Italian 'lifestyle' F&B brand to open in Dubai

A new, high-end Italian restaurant bar will open its doors next year in Dubai International Financial Centre.

The restaurant’s concept will follow the likes of new destination venues Toro Toro and Gaucho and combine a restaurant, bar and lounge under one roof, making it a place where diners can spend a whole evening.

Managing partner Roberto Rella said: “It will consist of three concepts under one roof - it’s a venue in itself. It’s situated in DIFC and it sits very well there – it’s more like a lifestyle choice than a place just to go and eat.

“We are specialists in restaurants, but we are also specialists in hospitality. To make you feel at home is not only about you coming for food. Even if you just come for a cappuccino and a dessert, or a glass of wine, we want you to feel welcome. There’s no distinction.

“We are putting the same attention into each part of the venue. It’s not like in one part there’s better service and in another better food. It’s about the venue as a whole.

Rella describes Roberto’s as having Roman passion for food, Riccione hospitality, and Milanese style. It will be made up of a restaurant, terrace and a lounge. It will also feature the first Mediterranean crudo bar, featuring fresh seafood, and the restaurant and bar will offer over 200 wine labels.

Rella, who first came to Dubai 11 years ago to establish BiCE Italian restaurant at Hilton Dubai Jumeirah, left the company at the end of 2010 and has been working on this new project since.

He brings with him top Sicilian executive chef, Andrea Mugavero, and is recruiting a team of 70 people.

“At the moment we are working with Draw Link, the interior design company, and we are busy training staff and developing menus. For me it’s very important that the staff know about Italian culture. Many clients have the tendancy to play with words or have a joke with certain famous sentances that come from films.

“We are showing staff DVDs like The Big Night, and The Godfather."