twists, such as incorporating caviar into our dishes – a move that has delighted our guests. Additionally, many diners have been introduced to the exquisite Hokkaido Uni for the first time, further highlighting our commitment to quality and innovation.
      This focused, quality-driven approach is at the heart of Kokoro’s success, inviting diners on an unexpected flavour journey that continues to grow our loyal customer base.

      As you both bring different sets of expertise to the table, how do you manage your roles between yourselves?
      TEK & FY: Tamer is more front facing with the business, and Faisal is the silent machine that keeps our backend operations running seamlessly and looks at all the details of the business.
      How has traveling and living in a country with such different cultures influenced your philosophy of food and what food means to you?
      TEK: Travelling and experiencing a multitude of cultures has profoundly shaped my philosophy of food. I enjoy exploring new restaurants to see what’s available, which not only helps me understand the global culinary landscape but also gives me insight into our competition and how we differentiate ourselves. The Dubai consumer is discerning and critical when it comes to quality and taste, and I believe that once we win over their hearts and stomachs, they become true fans.
      Having been raised in Dubai, I have a deep understanding of the local market and what it takes to fill the gaps in our dining scene. This local expertise, combined with my international experiences, enables us to stay ahead of the competition – especially as new groups enter the market. Ultimately, it’s this blend of global perspective and local insight that continually shapes my approach to food and helps us create unique dining experiences that resonate with our guests.
      What was the most challenging aspect of setting Kokoro up and how did you overcome this?
      The most challenging aspect of setting up Kokoro was finding the right talent. With a combined experience of over 20 years in the F&B industry – 10 years in Dubai for us and more than 20 for Tamer – we’ve navigated many ups and downs. Each challenge has taught us how to refine our approach and build better concepts with every restaurant we open. We’ve learned that success is about hitting the right note and maintaining consistency. At Kokoro, we don’t hire solely based on experience; we focus on personality. This approach allows us to invest in our team, teaching and developing their skills – a process that is, without a doubt, the most rewarding part of my job.
      What according to you sets the food industry in the UAE apart from the rest of the world?
      Dubai’s food industry is truly unique. With more restaurants per capita than iconic cities like New York and Paris, the competition here is fierce. The city attracts international visitors who have travelled the world and hold the highest culinary expectations. This constant influx of discerning guests keeps us on our toes and drives us to continually innovate and excel, ensuring we remain ahead in this dynamic market.

      “I believe in the power of innovation and taking creative risks – staying true to unique culinary visions that push boundaries and offer something genuinely new to the dining scene”

      What’s something you hope to see more of in the Dubai dining scene?
      TEK: Dubai has it all, but what I’d love to see more of is originality. Too often, successful concepts are simply replicated, yet copying doesn’t guarantee success. I believe in the power of innovation and taking creative risks – staying true to unique culinary visions that push boundaries and offer something genuinely new to the dining scene.
      What sets Kokoro apart from the many food concepts and Japanese restaurants in Dubai?
      TEK: Kokoro Hand Roll Bar is the first of its kind in Dubai and the entire region. This pioneering concept sets us apart from other food offerings and Japanese restaurants, fuelling our drive to remain innovative and constantly push the boundaries of what a hand roll bar can be.
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      Emirati co-founders of Mamafri on seamlessly merging hospitality and aesthetics

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      Emirates Man

      by Camille Macawili
      12 seconds ago

      Emirati co-founders of Mamafri, Saif Al Romaithi and Rashed Belhoul, looks to the east to bring a cosy dose of this homegrown dining concept that seamlessly merge hospitality and aesthetics.
      What do the first 30 minutes of your day look like, your morning routine?
      Saif Al Romaithi (SAR): In the first 30 minutes of my day, I enjoy Arabic coffee with a few dates and spend some time catching up on WhatsApp messages and reading the news to ease into the morning.
      Talk us through your background and what first evoked your interest in the f&b space.
      SAR: My foodie interests led me into the food and beverage industry during my study years in New York. Inspired by my dad, who owned a restaurant in his younger years, I immersed myself in the city’s vibrant hospitality scene, shaping my journey.
      The interiors evoke nostalgia. Can you define the inspiration behind the design of the restaurant?
      Rashed Belhoul (RB): The interiors evoke nostalgia, drawing inspiration from design legends of the 70s and the vibrant aesthetics of the 80s. This blend creates a warm and inviting atmosphere, incorporating wood and earthy tones that enhance the overall design.

      Tell us more about the ambiance of the restaurant. What sort of dining experiences can visitors expect?
      RB: The ambiance of the restaurant is warm and inviting, with a nostalgic design inspired by 70s and the 80s. Customers can expect a unique dining experience featuring a cozy main area that gives a private dining feel. The private space offers a tailored atmosphere complemented by smooth house music, making it perfect for special occasions or gatherings. Overall, it’s a place where great food and an inviting atmosphere come together to create lasting memories. The menu transports guests to East and Southeast Asia.
      What are the key standout dishes to try at Mamafri?
      SAR: Mamafri, our Southeast Asian menu showcases a vibrant array of flavors and dishes that celebrate the region’s culinary diversity. Guests can indulge in authentic favorites, from curries, rice dishes to fresh noodles and salads. Each dish is crafted with care, using modern recipes and fresh ingredients, offering a true taste of Southeast Asia that delights the senses and invites exploration. Here are some of our best selling items: Crispy Beef, Tom Yum Fried Rice, Crab Salad, Wagyu Sando, Malaysian Curry, Mie Goreng, and Dragon Roll.

      As you both bring different sets of expertise to the table, how do you manage your roles between yourselves?
      SAR: In our partnership, we divide our roles based on our strengths. I focus on managing finances and enhancing the overall front-of-house experience, ensuring that operations run smoothly and efficiently. Rashed, on the other hand, excels in the design aspects of our branches, carefully curating the ambiance with thoughtful choices in decor and music. While we each have our primary responsibilities, we collaborate closely on food research and development. We regularly hold tasting sessions together to decide on new menu items and conduct quality checks on our current offerings, ensuring that our food consistently meets our high standards. This collaborative approach allows us to combine our expertise and create a well-rounded dining experience for our guests.
      Rashed Belhoul and Saif Al Romaithi, Co-founders of Mamafri
      What have been the key milestones during your journey?
      SAR: Key milestones in our journey include opening our branch in Abu Dhabi, which expanded our reach, and winning dining awards consecutively every year, reinforcing our reputation for quality and excellence. We successfully expanded our menu to include sushi and robata dishes, enhancing our culinary diversity, and we also marked a significant step in our growth with the reopening of our DIFC branch. These achievements highlight our commitment to continuous improvement and providing an exceptional dining experience.
      What is the greatest risk you’ve faced in growing your business?
      SAR: The biggest risk for a growing restaurant is keeping things consistent as it expands. When opening new spots, it can be tough to make sure the food and service are always on point, which is key to keeping customers happy and the brand strong. Plus, managing supply chains and staffing can get complicated as you scale up, so planning ahead is crucial to avoid any hiccups. There’s also the risk of delays in projects due to finding materials and logistics challenges, which can push back openings and increase costs. Financially, it’s important to keep cash flow in check because expenses can rise quickly.

      What is most important to you when building a new restaurant?
      SAR: When opening a new restaurant, prioritise location for visibility and accessibility, recruit and train a skilled staff to enhance service, and design an inviting space that aligns with your brand while optimizing workflow for a seamless dining experience.
      What’s next for Mamafri?
      RB: Next for Mamafri is an exciting new beach location called Beach Balcony by Mamafri, situated in Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Island. This restaurant will serve our classic dishes alongside a diverse selection of mouthwatering Asian seafood recipes, each thoughtfully crafted with Asian sauces. It’s a fantastic opportunity to blend our signature flavors with a refreshing beachfront atmosphere, offering guests a unique dining experience by the sea. We’re also working on sister Asian concepts that are in the plan for the next year.
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      How Chef Dani Garcia showcases artistry at Leña/Smoked Room

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      Globally renowned for his culinary genius, Dani Garcia who hails from Andalusia brings his signature flair to Dubai with Leña and Smoked Room. His deep respect for tradition, combined with a bold approach to modern cuisine, has made these venues standout destinations for food enthusiasts.
      Here, the renowned Spanish chef shares his culinary journey and the creative process behind his two dining concepts in Dubai that has earned him a star in the Michelin Guide.
      Talk us through your daily routine, the first 30 minutes of the day.
      I always wake up before the sun rises and open the window, because it appears right in front of my house. I play music on a record player I have and drink a coffee, sometimes vanilla and other times hazelnut. I sit down and read the news of the day. Those are always my first 30 minutes.
      When did your love for food begin?
      My love for food and the world of gastronomy really began very early, but the ones to blame were my mother, my grandmother and my father. My mother and grandmother cooked from Monday to Friday since my father worked. And I would go with my father early on Saturday morning to the market to buy fresh ingredients for cooking: clams, spider crab… anything that caught our eye… cuttlefish, cuttlefish broth, and things like that. Then on Sundays, we would usually go out to eat at a restaurant. It’s true that my family has always, not in a professional way, but has always lived closely with cooking and gastronomy. So, it was impossible for me not to love it. There were times when we would grind olives in a mill to have oil for the whole year at home, and we would also pick more olives to season them ourselves, snails… Honestly, all those activities we did at home revolved around gastronomy.
      You’ve had an incredible career and have earned plenty of accomplishments. How did you get your start in the culinary space?
      Well, once I finished my studies at high school, I didn’t want to go to university, and to be honest, gastronomy, hospitality in general, and restaurants… really caught my attention. Living in a place like Marbella, where a large part of our lives was tied to tourism, was the driving force behind it. It was a mix of both things— not wanting to continue my studies at a university and my interest in the gastronomic world around me. Suddenly, at that time, a brand new hospitality school opened in Málaga, and it was gaining a lot of fame. I went there to give it a try, and here I am years later.
      As a highly accomplished Michelin-starred chef, is there pressure to constantly innovate revolutionary gastronomy concepts?
      I did feel the pressure for a while, but that has also faded a bit. Not so much that pressure, but especially during the time when Spain broke through and became a leading force in the field of culinary innovation, etc. Nouvelle cuisine started to become a bit less important, and Spanish cuisine began to rise, thanks largely to the influence of chefs like Ferran Adrià. During that period, mainly from 1998 to around 2000–2015, those were truly years where there was much more creative pressure, especially in terms of creating new concepts and techniques that could contribute something. I think that’s what all the chefs of my generation opted for and, driven by Ferran, that’s what we did during that time. Then, of course, times have changed, and I believe there isn’t as much creativity as there used to be.

      The culinary experience at the Leña/Smoked Room is exceptional. What is the recipe to this success in such a location?
      They are two concepts that I love. I believe that in the end, the secret to success can be a good price-quality ratio. One way or another, the price and what you offer for it are vitally important. The restaurant’s interior design, the human team, the hospitality, giving as much care as you can, and making people truly feel that they’re receiving the attention everyone wants when they go to a restaurant. As for the cuisine, it’s very focused on grilling, on direct heat, whether it’s vegetables, seafood, fish, or meat. Meat obviously has a greater presence, but for us, it’s still a grill-based restaurant. With the same DNA, Smoked Room was suddenly created inside Leña, with that same style and DNA where the grill and direct heat are very important. It’s much more focused on a smaller audience and on pure high-end cuisine, as opposed to Leña, which is much more casual.
      To you, what are the must-try standout dishes at Leña/Smoked Room?
      From Leña, I think the foie apple, the grilled avocado, maybe the leek, the oxtail, the Porterhouse, and the Tarta di Rose are my favorite dishes. At Smoked Room, since it’s an omakase, the chawanmushi with sea urchin and crab, the Motril prawns with butter, or the white nitro tomato with smoked eel are also my favorites.”

      With an international culinary empire, how do you approach scaling without compromising quality?
      The only way to grow with quality is basically by growing with quality people by your side. The team is absolutely essential; it’s more than obvious that I can’t be everywhere, and I can’t be overseeing every dish that comes out of each restaurant. We serve hundreds of thousands of people a year, and it’s obviously unfeasible for you to directly control everything. But that’s where your ability to communicate how and what should be done comes in. Then, it’s about conveying this to people who truly have exceptional talent. That’s what really matters to me and the only real secret: surrounding yourself with people who are not only capable of conveying your message but also improving upon it.
      Being a chef-entrepreneur, what did this teach you about yourself, professionally and personally?
      I’ve learned a lot about myself, both personally and professionally, over all these years. I’m not sure if I can highlight anything specific, but if I had to point something out, it would certainly be the ability to fight for something I truly believe in. I mean, for me, that is fundamental—being strong, and no matter how many people try to trample on you, tell you the opposite, or remind you of a bad phase in your life or a failure… you keep believing in yourself. And for me, that is essential.

      What would be your advice to budding chef-entrepreneurs looking to earn a Michelin star?
      The advice is basically not to get obsessed. I always say you should cook with the guides in mind, but not for the guides. Cook for the customer and to make them happy, and everything else will follow. It’s all a matter of time and doing things right. But what I would say is that you shouldn’t become obsessed. Reaching three Michelin stars is the result of many years of work and countless hours spent in the kitchen, the dining room, and the restaurant. There’s really no shortcut—you have to work to improve day by day, challenge yourself to be better, and, of course, work for the customer. Everything else will come. The guide and Michelin will come when the customer is happy, and that’s when you get rewarded. So truly, think about the customer.
      What’s next for Dani Garcia?
      The goal is to consolidate the Leña brand around the world. I would love to be part of that group of brands that are recognized worldwide, the ones I admire and have tremendous respect for, like Nobu, Zuma or Gaia. I mean, these are brands that I’m passionate about because of what they represent, and they are pure inspiration. The day I feel that any of our brands—most likely Leña—joins that group, I’ll be happy.
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      How Chef Izu captured the relaxed charm of Southern France for his latest concept

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      Life

      by Camille Macawili
      7 seconds ago

      Chef Izu Ani on his gastronomic adventures and how he’s captured the relaxed charm of South of France at Maison de la Plage.
      Maison de la Plage adds to your growing culinary portfolio. What sets this apart from your other concepts?
      Maison de la Plage is our home by the sea. I wanted to create a space where people can let go, breathe, play, share fresh, light dishes and truly connect with the elements. The ocean connects us all, it encourages our playful sides and allows us to unwind. The space flows from the sea to comfortable sunbeds, daybeds and cabanas, a beach bar, swimming pool, and restaurant, to provide a haven for all.

      The restaurant transports you to Côte d’Azur. Can you define the inspiration behind its free-spirited design it evokes and the elements that add to the ambience?
      The South of France is one of my favourite places in the world, its breathtaking nature and inviting energy invigorates me every time I visit. Our aim is to bring the laid-back elegance of the Côte d’Azur to Dubai, with elements from the quaint, idyllic villages and the sun-drenched shores woven throughout Maison de la Plage. We wanted to create a romantic, yet lively ambiance, where mount.
      We partnered with London-based design studio FirstWithin to bring our vision to life. The interior is adorned with bespoke rattan furniture, featuring unique prints that seamlessly blend with the natural beauty of the beach landscape. Every part of Maison de la Plage was curated to enhance the connection between our guests and their coastal surroundings, with a fun, contemporary French touch. One of the key elements in our design is the playful use of patterns and colours. Throughout the space, you’ll find dotted yacht motifs, which serve as a delightful reminder of the picturesque villages in the south of France. These patterns were designed to evoke a sense of coastal tranquility.
      What does the culinary journey experience look like?
      A home from home, Maison de la Plage is somewhere friends and families can enjoy at all hours. From serene breakfasts overlooking the sea, to long lunches in the sunshine and dinners with loved ones. We wanted to create a space that feels welcoming and wonderful at any time of day. Our dishes are a constant flow of evolution and information. When developing new dishes and creating menus, we always start with the inspiration – we ask ourselves who is this dish for, why are we creating it, how and when will it be enjoyed. We aim to create a seamless transition between the outdoor oasis and the indoor dining area, to ensure a flexible and comfortable experience.

      The menu encapsulates the seaside sophistication of the French Riviera. What are the key standout dishes?
      One of my favourite parts of the menu is the selection of fresh market crudités. We serve crisp, seasonal vegetables in a beautiful basket alongside a selection of dips. It is the perfect dish to share with the table, and a lovely start to a meal. I also recommend choosing fresh fish from La Poissonerie and having it cooked exactly to preference alongside baked vegetables. The beauty of the menu is that it caters for different experiences, so if I’m spending the day by the beach and want to eat on the sunbeds, we will order a selection of Pizzas, a few Izu Burgers to share and end each meal with ice cream. The menu was designed to be shared between friends and loved ones, whether they would prefer a light bite or a nourishing meal.

      “To this day, my travels and experiences continue to shape my understanding of cuisine and have enabled me to translate this through the menus I work on”

      Where did your flair for French-inspired culinary creations begin? How deeply connected are you in terms of influence?
      When I was at the beginning of my career, I spent a lot of time in France and absorbed everything I could about the culture and cuisine. It is where I met my wife, and it gave me a wider spectrum of knowledge and understanding.
      I believe that in life, we do have to invest our time, effort and dedication to ourselves and our passions. To this day, my travels and experiences continue to shape my understanding of cuisine and have enabled me to translate this through the menus I work on. It is important to respect the culture that each dish takes inspiration from, to take our time to learn and understand their traditions. Food is at the core of every country. By understanding the culture, we have the privilege of knowing how to extract the experience and tell each story from the source. My aim in life is to keep adding to my life journey through food and to be able to share this with people who are as keen as I am to explore how we can push the limits of creativity.

      “My aim in life is to keep adding to my life journey through food and to be able to share this with people who are as keen as I am to explore how we can push the limits of creativity”

      Chef Izu Ani

      At the heart of it is Le Marché, inspired by the bustling French market – tell us more about this space.
      Le Marché is one of my favourite parts of Maison de la Plage. When I was first starting out as a Chef, I moved to a lovely little town in France. Every morning, I would visit the market to choose fresh ingredients to prepare that day, and I loved every moment. It was such a beautiful start to the morning. There is something so exquisite about sourcing fresh produce, and choosing our ingredients before we prepare and enjoy them. I first met my wife at that market over 20 years ago now. For an entire year, I continued to visit the little shop she worked in, hoping to see her. Finally, on my birthday, I mustered up the nerve to ask her out on a date. To my delight, she agreed, and that moment marked the beginning of our journey together.
      Le Marché is my heartfelt homage to that pivotal encounter. It serves as a reminder of the incredible power of chance meetings and the profound impact they can have on our lives.

      You’re very hands-on and built everything yourself from the outset. What did this teach you?
      Having the freedom to create is really important to me, it allows me to keep expanding and growing without the fear of stagnation. When we work with passion, we can enjoy the art of dedication and practice. By focusing on improving every single day, we can see how much there is to achieve and really embrace the process. I believe that the milestones are often found in the small moments. I find the most pride and pleasure when I am consistent and striving towards my goals every day.
      What have been the biggest challenges you’ve encountered and how did you overcome them?
      If we look at our circumstances as opportunities instead of obstacles, we can positively impact our mindsets. Experience cannot just be about ‘what went right’ – success is what we celebrate, mistakes are what we learn from – in all aspects of life. There is a lesson in every situation, and challenges give us valuable knowledge that we may not have been aware of otherwise. The trick is to pay attention. It is all information, and information is everything. The more we know, the greater our spectrum of understanding, which leads us to better opportunities and experiences.
      This is The Summer Escape Issue – where are you escaping to this summer?
      This year, one of our goals was to expand internationally and take our home-grown concepts from Dubai to the world. This summer, I am so excited to spend time in our latest restaurants in London, Marbella, and Monaco, and truly embed ourselves within the local communities there. This summer will also see the launch of GAIA in Miami, which I am really looking forward to. It is so humbling to see our concepts in different countries around the world. My focus is to ensure we provide the same level of service in every location and ensure everyone enjoys their experience.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      July/August’s – The Summer Escape Issue with MAISWIM – Download Now
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      Netsu by Ross Shonhan offers a contemporary approach to authentic Japanese cuisines

      by

      Lifeby Camille Macawili2 hours ago Japanese restaurants are aplenty in Dubai’s highly competitive dining scene.With more than a handful to choose from in the city, Netsu faces stiff competition. But with a prestigious address that comes with stunning beachside and city views, a line up of mouth-watering gastronomy, and chef Ross’s incredible attention to detail, both in food and in decor – there’s a plenty of reasons to choose this lively Japanese steakhouse every time.We’re giving you five –1. The usual suspects (sushi and sashimi) are beautifully presented, fresh and hits the spot. Beyond that, you can savour different melt-in-your-mouth wagyu variants – from Japanese to Australian – seared in front of you by the restaurant’s grill masters. Its premium standards and an unfussy marinade mean that you get all the deliciousness with the perfect marbling and luscious fat, without any downsides leaving you craving for more. Let’s not forget one of the many stellar highlights: the truffle wagyu sando, probably one of the best in the city.2. Dubai has a fondness for Japanese restaurants however, not many are helmed by an acclaimed chef such as Australian-born Ross Shonhan. Through his culinary wizardry, the ex-Zuma and Nobu head chef takes a contemporary approach to authentic Japanese cuisines.3. Netsu is rooted in the ethos of straw fire cooking called Warayaki which originated from the Kochi Prefecture in Shikoku to give meats and seafood a unique flavorful taste – a first-of-its-kind concept in Dubai and the largest outside of Japan.4. Netsu’s design is as spectacular as its menu. The interior impresses with a vibrant design with a Kabuki indoor setting plus, beachside expansive outdoor terrace for al fresco dining during cooler months, and lastly, front-row counter seats to witness a theatrical spectacle of fiery flames and skills of Chef Ross’s hardworking team.5. Beyond the food, the service was also impeccable. The Netsu staff delivers best-in-class hospitality and warm service to ensure the dishes are up to par.For bookings and reservations, visit mandarinoriental.com/netsu or call +971 4 777 2232– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramImages: Supplied More