Set to be the world’s highest foodhall, Culinara will unite original homegrown dining concepts in the heart of Dubai’s architectural icon.
Dubai, UAE – 08 May 2025 – Set within the architectural marvel of The Link at One Za’abeel, Culinara Social Dining is set to open its doors in May 2025, cementing its place as a dynamic culinary destination in Dubai. A vibrant dining collective 100 metres above the ground, Culinara brings together a curated line-up of 12 homegrown concepts in one unforgettable setting. More than just a place to eat, Culinara is where people come together to connect over great food and meaningful conversation.
With an array of kitchens as diverse as the city itself, Culinara showcases some of the region’s most innovative culinary minds, each presenting a fresh interpretation of global flavours. The Dish by Chef Sperxos reimagines Greek-Mediterranean cuisine with a distinctly modern sensibility, with standout dishes such as deconstructed lamb loin souvlaki and red-prawns orzo saganaki. At SIO Ramen House by chef Reif Othman, umami takes center stage through rich, slow simmered broths and inventive noodle dishes. Standouts include the Carbonara Udon, a creamy and indulgent bowl with onsen egg, crispy beef bacon, and shaved pecorino, and the Spicy Vongole Ramen, a bold brothless take featuring fresh clams, hojiso, shiso leaves, and a punch of yuzu togarashi. KONA Pizza House, Othman’s second concept, pushes boundaries by merging Japanese and Korean ingredients with Italian tradition. The Diavolina is layered with gochujang tomato sauce, marinated Wagyu ribs, and galbi mayo, while the Ama Ebi brings together spicy tomato sauce, red yuzu kosho, and fresh shrimp. Each pizza is built on KONA’s signature high hydration dough, crafted with care and precision.
Crudo Raw Tapas Bar – a new concept from seasoned restaurateurs Roberto Segura and Javier de la Flor – is rooted in Mediterranean freshness and global influence, offering crudo platters and reimagined tapas crafted with locally sourced and select imported ingredients. At Seiran, veteran restaurateur Masoud Shafie presents a refined take on Persian cuisine, placing charcoal-grilled meats at the heart of the menu. Marinated lamb kebabs, stews, and saffron rice are presented with contemporary flair while remaining deeply authentic. At Joumana’s Table, brothers Khaled and Maleck Habib infuse the Dubai skyline with cherished childhood memories through their mother’s treasured recipes and a shared passion for great food. Highlighting their culinary heritage, signature dishes feature slow-cooked stews, expertly chargrilled meats, and golden mezze — timeless recipes lovingly passed down through generations.
Lifestyle café NETTE by Haider Madani balances wellness and indulgence, with a French-Japanese menu that features healthy brunch dishes and flavorful mains such as the Soy Glazed Ribeye with rice noodle salad and tomato ponzu gel—crafted with a mindful approach to sustainability and responsibly sourced ingredients. The Coffee Lab, led by founder Osama Belshalat, offers expertly roasted speciality coffee, pastries and signature drinks like Spanish cortado and coconut latte. Driven by craftsmanship and obsessive quality control, the brand brings a cult-like following to the venue.
Designed for a social flow, from aperitivo to after-dinner, HighBall is a stylish central bar from local hospitality team Tactile Food Group. The innovative menu puts Soju Highballs in the spotlight, alongside house-made infusions, low-ABV selections, and drink collaborations with fellow concepts at The Link.
Further enhancing the gastronomic journey is ITALTOUCH, a gourmet retail space from Massimo Vidoni, affectionately known as TruffleManDubai. Guests can shop a range of Italian truffles, artisanal oils, sauces, cheeses, and sustainable caviar, while enjoying indulgent in-store tastings, such as caviar with blinis and crème fraîche. Also located within Culinara, the African + Eastern’sconcept store offers guests to explore and purchase a curated selection of fine wines and premium spirits from some of the world’s most celebrated producers.
From a matcha-fuelled brunch to after-dark ramen or a sunset aperitivo with views of the Dubai skyline, Culinara offers something for every moment, mood, and palate. A curated calendar of events, themed nights, and guest chef appearances will animate the venue and enhance the guest experience. With new concepts still to be announced, Culinara will continue to evolve, promising new flavours, stories, and surprises with every visit.
