From Milan to Dubai, with love
Europe’s most talked-about osteria has finally landed in Dubai. Big Mamma — the cult Italian dining group known for its flamboyant trattorias across Paris, London, Madrid and beyond — is opening Gloria Osteria at The Ritz-Carlton Gate Village, marking its first step into the Middle East.
And true to form, the group hasn’t done things by halves. Gloria arrives as a full-blown 1970s Italian fantasy: seductive, cinematic and dripping in golden light.
Designed by Big Mamma’s in-house Studio Kiki, the restaurant feels like stumbling into a glamorous villa near Lake Como. Colours move between blush, saffron and gentle gold; velvet banquettes curve beneath enormous 135-centimetre Murano chandeliers glowing in rose and amber; and fashion memorabilia lines the walls like a private archive.
Mirrors stretch the space, offering glimpses of the bustling kitchen — just enough theatre to keep diners leaning forward. For something more intimate, there’s a 12–14 seat private dining room made for discreet gatherings and special occasions.
But the crown jewel is the terrazza: an outdoor Sicilian-inspired garden with a Starlit Lounge built for aperitivo hours, golden sunsets and gatherings that linger long after dessert.
The Menu
Gloria Osteria brings with it Big Mamma’s signature obsession with ingredients. The team sources directly from artisans across Italy — Parmigiano Reggiano from Emilia-Romagna, truffles at peak perfume from Piemonte, and impossibly creamy burrata crafted by hands that know exactly when softness becomes sublime. UAE farms round out the produce, giving the Dubai edition its own fresh rhythm.
Expect a classic Italian progression: delicate antipasti and crudi, followed by pastas made in-house daily — including rich Tagliatelle al Tartufo and summery Linguine alle Vongole. Secondi leans big and bold: fire-grilled seafood, wagyu cuts, and dramatic sharing steaks.
Desserts are treated like a curtain call. Think homemade gelato, towering lemon torta, and warm chocolate creations worth cancelling your next plan for.
A New Kind of Italian Hospitality
More than a restaurant, Big Mamma has built a loyal following thanks to its high-energy, joy-first approach to hospitality. Gloria continues that streak. Whether it’s a business lunch on the terrace, aperitivo under the stars, or a long celebratory dinner, the team wants every visit to feel like a story unfolding.
Image credit: Supplied
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.
