d3 looking to standalone F&B concepts over chains

Chefs who have collectively amassed nine Michelin stars are among the line-up for Dubai Design District (d3)'s 2016 culinary concepts.

However, in a statement, d3 said it has chosen to partner with F&B outlets that have a 'distinct style and character' rather than invite international chains or franchises.

d3 will house fine dining restaurants Frantzen, hailing from Sweden, and Jean-Georges, as well as standalone restaurants such as Craft Café, Molecule, Chez Charles, Vicolo, L’Arte, Coffeol, Tossed, One Life Kitchen & Café, Amorino and Harper’s Bazaar Café.

A café called Ginza Lounge will showcase Mario Testino’s photography collection Heat, which is debuting for the first time globally at d3 until April 15.

Continuing this partnership with Ginza, d3 will welcome rustic Peruvian restaurant Tupac and upscale Japanese restaurant Masa, both opening for the first time outside of their home countries.

Ginza managing director Tariq Khan said: “The demographics of d3 excite us as it positions itself to bring together the best and the brightest in the fashion and creative worlds. We are very excited to launch such popular and world-renowned restaurants to this unique location.”

d3 chief operating officer Mohammad Saeed Al Shehhi commented: “Dubai Design District is deeply honoured to have such an esteemed portfolio of creative partners and we are excited to be welcoming local emerging talent, innovative galleries and fresh new lifestyle & F&B concepts to d3, driving the region’s design community forward.

“Our ambition is to pioneer a location where passion and purpose come together to connect each area of the sector and our latest retail and culinary additions showcase this."

He added: “Each creative partner has been carefully chosen to add another dimension to our creative collective. In order to achieve our vision for d3 to become a global meeting point, it was essential to offer a bespoke retail experience, lifestyle outlets plus satisfying dining options for its residents and visitors, to propel Dubai’s position as the emerging design capital of the world.”

Some of d3's outlets have already opened, with the rest becoming operational by the end of Q2 2016.