A brand-new dining spot, Gerbou, has opened its doors in Dubai, offering a creative spin on Emirati cuisine. A collaboration between Atelier House Hospitality — known for top-tier dining experiences — and Tashkeel, a renowned UAE art and design incubator, Gerbou welcomes guests with a menu that mixes tradition with innovation.
The name “Gerbou” means “Welcome to my humble abode” in Arabic, and that’s exactly the feeling diners get when they step inside. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a special Emirati-style high tea known as fwala.
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The menu, crafted by Chef Ionel Catau — who has worked in MICHELIN-starred kitchens — blends traditional Emirati flavors with international cooking techniques, creating dishes that feel both familiar and exciting.
One of Gerbou’s standout features is its underground pit cooking, inspired by age-old Emirati methods. This technique gives meats and other dishes a deep, smoky flavor, offering a taste of the UAE’s rich culinary heritage. Guests can also enjoy a selection of Emirati-inspired pastries and desserts made by local pastry chef Sahar Al Awadhi.
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The setting of Gerbou is just as unique as its menu. Housed in a restored 1987 building, the restaurant pays tribute to Emirati culture through its thoughtfully designed interiors. Guests will find camel leather sofas, wooden furniture crafted from fallen ghaf trees, and even bathrooms decorated with fish scale patterns — each detail telling a story of tradition and craftsmanship.
Atelier House Hospitality, the team behind hit restaurants like 11 Woodfire, RSVP, and Mohalla, is bringing its expertise to Gerbou. With their track record, this new spot is set to become a must-visit destination for those eager to experience Emirati cuisine in a whole new way.
