Latest news with #Gerbou
NDTV
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- NDTV
World's Most Beautiful Restaurants Of 2025, As Selected By Prix Versailles
Show Quick Read Summary is AI-generated, newsroom-reviewed Some time ago, Prix Versailles (an annual award series in the architectural and design domain) released its list of the World's Most Beautiful Restaurants for 2025. This selection shines a spotlight on 16 dining spaces that go beyond gastronomy and service - they prove how architecture, artistry, and ambience are equally integral to the experience. These restaurants are not ranked but recognised for the ways in which they have merged aesthetic sensibilities with the spirit of their surroundings. This year's selection includes destinations across the globe - from New York to Riyadh, Paris to Shanghai. In December, three of these restaurants will go on to receive World titles. As per Prix Versailles, these awards aim to "promote intelligent sustainability, in which culture serves and transcends the notion of the environment." Here Are The 16 Most Beautiful Restaurants In The World, As Per Prix Versailles 1. Gerbou in Dubai, United Arab Emirates Located in Nad Al Sheba, Gerbou celebrates both the elegance of modernity and the essence of traditional Emirati hospitality. The space is designed by Kristina Zanic Consultants with Tasmeem Tashkeel. It features elements like fish-scale lighting and camel leather sofas. All of them are crafted with materials native to the region. The interior mirrors the kitchen's philosophy: 70% of ingredients are locally sourced. The dishes by Chef Ionel Catau are a reflection of ancestral respect and contemporary flair. 2. Smoked Room in Dubai, United Arab Emirates Chef Dani Garcia's Smoked Room offers a dark, immersive environment marked by dramatic lighting and textures that mimic fire and metal. Designed by Astet Studio, it boasts an open-flame "Omakase" dining zone, where guests witness each course in the making. Various theatrical elements make the experience unforgettable. There's also a separate dessert room with Japanese-inspired detailing. 3. Blackswan in Beijing, China Situated inside the Luo Hong Art Museum, Blackswan is a poetic tribute to its namesake. The interior design, by Chris Shao Studio, is inspired by the ethereal beauty of swans. There's a lakeside garden view and a cascading feather chandelier by Caroline Sarkozy. The French delicacies by Chef Vianney Massot are served in a monochromatic, graceful space that evokes serenity. 4. Ortensia in Shanghai, China Ortensia is a product of Japanese, French, and Chinese cultural influences. Located in Shanghai' s Zhangyuan district, it combines shikumen architecture with French elegance and Japanese subtlety. Chris Shao Studio has used rustic tiles, lacquer, and carved woodwork to elevate the ambience. This creates a whimsical environment to match its refined fusion menu. 5. Lobster Club in Palma de Mallorca, Spain On the shores of Mallorca, Lobster Club aims to capture Mediterranean energy in a contemporary sea club setting. Designed by Sandra Tarruella, the open-plan venue centres around a bar and infinity pool. Materials like iroko wood and glazed tiles support the relaxing vibe of sun-drenched days. It's a wonderful space that brings together dining, music and seafront relaxation. 6. Bouchon Careme in Helsinki, Finland Located in a century-old building, this Helsinki restaurant pays homage to the Lyonnaise bouchon in its own way. It reinterprets French tradition with Finnish warmth. Studio Fyra preserved key elements like exposed brick and iron columns while allowing daylight to shine through large arched windows. Chef Hans Valimaki's menu of hearty meat and vegetable dishes is complemented by the rustic yet refined design. 7. Laduree Rue Royale in Paris, France Laduree's historic tea room on Rue Royale has been restored to its original 1862 grandeur. Decorator Cordelia de Castellane has introduced pastel hues, Belle Epoque ceilings, and ornate mouldings that evoke 18th-century Paris. Each salon, from Chantilly to Napoleon, offers a dreamlike escape. The design leaves no room for doubt - this establishment is indeed a culinary and cultural landmark. 8. Ducasse Baccarat in Paris, France This restaurant is housed in the former residence of Marie-Laure de Noailles. It is a Parisian gem that unites the culinary mastery of Chef Alain Ducasse with the elegance of Baccarat crystal. Alienor Bechu's interiors feature raw materials and curated artworks, creating an ambience where history and innovation meet beneath shimmering chandeliers. 9. Julie's in London, United Kingdom In the heart of Notting Hill, Julie's has long been a haven for artists and even royalty. The revamped space by Rosanna Bossom and owner Tara MacBain honours the original 1969 glamour with rich 1970s motifs, layered illustrations, and a lush alfresco terrace. The result is a sophisticated yet playful tribute to West London's creative legacy. 10. Shell in Nusa Penida, Indonesia Perched above Diamond Beach, Shell exemplifies biomimicry in design. Pablo Luna Studio used bamboo and rammed earth to create a cavernous, shell-shaped structure that's as functional as it is poetic. Passive cooling and recycled materials make this eco-conscious retreat nearly self-sufficient. It's an architectural homage to nature and sustainability. 11. Coro in Orvieto, Italy Set inside a deconsecrated 16th-century church, Coro balances sacred architecture with modern culinary artistry. While working on its restoration, Architect Giuliano Andrea dell'Uva preserved its tuff stone walls and altar remains. Chef Ronald Bukri's dishes and the serene service reflect this sense of worship. The result is a quiet, contemplative space grounded in Umbrian tradition. 12. Seven Island in Busan, South Korea Built across seven pavilions on Gadeokdo Island, this cafe looks out onto the ocean and seven surrounding isles. Designed by mttb, the minimalist structures contrast dark, earthy tones below with brighter hues above. The objective is that the space should echo the natural play of light and water. The layout offers varied perspectives of the sea, creating a deep sense of place. 13. Kimyona in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia A speakeasy with a twist- Kimyona hides behind a gallery-like entrance and leads into a dim dining space inspired by darkrooms and analogue photography. Designed by Azaz Architects, the interiors use ceramic tiles, reclaimed materials, and steel to combine minimalism and intrigue. The menu features forgotten and reinvented Asian delicacies. 14. Another Smith in Tha Sai Luat, Thailand This family-run restaurant draws from Chinese architecture and bamboo construction for its design. It houses three spaces: dining room, cafe, and jewellery boutique. Thor Kaichon and TasteSpace have worked together to create bright, open interiors anchored by a central kitchen. Emblems inspired by Chinese family seals bring a heritage touch to the contemporary setting. 15. Beefbar in New York, United States Making its U.S. debut in Tribeca, Monte Carlo's Beefbar channels European elegance as well as Manhattan's industrial charm. Humbert & Poyet's design features tall arched windows, Art Deco lines, and a medley of marble, terrazzo, and textile layers. The result is a lush and modern steakhouse that reflects the multicultural fabric of New York. 16. Japon in Miami Beach, United States Japon in Miami Beach, United States Japon flips the script on minimalism, embracing the colourful spirit of Miami. This restaurant was established by Chefs Vijayudu Veena and Ivan Monzon. Saladino Design Studios filled the space with crane motifs (a symbol of luck, natural beauty and elegance in Japanese culture) from mosaic tiles to wallpaper. Inside, gold-leaf ceilings, vintage woodblock art, and a pagoda patio celebrate the richness of Japanese cuisine and tradition with a vibrant, tropical twist. The 2025 Prix Versailles restaurant list reveals how design and dining need to go hand-in-hand. Aligning both requires creativity, vision and daring.
What's On
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- What's On
9 farm-to-table restaurants in Dubai for nourishing meals
Once upon a time it was fashionable to add the words 'farm to table' to a restaurant description. Just a way to attract more of an audience and to appear different, but now it's evolved and grown into a culinary movement, led by environment and community conscious chefs and restauranteurs who are bringing local farms and farmers into the spotlight. Think fresh, seasonal produce – organic vegetables, free-range and ethically-raised meats, and non-processed dairy. These restaurants in Dubai offer just that. Teible Teible at Jameel Arts Centre is the seasonal, farm-to-table restaurant you need to try this summer. The spot sources 95% of its ingredients from within the UAE – 60% of its fruit and vegetables are supplied by Sharjah's The Greenheart Farm; meat products, such as beef, lamb and camel are sourced from Home Meat Farm; ingredients such as lemon verbena herbs and mushrooms are collected from My Farm Dubai. Guests visiting will see Teible's eco-friendly ceiling made from superfine wood wool sourced from an FSC-certified forest, countertops made with a date seed-based material, and walls built using discarded palm trees from Abu Dhabi. Location: Jameel Arts Centre, Jaddaf Waterfront Times: Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday, 10am to 5pm, 6pm to 9pm, Friday and Saturday, 10am to 5pm, 6pm to 10pm, Monday and Tuesday, 10am to 5pm Contact: (0) 4 243 6683 @teible_ Gerbou Atelier House Hospitality teamed up with with Tashkeel for this farm-to-table restaurant that embodies contemporary Arab culture. Gerbou is a sustainable, homegrown restaurant that celebrates Emirati cuisine, housed in a renovated building from 1987. The spot itself has been decked out with art done by Tahskeel. Mirroring the look and feel, the menu promises to be a flight through Arab and Emirati flavours, with locally sourced, sustainable ingredients taking centre stage. Emirati chef Sahar Al Awadhi has consulted on the culinary offering, which will be led by chef Ionel Catau. Location: Gerbou, Nad Al Sheba Times: Monday to Friday, 7am to 11pm, Saturday and Sunday, 8am to 11pm Contact: (0) 4 222 6888 @gerbou Lila Molino + Taqueria Chef Shaw Lash's brands of homegrown, authentic, flavour-packed Mexican dining are all farm-to-table concepts. Other than the heirloom corn from Mexico, Lila uses locally-sourced ingredients from the likes of Deira Waterfront Market, Dibba Bay and Al Rahba Organic Farm in Abu Dhabi. If you think Mexican food is all mushy avocados and greasy tacos, these spots will prove you wrong. Quality ingredients and authentic flavours are well-presented in a different but warm atmospheres, sure to keep the stomach full but the heart even fuller. Lila is all about good food, and good food only. Lila Molino in Alserkal Avenue also has a concept store you can shop from. Location: Alserkal Avenue, Jumeirah Contact: @lilamolino , @lilataqueria Boca Boca is somewhat of a legend in the Dubai dining scene. 10 years into operation, this restaurant has been pioneering industry-leading sustainability initiatives, that look to further the use of local produce not only in their own restaurant in DIFC, but across the city. When Boca started out in 2014, they looked to include a dish or two that featured seafood from the local fish market. But over the last ten years, the sustainability programme has expanded to a 30-page, 5-pillar sustainability manifesto covering everything from local sourcing to their energy consumption, which has resulted in Boca being recognised with a Green Michelin Star in the Dubai Michelin Guide. Location: Boca, DIFC Times: Sunday to Wednesday, 12pm to 12.30am, Thursday to Saturday, 12.30pm to 1.30am Contact: (0) 4 323 1833 @bocadubai The Growhouse by One Life One Life has always had a made-from-scratch, sustainable philosophy, but now with an indoor farm where they're growing their own ingredients, they're executing it in the most absolute manner – real zero-mile, farm-to-table stuff at The Growhouse, brand new outpost number 3. Housed within industrial chic walls, the cafe and co-working space features a regenerative biodiversity farm and a massive kitchen, three times larger than the sister branches, and is also now the catering HQ of the brand. UAE-based sustainable solutions provider LetitGRO is offering horticulture expertise. Location: The Growhouse by One Life, Alserkal Avenue Times: Daily, 8am to 10.30pm Contact: ( 0) 4 257 3984 @thegrowhousedxb Lowe Dubai's only recipient of a Michelin Green Star for sustainable gastronomy, Lowe has a firm focus on reducing waste, sourcing local and giving back to its community – not only with farm-to-table dining, but also other aspects of sustainability. This eatery first pushed this ethos with its popular Waste Not dinners made entirely of food scraps and has since adapted to the rest of their operations. Think nose-to-tail dining, using leftover peels in recipes and fermentation, and avoiding single-use plastic. Lowe even has its own vegetable garden in their backyard to grow some of their own produce. Location: Lowe, Kao Canvas, Wadi Al Safa 3 Times: Friday to Sunday, 8pm to 4pm, 6pm to 11pm, Monday and Tuesday, closed, Wednesday and Thursday, 6pm to 11pm Contact: ( 0) 4 320 1890 @lowedxb Dibba Bay Oysters What's On Award-winning sustainable restaurant, Dibba Bay Oysters has built an Emirati mariculture business that's almost single-handedly put the UAE on the food producing map. Identifiable by their white and gold-flecked shell and meaty texture, The Friends of the Sea-certified aquaculture farm produces the first and only gourmet oysters from the Middle East. Now you can enjoy them at two standalone Dibba Bay Oysters restaurants. The original can be found at Jumeirah Fishing Harbour 2, while its latest opening promises licensed dining down on the beach at Sheraton JBR. Location: Jumeirah Fishing Harbour 2, Sheraton JBR Contact: @dibbabay_restaurants. Cheesefarm Opening soon on the Nakheel Mall rooftop, this is the UAE's first in-house creamery restaurant. Created by the Novikov Group, Cheesefarm is more than just a restaurant. It is a fully operational creamery and open kitchen, where handmade cheese is prepared daily on-site using organic milk from local UAE farms such as Meliha Dairy in Sharjah. It marks the first restaurant in the UAE to produce fresh cheese in-house, bringing an authentic farm-to-fork dining experience to the city. Here, the food is all about Italian flavours and flair – hearty dishes paired with fresh, made-on-site dairy. Location: Nakheel Mall Times: Sunday to Thursday, 12pm to 12am, Friday to Saturday, 12pm to 1am Contact: ( 0) 52 123 8777 @cheesefarm_uae Farmers Commons Farmers Commons in The First Collection in Jumeirah Village Triangle is a community-inspired, farm-to-table restaurant offering all-day dining in a relaxed, contemporary setting. Born from a simple idea in Texas and now rooted in the heart of Dubai, this is a restaurant that celebrates local farming and sustainable dining in Dubai. The spot has partnered with passionate farmers to honour the rhythms of nature, support local growers, and deliver authentic farm-to-table experiences. Location: The First Collection, Jumeirah Village Triangle Times: Daily, 6.30am to 12am Contact: ( 0) 4 545 2037 @farmerscommonsdubai Images: Socials
What's On
22-07-2025
- Business
- What's On
Tezukuri: A new temaki bar by Chef Neha Mishra of Kinoya is coming soon
It's always good news when two powerhouses in the food and beverage industry team up for some food-related quests, and this new pairing featuring some top-tier names comes with the promise of an unmissable dining concept – a temaki bar by Chef Neha Mishra. Neha Mishra, chef, restauranteur, Kinoya, and Panchali Mahendra, CEO of Atelier House Hospitality, bringing to you concepts like 11Woodfire, Gerbou, Mohalla and more, are bringing a brand new concept to the city. Like many great ideas, this one was born on a whim, at Mishra's birthday last year, where a spread of DIY temaki rolls sparked inspiration between the pair. Now, they're turning that spark into a full-fledged concept dedicated to all things temaki. Say hello to Tezukuri – temaki bar and kissa speakeasy, coming soon in Q3, 2025. How it came to be We all know and love Kinoya, having started as a supper club and now making waves not only in Dubai, but also in London, for some of the best, heart-warming, soul-repairing Japanese ramen around town, casually scoring a Bib Gourmand on the Michelin Guide and the third spot on MENA's 5o Best. This will be a name completely independent of that identity, a new brand sharing no resemblance to any of Kinoya's offerings. Set to be all about temaki, the venture will be a new Japanese dining concept, emphasizing temaki and a unique speakeasy bar with a specialised cocktail offering. The menu will feature a diverse selection of temaki, freshly prepared to preserve flavour and texture. The set-up of the venue and the concept will be such that diners will be able interact with chefs during meal preparation, making for a refined, interactive dining experience. When to expect the opening? While we wait eagerly for the exact opening date to be announced, we can pacify ourselves with this information – it's being expected that the opening will be between August and September, explained Mishra in an Instagram post announcing the upcoming collaboration. 'We are excited to introduce this interactive dining concept, which combines culinary artistry with engaging experiences. Tailored to resonate with the city's appetite for innovative Japanese cuisine, doing this with one of the most talented chefs in the city, and my friend, is going to be a fun ride,' said Panchali Mahendra, in an official press statement. 'As a gaijin who has dedicated their life's work to the pursuit of understanding and creating (my own adaptation of) Japanese cuisine, this feels like a natural progression. Other than being a chef, creating concepts and being an operator appeals to me equally — this time from a unique perspective of being a conductor of the orchestra and allowing the craftsmanship to come from the masters. The partnership, experience, and infrastructure that AHH brings give strength and support to our collective vision,' added Neha Mishra about the temaki bar. Stay tuned for all the exciting developments – we know we'll be… @tezukuridubai @astoryoffood, @atelierhousehospitality, @panchalimahendra Images: @neovikram > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
Euronews
28-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Euronews
The most beautiful restaurants in the world have been unveiled
Prix Versailles, a prestigious global architecture award, has revealed its annual list of the world's most beautiful restaurants - and this year's picks are a feast for the eyes as much as the palate So, who made the cut? Top spot goes to Dubai's Gerbou, a sleek restaurant where traditional Emirati craftsmanship and cuisine meets modern design. With camel leather sofas, ghaf wood chairs, and fish-scale lighting echoing the coast, the space has been described as feeling both intimate and contemporary. Chef Ionel Catau's menu, featuring 70% locally sourced ingredients, reinterprets ancestral flavours with innovative flair - making Gerbou a feast for all the senses. Second place goes to Smoked Room in Dubai - a Michelin-star space with a sophisticated, moody aura. Black bricks have been used alongside mirrors and brass mesh, and its intimate semi-circular layout allows only 14 people at a time to enjoy the restaurant's Omakase experience. The top European entry is Lobster Club in Majorca, Spain - a contemporary sea club embodying the Mediterranean lifestyle. Designed by Sandra Tarruella and created by Juan Picornell of Grupo Cappuccino, the space features fluid dining zones around a central bar and a gorgeous panoramic terrace that blurs indoor and outdoor boundaries. In 6th place is Bouchon Carême in central Helsinki, a Finnish reinterpretation of the traditional Lyonnaise bouchon. Housed in a historic 1900 building, the restaurant preserves original features like exposed brick and cast-iron columns, while Studio Fyra's warm, natural décor creates a cozy atmosphere. Large rounded windows connect diners to the city, complementing Chef Hans Välimäki's menu of simple, timeless local dishes. Two Parisian gems claim the 7th and 8th spots on the list. In 7th place, Ladurée Rue Royale invites guests to step back into 1862 with its recent reopening, boasting a beautifully restored Belle Époque interior by Cordelia de Castellane. Walking through its salons - named Chantilly and Napoléon - is like entering Marie Antoinette's era, where delicate details and timeless elegance create a truly enchanting atmosphere. Right behind it at 8th place, Ducasse Baccarat transforms the former home of art muse Marie-Laure de Noailles. Interior architect Aliénor Béchu masterfully blends raw materials with shimmering crystal accents, while contemporary art and artisan furniture bathe the space in a play of light and shadow. An entry from the UK also makes the top 16 list with Julie's in London's Notting Hill, established in 1969 by interior designer Julie Hodges. The spot quickly became a favourite of actors, fashion icons, and royalty. Once a private gentlemen's club, the space is now open to all, featuring an alfresco terrace that celebrates its deep ties to West London's history and culture.
The National
19-06-2025
- The National
Dubai hotspots Gerbou and Smoked Room named among world's most beautiful restaurants
Two Dubai venues have made it to the World's Most Beautiful Restaurants list for 2025. Omakase eatery Smoked Room and Emirati-inspired Gerbou are among 16 restaurants named in the annual list by Prix Versailles, which recognises outstanding achievements in architectural and interior design. The Prix Versailles publishes the list in a number of categories, from airports to museums and hotels. A world title in each category will be announced in December at the Unesco headquarters in Paris. Opened in 2023, Smoked Room at St Regis Gardens on Palm Jumeirah is helmed by Spanish chef Dani Garcia, and earned a Michelin star just six months after opening. An intimate omakase restaurant, it has a crescent-shaped dining area, filled with a single 14-seater table facing the live kitchen with an open-fire cooking station. A separate dessert room is located next door, featuring spacious bench seating and Japanesque walls. Smoked Room was designed by Astet Studio, and has a material palette of black brick alternated with metals, mirrors and brass mesh. 'The main dining area's semicircular layout allows guests to enjoy a theatrical experience as they watch their dishes being prepared over an open flame,' Prix Versailles said, adding that the restaurant's interior evoke 'a sensory journey enhanced by remarkable smoky staging'. Gerbou, meanwhile, has been praised for highlighting Emirati architecture. The Nad Al Sheba restaurant's name roughly translates to 'welcome to our humble abode' in Arabic. Designed by Kristina Zanic Consultants in collaboration with Tasmeem Tashkeel, the stand-alone restaurant's layout 'is a perfect blend of traditional elements and sophisticated modernity', Prix Versailles said, adding that its designers 'have created an homage to the region's flora and fauna, featuring fish-scale lighting, camel leather sofas and chairs made from ghaf trees'. 'The design is a wonderful reflection of the restaurant's cuisine, made from 70 per cent locally sourced ingredients. Chef Ionel Catau carefully couples ancestral flavours with innovative techniques, a pairing that is echoed in the establishment's decor. The whole is a wonderful illustration of Emirati hospitality.' Another regional restaurant also made it to the global list – Riyadh eatery Kimyona. Designed by Azaz Architects, the restaurant's interior design is inspired by analogue black-and-white photography. The Prix Versailles 'world's most beautiful' awards have been presented since 2015. Last year, it named Abu Dhabi's Zayed International Airport as the most beautiful airport in the world.
