SimplyAbuDhabi XLI

The origin story In 2012, an original concept boldly stepped into the lifestyle dining space in Dubai’s fast-growing DIFC district. That restaurant, Roberto’s, has carved out its own special place on the Dubai food and beverage landscape as a trend-leading modern Italian restaurant, and has generated a reputation as a brand that has never rested on its laurels. By being first to adapt to the ever- changing Dubai demographic, Roberto’s blazed the trail for other restauranteurs who had a vision but had very few local references of success to benchmark against. Since opening in DIFC, Roberto’s has become one of the rare Dubai origin dining concepts that has successfully gone international while remaining an important DIFC home-grown restaurant. Mustafa Turgul, Roberto’s Brand Ambassador, and co-founder has been at the centre of the brand evolution since opening and he is renowned for his legendary approach to hosting. Reflecting on the Roberto’s origins he says, “When we opened Roberto’s in DIFC the trend in Dubai’s restaurant scene was for big groups, hotels or investors to bring in global restaurant brands and to simply press play. We wanted to challenge this thinking and to create something original, new and independent that was born in Dubai. I am so proud of what the team has achieved over the last 10 years with the brand, and so excited for the 10 years ahead.” As the beloved local icon has evolved, Roberto’s has grown with its clientele to offer at-home catering, home delivery, and the recently launched ‘Roberto’s at Sea’ experience – a luxurious maritime culinary experience on a 58-foot yacht. And there’s more to come as the brand moves forward. Focus on world-class execution While Roberto’s has always been a go-to lifestyle destination for Dubai’s movers and shakers, of course it’s the food that takes centre-stage. The culinary program has bona fide credentials, which have always been at the heart of the concept. The award- winning Group Executive Chef Francesco Guarracino collaborates with the renowned 9-star Michelin chef Enrico Bartolini for every new menu release, which positions Roberto’s as an innovative modern Italian experience. The evolution of the culinary program has included ground-breaking elements including the first crudo bar ‘Rawberto’s’ and an aged Italian meat butchery for guests. Chef Bartolini said, “Our approach with the Roberto’s menu is always to take authentic Italian cuisine and world class ingredients forward to innovate and create a modern expression of Italian food.” Bartolini and Guarracino’s epicurean mantra is clearly evident in the unique Roberto’s dishes such as the grilled octopus with cacio and pepe sauce, or the Calamarata with red prawns that have their own innovative origins stories. The excellence in the kitchen is always complimented by the elegant service in the dining room, the vibrant lounge, and the iconic terrace amid high style, given Roberto’s subtle approach to luxurious touches and lighting that creates elegant spaces across the diverse setting to suit all occasions. 236 | Simply Abu Dhabi