Zahira, the art of modern middle eastern dining, dubai’s newest homegrown restaurant and lounge

Diversity in cuisine, this city lacks not, yet few have tried to raise the stakes with regional fare.  Zahira, set to open in May at H Hotel on Sheikh Zayed Road, is Chef Greg Malouf’s latest project and it promises to show diners a stylish take on traditional Middle Eastern dishes.  The menu presents traditional Levantine dishes as artistic expressions, taking guests on a journey through the different courses outlined as the Art of Mezza, Art of Sharing, Art of the Garden and finishing the meal with a trip through the Art of Sweet Design and Tradition.  For those adventurous souls looking for something unique, the Art of Feasting option is a nine-course tasting menu which will change regularly.  

A select few have already tried the new Zahira concept, with Greg hosting private dinners at his home over the last month trying and testing dishes on some Dubai foodies and friends.  Dishes included salmon kibbeh, duck bisteeya, his famous wagyu basterma, seven vegetable tagine and knife & fork ice cream. Zahira is set to be a vibrant destination for generous dining and indulgent cocktails with every dish reflecting the flare and flavour celebrated across the Levant.

The warm and rich interiors will create a space where guests can enjoy everything from raucous feasts to intimate dinners. The space will be filled with comfortable banquette seating, ornate wood, brass details and touches of elegant blues and dark greens which provide a warm and inviting ambience.  

In anticipation of the opening of the new restaurant, Greg will be taking Zahira to Melbourne, Australia for the 25th anniversary of the Melbourne Food Festival, which is also host to the Pellegrino’s 50 Best Restaurant Awards this year and the reason for his visit.  On April 3rd and 4th Greg will be hosting a Zahira pop-up at Malouf’s Zum Zum, a popular Melbourne eatery owned by his brother Geoff, offering guests a sneak peak at what Dubai is to expect.  

“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,” said Greg Malouf.  “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.”

Greg Malouf is an Australian-Lebanese chef from Melbourne who forged a unique style of cooking that combines Middle Eastern tradition with modern day 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 France, Italy, Austria and Hong Kong. Drawing on his cultural heritage and European training. He is also currently co-writing his eighth book on Middle Eastern desserts due out next year.  

The team behind Zahira is passionate in the quality and curation of the dishes as well as being committed to creating an environment that will transport guests on a journey of exciting and accessible flavour.