These Dubai-based chefs are shaping the city’s culinary identity, one unforgettable plate at a time.
Dubai’s homegrown dining scene continues to push boundaries, and a wave of talents who’ve made the city their home blend heritage, innovation and storytelling into restaurants that go far beyond the plate.
Whether it’s bold tasting menus or soulful comfort cooking, these are the names you need to know right now.
Neha Mishra, Kinoya
Chef Neha Mishra has turned Kinoya into one of Dubai’s most beloved dining destinations, built on a passion for authentic ramen and Japanese izakaya culture. What started as a supper club has evolved into a Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant known for its deeply comforting broths and precise execution. Mishra’s approach is rooted in research and respect for tradition, yet she injects a warmth and personality that keeps diners coming back.
Where: Onyx Tower, The Greens
Follow: @astoryoffood, @kinoya.ae
Solemann Haddad, Moonrise
At Moonrise, Solemann Haddad delivers a masterclass in experiential and intimate dining. With just a handful of seats, the chef’s tasting menu draws on his Dubai upbringing, while weaving in global techniques and unexpected flavour pairings. Haddad’s cooking feels deeply personal, often telling stories of identity and place through each course. It’s bold, creative and unapologetically modern, positioning him as one of the city’s brightest culinary stars.
Where: Eden House, Satwa
Follow: @solemann.xyz, @moonrise.xyz
Salam Daqqaq, Bait Maryam and Sufret Maryam
Chef Salam Daqqaq is the heart behind Bait Maryam and Sufret Maryam, where nostalgic Levantine cooking takes centre stage. Her food is deeply rooted in family recipes, celebrating the flavours of Jordan and Palestine with honesty and warmth. Daqqaq’s ability to balance authenticity with consistency has earned her a loyal following, making her restaurants essential stops for anyone seeking soulful, home-style Middle Eastern cuisine.
Where: Bait Maryam, JLT and Sufret Maryam, Wasl 51
Follow: @bait.maryam, @sufretmaryam
Himanshu Saini, Tresind Studio
Himanshu Saini is a driving force behind modern Indian fine dining, with Tresind Studio widely regarded as one of Dubai’s most groundbreaking restaurants. His tasting menus push boundaries, reimagining traditional Indian flavours through contemporary techniques and striking presentation. Each dish is meticulously crafted, often surprising diners with unexpected textures and bold reinventions. Saini’s vision has elevated Indian cuisine on the global stage, earning critical acclaim (including a coveted 3 Michelin Star rating) and firmly placing Dubai on the map for innovative gastronomy.
Where: St Regis Gardens, Palm Jumeirah
Follow: @chefhimanshusaini, @tresindstudio
Mohamad Orfali, Orfali Bros and Three Bros
Mohamad Orfali has built a culinary empire rooted in Levantine flavours with a modern twist. At both his Wasl 51 restaurants, Orfali Bros and Three Bros, he combines creativity with a strong sense of identity, producing dishes that are both playful and deeply satisfying. His restaurants buzz with energy, reflecting his personality and passion, and have snapped up some of the city’s biggest foodie awards for their innovation and quality.
Where: Wasl 51
Follow: @m.orfali, @threebros_kitchen, @orfalibros
Hadrien Villedieu, Chez Wam
At Chez Wam, Hadrien Villedieu brings a relaxed yet refined approach to dining that blends French technique with global influences. His menu is ever-evolving, guided by seasonality and a desire to keep things fresh and exciting. Villedieu’s cooking strikes a balance between comfort and creativity, offering dishes that feel familiar but elevated. The laid-back vibe of Chez Wam mirrors his philosophy, great food without pretension, making it a favourite among those in the know.
Where: St Regis Gardens, Palm Jumeirah
Follow: @hadrienvilledieu, @chezwamdubai
Gabriela Chamorro, Girl and the Goose
Gabriela Chamorro is championing Central American cuisine in Dubai with Girl and the Goose, a vibrant concept that celebrates the bold, colourful flavours of Nicaragua. What began as a supper club in 2019 has turned into a fantastic eatery in Downtown. Her dishes are rich in heritage, showcasing traditional techniques, and every plate is packed with personality. Chamorro’s passion for storytelling through food shines, offering diners something truly different in a city known for its diversity.
Where: Anantara Downtown
Follow: @chefgabrielachamorro, @girl.and.the.goose
Gregoire Berger, Kraken
Gregoire Berger has long been one of Dubai’s most innovative chefs, and Kraken sees him dive even deeper into creativity. Known for his artistic plating and emotionally driven menus, Berger crafts immersive dining experiences that engage all the senses. His cooking often explores themes of nature and memory, resulting in dishes that are as thought-provoking as they are delicious. With Kraken, he continues to push boundaries, redefining what fine dining in Dubai can look like.
Where: Al Wasl Road
Follow: @chefgregoireberger, @krakendubai
Penelope Diaz, Fusion Ceviche
Penelope Diaz brings the vibrant spirit of Peru to Dubai through Fusion Ceviche, where fresh, zesty flavours take centre stage. Her family-run restaurant is always buzzing with a familiar warmth, while the menu celebrates the diversity of Peruvian cuisine. Expect perfectly balanced ceviches, bold marinades and dishes that highlight the freshness of each ingredient. Diaz’s energy is reflected in both the food and the atmosphere, creating a dining experience that feels lively, approachable and full of flavour.
Where: Cluster Q, JLT
Follow: @chef_penelope_diaz, @fusioncevichedxb22
Kelvin Cheung, Jun’s
Kelvin Cheung’s Jun’s is a masterclass in third-culture cooking, blending influences from his Chinese heritage, Canadian upbringing and global travels. The result is a menu that feels both familiar and entirely new, with dishes that cleverly fuse flavours and techniques from across the world. Cheung’s approach is thoughtful yet playful, delivering dishes you’ll likely not get anywhere else in the city.
Where: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard
Follow: @chefkelvincheung, @junsdubai
