The Exports: 10 UAE Restaurants That Have Gone Global
Nothing beats supporting local businesses, especially those so good that they’ve expanded internationally…
With such a diverse population, the UAE has a rich and versatile dining scene that’ll satisfy every palette. The dynamic country, known for its great entrepreneurial opportunities, allows residents to share their culture and food in restaurants and dining experiences, blending and co-existing, to give guests a slice of almost every country around the world. What’s even more exciting is that so many of these businesses have expanded, becoming global sensations. Here Harper’s Bazaar Arabia shares 10 international restaurants, homegrown heroes in their own right, that have gone global.
The Exports: 10 UAE Restaurants That Have Gone Global
Gaia
Inspired by the core elements of Greek culture, Gaia brings the Mediterranean to you — think summertime comfort food, kissed by the sun. Co-founded by Evgeny Kuzin and Chef Izu Ani, the restaurant is located at Gate Village 4 in DIFC, and has branches in London, Monte-Carlo, and Doha.
For more information, visit gaia-restaurants.com.
The Maine
From opening its first location at a loading dock far out on Dubai’s coastline to having six different branches — including ones in Ibiza and London — The Maine has certainly proved itself as the go-to restaurant for seafood. Founded by Joey Ghazal, the restaurant now has four locations in Dubai, including its original spot as well as a branch in JBR, Business Bay, and Studio City.
For more information, visit themaine.ae.
SALT
Created by Amal Al Marri and Deem Albassam, SALT is a homegrown Emirati burger joint with branches in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait. A concept that initially started as a temporary food truck at Kite Beach, the restaurant has grown to become a staple in Dubai’s dining scene, best known for exceptional burgers and its youthful decor.
For more information, visit instagram.com.
Il Borro Tuscan Bistro
Transporting guests to Tuscany, Il Borro Tuscan Bistro is offering visitors a taste of genuine Italian cuisine — be it here in Dubai or at its London location in Mayfair. Launched by Omar Saideh, head of Orange Hospitality, the restaurant is known for its beautiful decor and views thanks to its ideal location at Jumeirah Al Naseem.
For more information, visit ilborrotuscanbistro.ae.
Ammos
Homegrown Greek restaurant concept from Dubai that has taken its sun-soaked Mediterranean flavors abroad, with outposts now open in Ibiza, Marbella, and Doha. Known for its laid-back yet stylish vibe, Ammos pairs fresh seafood and traditional Greek recipes with a chic coastal setting, making it a favorite for those seeking an authentic Hellenic dining experience outside of Dubai.
For more information, visit https://www.ammosgreek.com/.
Arabian Tea House
Arabian Tea House invites guests to experience the charm of an older Dubai with its beautiful decor and authentic Emirati dishes. Having first launched in Al Fahidi, one of the city’s historical neighbourhoods, Arabian Tea House now has several branches throughout Dubai along with locations in Egypt and Montenegro.
For more information, visit arabianteahouse.com.
Flamingo Room by tashas
Located in Jumeirah Al Naseem, Flamingo Room by tashas has made a name for itself as the place to go to for fine African cuisine. From the UAE to KSA the restaurant — famous for its pink in decor — offers guests a variety of exceptional dishes in a romantic yet chic setting.
For more information, visit flamingoroombytashas.com.
OPA
Hailing from Greece, OPA is a restaurant that came to life after founder Tassos discovered a gap in the options for Greek food in Dubai. Now with a diverse menu, OPA has achieved its purpose of bringing the city’s residents closer to the Mediterranean. Thanks to its great success the restaurant has expanded with locations in Bahrain, St. Tropez and Mumbai.
For more information, visit opadubai.com.
Shanghai Me
Inspired by the rich cuisine of East Asia, Shanghai Me offers guests the opportunity to visit the Far East while in Dubai. Aside from having a branch at DIFC in Dubai, Shanghai Me has also opened a location in Doha.
For more information, visit shanghaime-restaurant.com.
Trèsind
First launched in Dubai in 2014, Trèsind has redefined modern Indian cuisine with its inventive approach and theatrical presentation. Its success at home led to international expansion, with Mumbai as its first overseas location. Celebrated for blending traditional Indian flavors with contemporary fine-dining techniques, Trèsind has become a benchmark for progressive Indian gastronomy on a global stage.
For more information, visit tresind.com.
Lead image courtesy of Instagram/ @tresinddubai