From Dubai to London: UAE restaurants and cafés take root in UK capital

Arab News

6 days ago

Tashas
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The upscale café Tasha's first launched in South Africa in 2005 and now operates six branches across the UAE. Its London debut, at Battersea Power Station, marked a major milestone for founder Natasha Sideris. 'We'd been in the UAE for almost 10 years and proven that we could make the concept work outside of South Africa,' Sideris told Arab News. 'The UK has such an unbelievable and vibrant food scene… it's always been a dream to open there.' The London branch features a curated menu of fresh, made-to-order dishes, a dinner selection and a signature cocktail list. 'Our UAE-based customers have been incredibly supportive,' Sideris said. 'They always say that coming to Tashas Battersea is like coming home.'
Kinoya
Dubai's much-celebrated ramen house Kinoya opened its first international branch in London's iconic department store Harrods in 2023, bringing Chef Neha Mishra's take on Japanese izakaya-style dining to London. In Dubai, Kinoya was recently awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand for the second year in a row, and ranked number seven in the World's 50 Best Restaurants for the MENA region. The concept is centered around a ramen-focused izakaya experience that celebrates both traditional ramen and a variety of Japanese dishes. The London menu features Kinoya's signature shoyu and miso ramen, alongside dishes adapted for Harrods diners.
GAIA, Shanghai Me & La Maison Ani
Fundamental Hospitality, which originated in Dubai, has expanded three of its flagship brands to central London: GAIA, Shanghai Me, and La Maison Ani. 'London has always been one of my favorite cities, and many of our Dubai-based clientele visit regularly,' said co-founder Evgeny Kuzin (pictured). 'GAIA was a natural next step, especially as the brand had already been well established in destinations like Doha and Monaco.' Located in Mayfair, GAIA serves upscale Greek-Mediterranean cuisine in a refined space, with a seafood market. Meanwhile, Shanghai Me is set to open this month in the Hilton Park Lane. 'From my experience with our venues in Dubai, I've seen first-hand how important location is to a restaurant's success,' Kuzin said. 'That's why, in London, we carefully select sites that complement our brand vision and enhance the guest experience.'
Despite already operating in global cities, launching in London came with its own hurdles. 'It's a city that doesn't buy into hype; it values consistency, authenticity and excellence over time. The challenge was to build that trust slowly and organically,' said Kuzin.
And the response from Gulf-based guests has been strong. 'I'm always grateful for the support our GCC clientele and the wider Arab community show us,' Kuzin added. 'It's incredibly rewarding to see familiar faces supporting us abroad.'
Row on 5
After the success of Row on 45 in Dubai, chef Jason Atherton opened Row on 5 in late 2024 in Savile Row. The fine-dining concept offers a 15-course tasting menu crafted by executive chef Spencer Metzger, who also led the Dubai kitchen. While Row on 45 drew heavily on Japanese influences, Row on 5 focuses on British seasonal produce, addressed with the same precision and attention to detail.
Saddle
Originally a dessert concept in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, Saddle opened a permanent location in London's South Kensington in 2024. With minimalist interiors and a focus on coffee, crepes and signature soft serve, Saddle has become popular among Gulf tourists and local residents alike. The London menu also includes savory breakfast items, salads and seasonal pastries.
Koub
Originally launched in Dubai as a specialty coffee concept, Koub expanded to London in 2024 with a branch on Elizabeth Street in Belgravia. The café features an elegant minimalist interior and its menu focuses on specialty coffee and teas, along with a rotating selection of pastries and light bites. 'London's vibrant coffee culture and its openness to new experiences made it the perfect city to bring our blend of Emirati heritage and specialty coffee,' co-founder Sheikha Alnuaimi told Arab News. 'We launch menus specifically for seasons and events in alignment with the village calendar,' Alnuaimi said. 'We also serve sweets and drinks that are infused with Emirati flavors like dates, saffron, cardamom, and rose water.
'Many of our Gulf clients have told us the aroma of our Emirati coffee reminds them of home. Koub has become a nostalgic space for students, tourists, and long-term residents alike,' she added.
Parker's
Founded in the UAE in 2015, Parker's opened its first UK location near Oxford Street in 2023. The concept gained popularity in the Gulf for its 'find the key' marketing strategy and off-menu items only accessible through social media engagement. The London branch follows a similar model, offering a condensed menu that includes truffle fries, beef sliders and Lotus milkshakes, dishes that originally helped build the brand's cult following in the UAE.
Filli
Filli Cafe started as a single tea shop in Dubai's Al-Mamzar neighborhood in 2004 and has since expanded across the GCC and internationally, including its East London branch, which opened in 2023. The chain is best known for its saffron-infused Zafran chai, which remains its top-selling item in every market.