An icon resurfaces
One of Dubai’s most enduring Italian dining names is ready for its comeback. Roberto’s, a fixture of DIFC since 2012, will reopen its doors in January 2026 with a refreshed vision – one that leans into the brand’s origins while embracing the evolution of Dubai’s dining scene.
The relaunch marks a confident new era for a restaurant that has grown alongside the city and helped shape its appetite for contemporary Italian cooking.
The revamped Roberto’s arrives with a redesigned space that underscores ease, warmth, and understated luxury. The dining room has been brightened, the terrace expanded, and a newly introduced bar lounge sets a more intimate tone for late evenings.
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The interiors draw inspiration from Milanese mid-century design, channelling a timeless, elegantly cinematic mood that transitions naturally from day to night. It’s a return to the Roberto’s ethos—sociable, polished and distinctly Italian.
Culinary Reset in Italy
Ahead of the reopening, Roberto’s culinary team travelled to Italy for intensive training under Chef Enrico Bartolini, the country’s most MICHELIN-starred chef. Their time spent with regional producers and artisans deepened the restaurant’s commitment to ingredient-led cooking and traditional techniques.
The journey served as both a reset and a reaffirmation: reconnecting with the craft at the heart of Italian cuisine while sharpening the perspective they bring back to Dubai.
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The next chapter of Roberto’s aims to refine what long-time diners have always appreciated – premium ingredients, elevated cooking and a convivial atmosphere – while presenting a clearer, more contemporary expression of modern Italian dining.
More details on the new menu and opening celebrations will be revealed in the coming weeks, signalling what may be an exciting marker for the city’s Italian restaurant scene.
A Homegrown Success Story
Since its founding in 2012, Roberto’s has become one of Dubai’s most recognised homegrown dining brands. Backed by Skelmore Hospitality Partners, the restaurant has expanded internationally with locations in Porto Montenegro, Amman, Doha and Muscat, with further openings in Egypt and Saudi Arabia in development. Beyond its restaurants, Roberto’s Catering brings the brand’s refined Italian offerings to private events across the region.
Roberto’s reopening in DIFC promises not just the return of a much-loved institution, but a refreshed interpretation of Italian dining – rooted in heritage, shaped by craftsmanship and built for Dubai today.
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Curious, expressive, and always chasing new ideas, Zainab sees creativity as a way of life. She thrives on discovering new perspectives, connecting with people, and turning inspiration into something tangible. Her work and her world reflect a balance of intuition, imagination, and authenticity.
