These culinary trailblazers are creating magic in the kitchens of Dubai
Dubai’s dining scene has never been more exciting, and at its heart are women breaking barriers, redefining tradition, and creating world-class kitchens. From MICHELIN-recognized pioneers to passionate entrepreneurs who turn family recipes into fine dining experiences, these chefs are transforming the city into a true global food capital.
Ariana’s Persian Kitchen – Ariana Bundy
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Celebrity chef Ariana Bundy celebrates her Persian heritage with refined, aromatic dishes at her namesake restaurant. Inspired by childhood memories of gardens and saffron-rich feasts, Ariana crafts a dining experience that is luxurious yet soulful.
Bait Maryam and Sufret Maryam – Salam Dakkak
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Named after her mother, Salam Dakkak’s Bait Maryam and Sufret Maryam are restaurants that feel like home. Her Levantine cooking, rooted in family traditions, has won hearts across the city and earned her a MICHELIN Bib Gourmand. It’s comfort, generosity, and nostalgia on a plate.
Boca – Patricia Roig
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As executive chef at Boca, Patricia Roig combines Spanish roots with a passion for sustainability. Her menus are seasonal and inventive, celebrating Mediterranean flavours while prioritising local produce.
BRIX Group – Carmen Rueda
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A pioneer in the dessert world, Carmen Rueda’s work at BRIX pushes boundaries. Her tasting menus are multisensory experiences – playful, daring, and technically brilliant.
Café Isan – Chef New
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Thai-born Chef New channels her roots into Café Isan, focusing on the fiery, tangy dishes of her native northeast Thailand. Her food is unapologetically bold, cooked with the heart of a street-side kitchen and the soul of home.
Falcone – Roberta De Sario
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Chef Roberta brings her Italian sensibilities to Falcone, infusing the menu with modern elegance. Known for her refined techniques and bold palate, she creates a dining experience that feels both fashionable and timeless.
Fi’lia – Celia Stoecklin
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As the first female-led Italian restaurant in the region, Fi’lia is about lineage and legacy. Chef Celia Stoecklin honours the generations of women who came before her by reimagining traditional recipes with contemporary flair. The atmosphere feels both stylish and deeply personal.
Fusion Ceviche – Penelope Diaz
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Hailing from Lima, Penelope Diaz introduces Dubai to authentic Peruvian ceviche. At Fusion Ceviche, she celebrates coastal freshness with bold citrus and spice, often blending Nikkei influences for a modern twist.
Girl and the Goose – Gabriela Chamorro
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Gabriela Chamorro’s Girl and the Goose is a burst of colour and energy, much like her native Central America. With her expressive cooking, she balances playfulness and precision, turning every dish into a conversation starter.
Kinoya – Neha Mishra
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Known as “Dubai’s Ramen Queen,” Neha Mishra went from secret supper clubs to global recognition. At Kinoya, she pays homage to the casual izakayas of Japan while perfecting the art of ramen—each bowl layered with craft and heart.
Kishmish – Iman Nazemi
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Iman Nazemi grew up surrounded by Afghan home cooking, and with Kishmish, she’s given those recipes a stage they’ve long deserved. The restaurant blends authenticity with refinement, bringing Kabul’s flavours into Dubai’s dining conversation.
Lila Molino & Taqueria – Shaw Lash
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Chef Shaw Lash has become Dubai’s go-to for authentic Mexican dining. At Lila Molino and Taqueria, she serves up handmade tortillas, smoky salsas, and bold flavours that transport diners to Mexico City.
Magic Abra – Sahar Al Awadhi
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Sugar, spice, and a touch of Emirati soul – one of the UAE’s most celebrated pastry chefs, Sahar Al Awadhi is known for blending Emirati heritage with contemporary pastry craft. At Magic Abra, she experiments with storytelling through desserts and reimagined classics.
tashas Group – Jill Okkers
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Behind the success of tashas Group is Jill Okkers, whose creativity and skill keep the brand fresh and relevant. Her menus are global yet approachable, designed for chic everyday dining.
Image credit: @kishmishdubai on Instagram
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.
