BysairaFOOD & DRINKSJuly, 2025

DISCOVER HOMEGROWN CONCEPTS AT CULINARA SOCIAL DINING IN DUBAI

Culinara Social Dining starring 12 homegrown concepts from Dubai’s top culinary talents is located inside The Link at One Za’abeel.

Bringing fresh concept and evolving tastes Culinara Social Dining is home to 12 original concepts and gourmet residencies, from vibrant Greek and Asian flavours to juicy burgers, refined Persian and modern Lebanese cuisine.

Set within the architectural marvel of The Link at One Za’abeel, this vibrant dining collective is 100 metres above the ground. More than just a place to eat, Culinara is where you can hangout with friends, spend a few hours working on your laptop or then simply relax with a coffee on your own.

With an array of kitchens, 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. Don’t miss out on their fresh and zesty signature Greek Salad.

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. You can head here bright and early in the morning for breakfast.

The Coffee Lab, led by founder Osama Belshalat, offers expertly roasted speciality coffee, pastries and signature drinks like Spanish cortado and coconut latte. Our personal favourite is their Flat White with Brazil beans.

Designed for a social flow, from aperitivo to after-dinner, HighBall is a stylish central bar from local hospitality team Tactile Food Group.

We were also delighted to discover ITALTOUCH, a gourmet retail space from our friend, Massimo Vidoni, affectionately known as TruffleManDubai. You can shop from a range of Italian truffles, artisanal oils, sauces, cheeses, and sustainable caviar, and also enjoy indulgent in-store tastings, such as caviar with blinis and crème fraîche.

From a matcha-fuelled brunch to after-dark ramen or a sunset aperitivo with views of the Dubai skyline, Culinara offers something for every palate.