Adding to the new openings
Dubai’s after-work dining scene is getting a Mediterranean makeover. SOLENA by RASPOUTINE is set to open in DIFC at the end of October, bringing sunset drinks, a travel-inspired menu and resident DJ sets to the city’s dining scene.
Created by RASPOUTINE co-owners Logan Maggio and Alexander Ghislain, alongside UAE hospitality group AlphaMind, SOLENA offers a more laid-back take on the nightlife brand. While RASPOUTINE is known for its after-dark energy, its new sibling is designed for those golden-hour moments that turn an after-work drink into a long dinner and an even longer evening.
Think Mediterranean flavours, a lively soundtrack and a terrace overlooking the DIFC skyline. The idea is simple: arrive for sunset, settle in for dinner and see where the night takes you.
The Heart of SOLENA
At the heart of SOLENA is a Mediterranean menu inspired by the founders’ travels around the world, featuring dishes and flavours they have returned to long after their journeys ended.
The setting is equally geared towards leisurely evenings. An expansive terrace looks out across DIFC, with marble flooring, curved tables for intimate gatherings and a statement bar at the centre of the space.
As the sun goes down, the atmosphere is set to shift up a gear, with a resident DJ providing the soundtrack throughout the evening. Music has always been part of the RASPOUTINE identity, but here it takes on a more relaxed rhythm, complementing dinner and drinks rather than a full-blown nightclub experience.
The Opening
SOLENA by RASPOUTINE is expected to open at the end of October 2026 in DIFC.
Meanwhile, RASPOUTINE will focus exclusively on its nightclub offering, giving the two concepts distinct identities. One is made for late nights, while the other is all about making the most of the hours in between.
Whether you’re planning an after-work catch-up, a sunset aperitivo or a dinner that spills into the evening, SOLENA is gearing up to become a new spot to add to your DIFC hit list.
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
