How this Beirut hotspot Amelia has made its mark on Dubai’s culinary scene
Situated in the heart of Downtown at Address Sky View, this hotspot Amelia offers a delectable menu of Japanese and Peruvian cuisines.
Embracing a theme of retro-futuristic revelry, Amelia’s cocktail menu is a testament to the artistry and skill of its mixologists. Known for its insatiable appetite for bringing people together, it focuses on warm service in an uplifting atmosphere to invoke all senses.
Overall, the the fine-dining lounge restaurant at Address Sky View presents an exquisite selection of cocktails that embodies a journey through innovation. The restaurant provides an experiential culinary experience with a difference, hence it promises to take guests on a journey unlike any other.
To see how the restaurant continues to innovate, Emirates Woman spoke to Rayan Nicolas, the CEO of Amelia Dubai on preserving and furthering culinary expression and innovation.
Tell us about your background.
My background began with an engineering education, but my curiosity for the F&B sector and entertainment scene blossomed during college. This interest led me to start with a small restaurant in Beirut and venture into event management, specializing in musical events and concerts. Over a span of 15 years, I expanded our portfolio to include over 10 restaurants and lounges in Beirut, as well as managing hotels and resorts. In 2018, we launched Amelia Lounge, which quickly became a local sensation. However, Lebanon faced significant challenges from 2020 onwards, including financial crises, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the devastating Beirut explosion.
These events prompted us to explore new markets, and after extensive research, Dubai emerged as the most promising opportunity. Recognising the risks and intense competition in Dubai, we decided to expand Amelia from Beirut to Dubai, scaling up to meet the city’s grandiose standards. It was a daunting task, but we meticulously studied the market’s nuances to ensure our concept aligned with Amelia’s established identity and principles.
The concept hails from Beirut – what inspired you to bring it to Dubai?
The story of Amelia revolves around adventure and transcending boundaries in all aspects, particularly in architecture, mixology, gastronomy, and music. Our menu takes guests on a culinary journey inspired by Japanese and Peruvian origins, showcasing a finely articulated blend of Nikkei cuisine with Mediterranean hints. This fusion reflects an intense intercultural exchange and expresses a rich diversity of flavours. Bringing the Amelia concept from Beirut to Dubai was inspired by the city’s vibrant and cosmopolitan food scene. Dubai is a global hub known for its appreciation of diverse and high-quality dining experiences. We saw an opportunity to introduce our unique blend of Nikkei cuisine and steampunk-inspired design to a market that values innovation and cultural fusion, enhancing the culinary landscape with a new and exciting offering.
The chefs take guests on a Japanese and Peruvian culinary journey – what are the key dishes to try?
The key dishes to try at Amelia include, Salmon Ponzu Truffle Ceviche: Fresh salmon combined with the rich umami of truffle and the tangy brightness of ponzu, the Wild Sea Bass with Coconut Tiger Milk which is A creamy, tropical twist on classic ceviche, highlighting the delicate texture of sea bass. The Rollo De Camarones: A delightful combination of shrimp, halloumi cheese, avocado, kimchi, and Togarashi. This is one of our cooked sushi dishes and one that is favourite amongst our diners and the Flammkuchen A la Truffa (Truffle Pizza): Crispy, thin crust with the luxurious flavor of truffle, creating a unique and indulgent experience.
The interiors shed light on aviation – tell us more.
The interiors of Amelia shed light on aviation by paying homage to Amelia Earhart, the pioneering aviator. The design includes aviation-inspired elements such as a majestic airplane atop the main bar and abstract representations being submersed underwater in the mezzanine area. These elements celebrate Earhart’s adventurous spirit and the golden age of aviation, creating an ambiance that transports guests into a world of exploration and discovery.
The restaurant journeys deep into the retro-futuristic steampunk-inspired theme – how did the theme begin?
The inspiration behind the steampunk-retro design concept for Amelia is deeply rooted in the adventurous spirit of its namesake, Amelia Earhart, the first female aviator to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. Drawing parallels between her boldness and the restaurant’s theme, Amelia embodies a fusion of her adventurous spirit and timeless elegance, marrying aviation-inspired decor with subtle nods throughout the menu. The design concept is a homage to the retro era of the 1920s and 1930s, characterized by the industrial revolution and art deco movements, intertwined with elements from the aviation industry.
Steampunk serves as the overarching theme, infusing the space with surrealism and a twisted fairy tale ambiance, all brought together in a modernized manner. This eclectic combination of styles serves as the perfect backdrop for Amelia’s culinary offering of Nikkei cuisine. Just as the design concept blends different eras and influences, Nikkei cuisine similarly represents a fusion of cultures and flavors, modernized and elevated to create a unique and harmonious dining experience. The rich tapestry of influences and the innovative approach to both design and cuisine align seamlessly, embodying the spirit of exploration and creativity that defines Amelia.
Amelia’s private room “Voyage by Amelia” is a hidden gem – talk us through the concept.
“Voyage by Amelia” is a hidden gem that offers an exclusive and immersive experience, set to transport guests to the 1920s through a sensorial journey. Accessed via a private elevator, this secret spot is designed for those in the know, making it the perfect venue for special occasions and private gatherings. The journey begins with the opening of the pendulum-inspired door on the first floor, leading guests into a surrealist interior that depicts strong themes of travel and adventure. The room is designed to portray the inside of a clock, complete with gears and spirals, enhancing the sense of being transported to another time and place. A vintage train station-inspired bar sits centrally, surrounded by walls framed with retro windows and dreamlike art.
The dedication to the 1920s steampunk era continues with plush velvet, vintage-inspired furniture that resembles retro pieces of luggage, heightening the senses of space and time. Open every Thursday to Saturday from 11pm until the early hours, “Voyage by Amelia” features a musical focus on deep house, ensuring the vibe is always on point. A lineup of resident and international DJs dictates the audio tempo, with sultry sounds paired with an extensive drinks menu of the finest serves. This eclectic design and carefully curated atmosphere set the stage for evenings of master mixology and incredible music, making “Voyage by Amelia” a must-visit for those seeking a unique and exclusive experience.
Guests can experience a blend of cultures at Amelia – what is the main theme?
The main theme at Amelia is the fusion of cultures, particularly through our Nikkei cuisine, which blends Japanese and Peruvian culinary traditions. This fusion is reflected not only in our diverse menu but also in the design and overall dining experience. We aim to provide a journey through different cultures, offering a unique and memorable experience that celebrates diversity and innovation.
How has the F&B scene evolved since Amelia’s launch?
Over the past two years, we have observed a significant increase in the number of Nikkei concepts emerging in the UAE, reflecting a growing awareness and appreciation for this unique culinary fusion. However at Amelia, we offer more than just food; we provide a comprehensive dining experience that includes expertly crafted cocktails, engaging music, and impeccable service. Our patrons have wholeheartedly embraced this holistic approach, consistently praising the quality of our food and the immersive atmosphere we create.
From the very beginning, our guests have expressed their love for our cuisine and the overall experience we offer. Our guests appreciate the innovative fusion of Japanese and Peruvian flavors, as well as the attention to detail in every dish. From day one, our guests have expressed their love for our cuisine and the immersive experience we provide. It’s been a rewarding journey, albeit challenging at times, to satisfy such a diverse range of tastes. Since Amelia’s launch, the F&B scene has continued to evolve with a growing appreciation for fusion cuisines and unique dining experiences and Amelia has set a new standard for culinary and experiential dining in Dubai. Our success has inspired other establishments to explore similar innovative concepts, enriching the local food scene.
What sets Amelia apart from other restaurants in Dubai?
Amelia sets itself apart through its unwavering commitment to culinary innovation, immersive design, and exceptional guest experience. At the heart of our identity is a unique blend of Japanese and Peruvian flavors, meticulously crafted by our team of world-class chefs. The Nikkei cuisine, harmoniously marries the delicate precision of Japanese culinary techniques with the bold, vibrant flavors of Peruvian ingredients. Our menu features an array of exquisite dishes, from fresh sashimi and sushi rolls to inventive ceviches and tiraditos, each offering a delightful journey for the palate. Stepping into Amelia, guests are immediately transported to a different world, thanks to our captivating steampunk-inspired ambiance. Our interior design is a masterful blend of elegance and industrial revolution aesthetics, featuring exposed gears, brass fixtures, and vintage mechanical elements.
This unique setting, with its warm, moody lighting and richly detailed decor, creates an atmosphere that is both sophisticated and adventurous, inviting guests to relax and lose themselves in the experience. Moreover, Amelia prides itself on meticulous attention to detail and an unwavering dedication to high-quality service. From the moment guests walk through our doors, they are greeted with warmth and genuine hospitality. Our staff, trained to anticipate and cater to every need, ensures that each visit is seamless and enjoyable. Whether it’s a personalized menu recommendation, a perfectly timed wine pairing, or a special accommodation for dietary preferences, every aspect of the service is designed to exceed expectations. In addition to our culinary and design elements, Amelia frequently hosts exclusive bar events, with guest shifts from bartenders not only based in the UAE, but from around the world.
What lies ahead for Amelia?
Looking ahead, Amelia plans to continue pushing the boundaries of culinary and experiential dining, constantly striving to elevate the guest experience to new heights. Central to our future vision is the introduction of new and exciting menu items that further explore and celebrate the dynamic fusion of Japanese and Peruvian flavours. Our culinary team is dedicated to ongoing experimentation and creativity, ensuring that our menu remains fresh, innovative, and reflective of the latest trends and techniques in the culinary world. Guests can look forward to seasonal dishes that highlight the finest ingredients, as well as inventive takes on classic favorites. In addition to our food offerings, we are thrilled to announce the upcoming launch of our new cocktail menu.
This carefully curated selection of beverages will feature unique, handcrafted cocktails that push the outer boundaries of mixology with an almost chemical precision. Utilizing a range of exotic ingredients and artisanal spirits, our mixologists will craft drinks that not only complement our dishes but also stand out as exceptional experiences in their own right. Each cocktail is a testament to our commitment to innovation and excellence. Enhancing our immersive design elements is another key focus for Amelia’s future. We plan to further develop our steampunk-inspired ambiance, incorporating even more intricate and captivating details.
Expansion
Moreover, Amelia is poised to expand its presence into other vibrant markets, bringing our unique dining concept to new audiences. We are exploring opportunities to open additional locations in key cities known for their culinary diversity and appreciation for innovative dining experiences. Each new venue will retain the core elements that define Amelia while incorporating local influences to create a distinct and authentic experience for our guests in different regions.
This expansion will allow us to share our passion for culinary fusion and immersive design with an even broader audience, establishing Amelia as a leading name in the global dining scene. Our goal is to keep evolving and innovating, providing our guests with unforgettable dining experiences that celebrate the fusion of cultures and the spirit of adventure. By consistently pushing the envelope in both our culinary offerings and our overall guest experience, Amelia will continue to set the standard for excellence in the world of experiential dining.
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Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Instagram @amelia.dubai More
