With a new chef, 11 Woodfire in Dubai has also unveiled a secret spot and a new menu. Launched in November 2024, we were treated to a sneak peek of the new tasting menu by chef Brando Moros at the newly revealed The Heritage Room – a previously hidden space within the restaurant. Chef Brando draws inspiration from his Colombian heritage to whip up a paired six-course menu in this intimate setting, which accommodates only five people at a time. The distinctive experience is enhanced by watching the chef cook, char and grill his creations right before your eyes, as he shares anecdotes from his childhood and the inspiration behind each dish. While the menu will evolve with the seasons, on this occasion we had a taste of crispy scale tile fish (prepared by pouring hot oil over it), roasted pumpkin chicken, fresh herbs smoked over charcoal, baby potatoes soaked in a moreish garlic sauce that had us craving more – among other hits. Complemented by zero-proof beverages – also inspired by Colombia – it’s a menu that will leave a lasting impression.
TOTÓ is an Italian restaurant backed by sports icons Cristiano Ronaldo, Rafael Nadal and Pau Gasol that recently opened at Hotel Boulevard, Autograph Collection in Downtown Dubai. Since its inception in Madrid in 2020, TOTÓ has transported diners to the golden era of Italian cinema. The restaurant’s décor features black and white photography, warm lighting and chic accents, creating an inviting and intimate atmosphere enhanced by an open kitchen and a lively bar. The dining experience is both slightly rustic and sophisticated, characterised by elegant white table linens. Faultless service, provided by genuinely charming staff dressed in dinner jackets and bow ties, adds to the welcoming ambiance. The menu showcases fine-dining Italian cuisine, with standout dishes including the smoked Black Angus tartare and the charcoal-braised artichokes with duck carbonara, offering a delightful twist on a classic dish. The signature bresaola pizza combines a perfect crust with cured beef and Parmigiano Reggiano, while the burrata cheesecake is a must-try for dessert, featuring a velvety texture complemented by honey-infused ice cream, honey sauce and honeycomb.
TOTÓ’s traditional Sardinian fregola pasta with mussels, clams, prawns and calamari
Warm lighting, stylish accents and black and white photography create an inviting ambience at TOTÓ
On 8 November, Atlantis The Palm will unveil FZN, an intimate 27-seat, fine-dining restaurant by renowned chef Björn Frantzén, famed for his three-Michelin-starred establishments in Stockholm and Singapore. As Dubai’s culinary scene continues to expand, FZN promises to elevate it with a modern European tasting menu infused with Japanese influences. The dining experience begins with a ring of the doorbell leading guests through a chic, gold-accented hallway. An elevator ride transports diners to a corridor, culminating in a living room styled like a sumptuous apartment, where vibrant décor and the sort of curated playlist you’ll want to Shazam, sets the tone. You’ll indulge in a selection of canapés before embarking on a guided “house tour”. The nine-course menu features dishes such as duck “BBQ” with yuzu and foie gras, an outstanding chawanmushi with smoked beef broth, plump langoustines with koshihikari rice and ginger, and an unforgettable celeriac tarte tatin. All dishes are crafted using innovative techniques and a love for seasonal ingredients.
