Chef Greg Malouf will open Zahira, at H Hotel on Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai in May 2017.
The restaurant will offer a stylish twist on traditional Middle Eastern dishes, with courses outlined as the ‘Art of Mezza’, ‘Art of Sharing’, ‘Art of the Garden’ and the ‘Art of Sweet Design and Tradition’.
The Art of Feasting option is a nine-course tasting menu which will change regularly.
Malouf commented: “I’ve spent years working on the evolution of Lebanese cuisine and while the dishes need to remain faithful to the essence of the region, they can still be presented with creative flair.
“I want to be part of the next chapter in Middle Eastern food and Zahira will be the platform I’ve been looking for to present this next chapter in Dubai.”
Dishes include salmon kibbeh, duck bisteeya, wagyu basterma, seven vegetable tagine and knife & fork ice cream.
The interiors feature banquette seating, ornate wood, brass details and touches of blues and dark greens, aimed at providing a warm and inviting ambience.
In anticipation of the opening of the new restaurant, Greg took Zahira to Melbourne for the 25th anniversary of the Melbourne Food Festival, which took place from 31 March – 9 April.
Greg Malouf is an Australian-Lebanese chef from Melbourne whose cooking style combines Middle Eastern tradition with modern techniques.
He was awarded a Michelin star at the end of 2012 in the UK and has spent time in kitchens around the world including in France, Italy, Austria and Hong Kong.
He is also currently co-writing his eighth book on Middle Eastern desserts, which is due out next year.
