Salt, pepper and love
Behind some of Dubai’s most exciting restaurants are partnerships that go far beyond the pass. From wood-fired Mexican kitchens to Parisian rooftops and pizza ovens firing 48-hour dough, these culinary power pairs are building brands – and legacies – together.
Alex and Fay Economides – M Management Company
Greek soul meets New Orleans spirit in the hands of siblings Alex and Fay Economides, the duo behind M Management Company. With Mythos Kouzina & Grill and Nola Eatery & Social House, they’ve transformed JLT into a bona fide dining destination.
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Fay swapped a career in banking and private equity for hospitality, and together the pair champion homegrown concepts rooted in authenticity. At a time when franchises dominated, they doubled down on quality, consistency and character. Ten years on, they’re not just operators – they’re institution builders shaping Dubai’s independent F&B scene.
Jon and Sara Collin – Taquería El Primo
A slice of Mexico City has landed in Jumeirah. Founded by Mexican-born chef Jon Collin and run alongside his wife Sara, Taquería El Primo brings no-frills, honest street food to Al Wasl Road.
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Expect tacos al pastor with achiote and pineapple, rich suadero-style fillings, Baja fish tacos and vegetarian mushroom birria, all paired with ice-cold aguas frescas. The vibe? An 80s-style taquería with red-and-white tiles, salsa on the house and serious nostalgia. For Jon, it’s about storytelling through food – every taco a tribute to his upbringing and the city he now calls home.
Michele and Bill Johnson – Pitfire Pizza
Dubbed the ‘Pizza Queen of Dubai’, Michele Johnson co-founded Pitfire Pizza with her husband Bill in 2014. What started as a passion project has grown into a beloved local brand with multiple outlets – all without franchising or external investors.
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Famed for its 48-hour fermented dough and fiercely independent spirit, Pitfire is proof that consistency and obsession (the good kind) pay off. Neither Michele nor Bill are formally trained chefs, but years of perfecting recipes and building community have made them one of the city’s most respected F&B partnerships.
Rowan and Ziad Kamel – Rosy Hospitality
Rosy Hospitality – named after wife-and-husband duo Rowan and Ziad – was born from a desire to create restaurants that simply make people happy.
The group is behind concepts including CQ French Bistro and Girl & the Goose, each rooted in warmth, music, storytelling and genuine hospitality. For Rowan and Ziad, it’s about more than food; it’s about how a space feels. Expect humble service, joyful energy and restaurants that prioritise connection as much as cuisine.
Shaw Lash and Tarek Islam – Lila Taqueria and Lila Molino + Cafe
Wood-fired tortillas, hand-ground masa and bold Mexican flavours define the Lila brand, founded by Chef Shaw Lash and run alongside her husband Tarek Islam.
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From the original Lila Taqueria on Jumeirah Beach Road to Lila Molino + Cafe at Alserkal Avenue, the duo have built a vibrant homage to Mexico’s culinary heritage. Shaw leads the kitchen with authenticity and flair, while Tarek steers operations and expansion. Together, they’ve created one of Dubai’s most exciting Mexican success stories.
@lilataqueria, @lilamolino, @tacoscamino
Thomas and Morgane Duhamel – Odeon
Parisian charm in a Dubai villa? That’s the magic of Odeon, founded by French couple Thomas and Morgane Duhamel in 2017.
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Chef Thomas brings experience from international kitchens, while Morgane oversees operations and creative direction. The result is a gourmet market, restaurant and catering concept that feels distinctly French – from artisanal products to indulgent rooftop raclette evenings. It’s a love letter to Parisian life, served with serious culinary know-how.
Mark Louies and Mary Calbay – LahKee Pan-Asian Kitchen
Tucked inside Al Safa Park Complex, LahKee is a hidden gem run by Filipino husband-and-wife chefs Mark Louies and Mary Calbay.
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Mark handles the wok with high-heat flair, while Mary focuses on sushi and meticulous presentation – a self-described ‘yin and yang’ dynamic. With just a handful of counter seats and an intimate open kitchen, LahKee delivers precision, personality and pan-Asian plates that punch well above their size.
Shreya and Janishq Munge – El Moreno Taqueria
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As family-run as it gets, El Moreno Taqueria is the brainchild of two siblings – Shreya and Janishq, born after Shreya’s stint in corporate F&B and Janishq’s time spent in a French brasserie kitchen. At El Moreni, everything is made from scratch and in-house, a matter of pride for the pair, who are first-timers in the world of Dubai dining, and navigating it with heart, soul and pure passion.
From tacos and tiramisu to pizza and pan-Asian plates, these duos prove that great hospitality is often built on partnership. In Dubai’s ever-evolving dining scene, love – and hard graft – might just be the secret ingredient.
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.
Contact me: zainab@nommemag.com
