10 Celebrity Chefs with restaurants in the UAE

Note: article first appeared on 13/04/22 on visitdubai.com. Click here to see the original.

1. Gordon Ramsay 

The enigmatic British chef and restaurateur Gordon Ramsay needs little introduction, thanks to a career involving Michelin stars, successful television shows and award-winning dining concepts. Some of Ramsay’s international favourites have found memorable addresses in Dubai, so enjoy classic British fare at Bread Street Kitchen at Atlantis, The Palm and show-stopping cuisine at Hell's Kitchen at Caesars Palace Dubai on Bluewaters Island.

2. Nobu Matsuhisa

Down-to-earth Japanese food icon Nobu Matsuhisa is a major source of inspiration for discerning clientele across the globe. In 2008, he opened his celebrity-favourite hotspot, Nobu, at Dubai's Atlantis, The Palm, sparking the trend of modern Japanese dining concepts. At this buzzing restaurant, he artfully blends traditional and contemporary cuisine, with a touch of Arabian indulgence.

3. Massimo Bottura 

Inspired by his hometown of Modena – known for sublime food, art and supercars – Massimo Bottura's experimental take on Italian cuisine helped make Osteria Francescana one of the best restaurants in the world. Dubai is home to one of his newer gems, Torno Subito, a chic yet casual 1960s-style eatery where you can enjoy playful Italian delicacies by the water. Expect crowd-pleasing dishes, including the trademark cacio e pepe and tagliatelle ragu.

4. Giorgio Locatelli 

Italian chef Giorgio Locatelli's lineage speaks to his innate talent for food. Raised among dedicated cooks and chefs in Corgeno, a town in northern Italy, he worked his way through restaurants in Switzerland, England and Paris to become one of the world's greatest chefs. Sample his expertise at Ronda Locatelli in Atlantis, The Palm, a laidback eatery that serves authentic Italian cuisine, with all the flavour and none of the pretence.

5. Akira Back 

With over 20 years in the game, Akira Back's style embraces his zest for adventure. He's a prolific restauranteur with a global presence. Dubai is on that star-studded list of notable eateries too, with the eponymous Akira Back at W Dubai – The Palm featuring bold Japanese cuisine with Korean and international influence. Alternatively, Paru at Caesars Palace is home to modern Japanese fare.

6. Gary Rhodes

Among many with a Dubai connection, probably the deepest belonged to the late Gary Rhodes OBE. After his first local restaurant, Rhodes Mezzanine at Grosvenor House in 2007, he went on to have a string of successes in the city. Relaunched as Rhodes W1, diners can't get enough of the tender lamb cutlets, aubergine steaks and sticky toffee pudding, while the gourmet steakhouse Rhodes Twenty10 is another must-try dining highlight.

7. Jason Atherton 

Jason Atherton has seen Dubai's food scene evolve over his many years in the industry. The Gordon Ramsay protégé worked at Verre, before returning to his native UK and carving out a formidable reputation in his own right. He later returned to Dubai to open the ever-popular Marina Social. Here, you can enjoy Michelin-quality food in a smart casual setting, enhanced by an open kitchen and a British menu designed for sharing. 

8. Pierre Gagnaire 

Pierre Gagnaire's fearless approach to cuisine is what makes him a trailblazer in the global fusion movement. The French cuisinier with Michelin-starred restaurants delights by playing with his food, matching diverse flavours for rich and memorable dishes. His penchant for the eccentric is also apparent at his Dubai-based restaurant and lounge, Pierre's TT at Dubai Festival City. Playful and young in its surroundings, the menu is diverse enough to satisfy global gourmands.

9. Alvin Leung 

With Michelin stars awarded to his London and Hong Kong restaurants, chef Alvin Leung is now thrilling Dubai diners with signature Asian plates at Demon Duck at Caesars Palace. Located on Bluewaters Island, the eatery takes diners on a journey through the Far East, with fresh takes on Cantonese, Malaysian and Korean classics. Opt for the Duck Journey to sample highlights including whole slow-roasted Peking duck served with citrus calamansi baos.

10. Vineet Bhatia 

One of the most celebrated chefs in the world, Vineet Bhatia is renowned for elevating classic Indian cuisine to new gastronomical heights. Imaginative and experimental, Bhatia's take on food gives fusion a new meaning. Get a taste of his genius at Indego by Vineet, located in the Grosvenor House, or head to Indya by Vineet at Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa for modern, progressive Indian fare.