Dubai and the wider Middle East have always been global crossroads—places where cultures meet, luxury thrives, and culinary boundaries are constantly pushed. Over the past decade, the region has witnessed a remarkable transformation in its food and hospitality landscape. Beyond five-star hotels and fine-dining institutions, one trend has captured the attention of food lovers and travelers alike: the rise of celebrity-owned restaurants and cafés. These establishments combine star power with culinary excellence, giving guests not only world-class food but also an experience infused with glamour, brand identity, and storytelling.
Here are five of the most celebrated celebrity-owned dining destinations across Dubai and the Middle East that have redefined the way the region eats and entertains.
Nusr-Et Steakhouse: Salt Bae’s Global Stage
When Nusret Gökçe, better known as “Salt Bae,” first went viral for his dramatic salt-sprinkling gesture, few could have predicted the global empire he was about to build. His flagship restaurant in Dubai, Nusr-Et Steakhouse, is now one of the city’s most iconic celebrity dining experiences. Located in the heart of DIFC, it is as much a performance venue as it is a steakhouse. Diners don’t just order steaks; they witness Nusret or his chefs slicing, seasoning, and serving meat with theatrical flair.
The menu emphasizes premium cuts of beef, expertly grilled, alongside an indulgent mix of burgers, sides, and signature dishes like the famous Golden Tomahawk steak wrapped in edible gold leaf. What sets Nusr-Et apart isn’t just the quality of its meat, but the social media spectacle surrounding it. For locals and tourists alike, a meal here isn’t just dinner—it’s an event, an Instagram story, and a brush with culinary celebrity culture.
Kashkan by Ranveer Brar: India Meets Dubai
For celebrity chef Ranveer Brar, food has always been about storytelling, and his Dubai restaurant Kashkan embodies that philosophy. Located in Global Village, Kashkan is more than a dining destination—it’s a journey through India’s diverse culinary regions. Brar, a household name in India through his TV shows and cookbooks, has designed the restaurant to reflect his travels and personal interpretations of India’s vast food heritage.
The menu at Kashkan spans flavors from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, blending street food favorites with elevated, modern twists. Dishes are plated with finesse yet retain authenticity, allowing diners to explore India’s culinary depth without leaving Dubai. The restaurant is also designed with cultural richness, combining modern interiors with touches that nod to Indian artistry and tradition. For Dubai’s massive Indian diaspora as well as curious foodies from other backgrounds, Kashkan is a chance to taste nostalgia and novelty at once.
Gordon Ramsay’s Bread Street Kitchen & Bar: British Flair at Atlantis
Few chefs command as much global recognition as Gordon Ramsay, and his influence in Dubai is undeniable. His restaurant Bread Street Kitchen & Bar, housed in Atlantis, The Palm, delivers a slice of London to the Middle East. The space is relaxed yet refined, designed for families, tourists, and fine-dining enthusiasts alike.
The menu offers elevated versions of British comfort food, including Ramsay’s legendary beef Wellington, fresh seafood, and perfectly cooked steaks. Paired with craft cocktails and a lively atmosphere, Bread Street Kitchen brings an approachable elegance to Dubai’s high-end dining scene. What makes Ramsay’s presence in Dubai unique is not only the strength of his brand but also the way he adapts his menus to the tastes of an international clientele. It’s proof of how Dubai’s culinary scene thrives on both local heritage and global influence.
Jamie’s Pizzeria by Jamie Oliver: Simple, Honest Food
While Dubai boasts plenty of opulent dining destinations, Jamie Oliver’s Pizzeria provides something refreshingly simple—honest Italian food made from quality ingredients. Oliver, known globally for his TV shows and advocacy for healthier eating, opened his casual dining concept in Dubai to make authentic pizza and pasta accessible to families and young professionals.
At Jamie’s Pizzeria, the emphasis is on rustic flavors, handmade dough, and fresh, seasonal toppings. The vibe is relaxed and friendly, making it a go-to spot for casual lunches or group dinners. Unlike some celebrity-owned establishments that rely heavily on exclusivity, Oliver’s pizzeria thrives on inclusivity and comfort. It reminds diners that sometimes, food’s greatest luxury is its simplicity.
PappaRoti: A Homegrown Success Story with Global Reach
While not tied to a Hollywood chef or Western TV star, PappaRoti has earned its celebrity status in the Middle East through the vision of Emirati entrepreneur Rasha Al Danhani. Known for its signature coffee-coated buns, PappaRoti started in Malaysia before Al Danhani brought the concept to Dubai and expanded it into a household name across the region.
The café chain has since become a staple in malls, airports, and city centers throughout the UAE and beyond. Its success lies in its ability to deliver comfort food with a twist—a perfectly baked bun with a crispy coffee-flavored crust and buttery inside, paired with signature drinks. PappaRoti represents the Middle East’s ability not only to embrace international trends but to transform them into region-defining successes.
Conclusion: Where Stars Meet Flavors
The rise of celebrity-owned restaurants and cafés in Dubai and the Middle East reflects the region’s growing role as a global culinary hub. These establishments thrive not only because of the star power behind them but because they capture the essence of what today’s diners seek: memorable experiences, a sense of identity, and flavors that tell a story.
From Salt Bae’s viral theatrics at Nusr-Et to Ranveer Brar’s cultural storytelling at Kashkan, from Gordon Ramsay’s refined British classics to Jamie Oliver’s approachable Italian comfort food, and from PappaRoti’s local entrepreneurial success to its global expansion, each venue adds something distinct to the region’s dining landscape.
In the Middle East, food has always been about more than sustenance. It is a symbol of hospitality, community, and culture. With celebrity-owned restaurants continuing to flourish, the region is not just keeping up with global trends—it is setting them, creating dining spaces where fame meets flavor and tradition meets innovation.
