Ten years ago, an original homegrown concept stepped into the lifestyle dining space in Dubai’s fast-growing DIFC district. Since then, Roberto’s, has carved out its own unique place in Dubai’s F&B landscape as a trend-leading modern Italian restaurant, and has earned the reputation of a brand that has never rested on its laurels. At the time there were very few homegrown references of success to benchmark against for other restauranteurs with a vision, but when Roberto’s entered the scene in 2012, they blazed the trail. Since opening in DIFC, Roberto’s has successfully gone interna- tional and become an important DIFC homegrown restaurant.
Over the last decade, the Roberto’s brand has grown into an icon on the UAE scene and has ventured into international markets and culinary verticals with great success. Currently the brand has plans to grow a bigger footprint in the Middle East and expand operations to new destinations in the Asian market. The brand has made great strategic moves and has shown great agility by creating “Roberto’s at Sea” in 2020 – a unique maritime adventure on a 52-foot yacht with a private chef, waiter, and bar service, and “Roberto’s at Home” catering division, also launched in 2020, proudly boasts the likes of Huda Kattan as clients in the UAE.
We chat with Mustafa Turgul, Founding Partner, and Brand Ambassador of Roberto’s on their 10-year history, the evolution of the F&B industry, and what lies ahead for the brand.
What inspired Roberto’s 10 years ago?
Living in a visionary city with unlimited opportunities like Dubai, inspired us to create something legendary. We wanted to launch Roberto’s in a city that attracts a number of tourists and yet still has a loyal clientele. Our aim has always been to deliver a distinguished level of service with an elevated dining experi- ence. Roberto’s was one of the first venues in the city to create a multi-faceted experience that incorporated a vibrant entertain- ment program, a world class cigar lounge, and a stylish cocktail bar to marry with our critically acclaimed food offering.
What does it mean to be Roberto’s Brand Ambassador?
The prestige of being the face of this homegrown institution comes with both privilege and responsibility. Being Roberto’s Brand Ambassador is not just a title for show, it is a way to promote the brand’s consistency in providing top notch service and excellent gastronomic experiences not only to the people of Dubai, but also to the gourmands of the world.
How would you describe the change in Dubai’s F&B scene over the last decade?
As one of the pioneers in Dubai’s F&B scene, it’s good to witness how much the industry has grown over the years. Change is a constant flux, and every year we witness new concepts coming up with striking ideas that continue to develop the city’s food scene. It is humbling to have been part of it for over 10 years now, and it motivates us to continue to be a good example of what this city’s F&B scene has to offer.
How has Roberto’s evolved over the years?
To evolve in a country like Dubai, we are always looking for new ways to bring our products to people. With Roberto’s at Sea or Roberto’s at Home, diners can expect the same elevated dining experi- ence. In addition to having evolved over the years, we are now expanding to Qatar, Oman, Jordan, and Singapore very soon.
Our Chefs, Francesco Guarracino and the renowned 9 Michelin Star Chef En- rico Bartolini work hard to update Roberto’s menus with the very best seasonal products that are loved by our loyal clients. Great care and attention are paid to the sourcing of the ingredients and much time is invested in research- ing new recipes and cooking techniques to please our discerning clientele.
With an established reputation in the market as one of the most prestigious fine-dining restaurants in Dubai, one of our key priorities is to strengthen loyalty amongst our clientele so that we can evolve in a way that retains the integrity of our original vision.
Roberto’s was one of the first brands to exist in DIFC, in the center of what used to be an art and galleries district. We have always been in the same location continuously evolving in a way to cater to our loyal clients while attracting new customers as well. In 10 years’ time, DIFC has become the ultimate lifestyle and fine dining hub in the region.
What are the biggest trends you are seeing in the F&B industry these days?
The F&B industry is very fast-paced and spontaneous – as the years pass by, so do the trends. Currently, we see an increased interest in entertainment and outdoor spaces. We like the idea of combining great culinary offering with appropriate entertainment in a multi-faceted venue that features two terraces, a lounge, a bar and an elegant dining area.
What’s next for Roberto’s?
We have some exciting developments in the pipeline to ring in the next decade. Our team is proud to announce two outstanding projects in the DIFC venue: a new premium lounge with a designed cocktail-bar and the makeo- ver of the ‘Cortina’ terrace by the end of 2022.
To add into our ever-growing inter- national portfolio–which expanded in 2019 to Porto Montenegro with Roberto’s Mare–more expansion plans are confirmed for this year opening in The Ritz Carlton Amman, St. Regis Doha and for the St. Regis Muscat in 2023.
Moving forward, we aim to branch out to major hubs across the world. We recently opened our Asian Headquarters in Singapore, where Roberto’s Singapore is expected to open in 2023.
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