Gates Hospitality has unveiled plans to open new Italian concept, Via Veneto, on Mohammad Bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai.
Located in the space previously occupied by Fume Downtown, which closed last month, Via Veneto will have 226 covers across its outdoor terrace, and downstairs and upstairs areas.
While the downstairs area will be a casual café concept offering breakfast, lunch and dinner with pizza, ciabattas, paninis and focaccias on the menu, upstairs will be a dining room/ bar area, with a full à la carte menu.
Naim Maadad, CEO, Gates Hospitality told Catering News: “The boulevard is very Italian but there’s no Italian restaurant. Everyone eats pizza and pasta, so from an audience perspective we’re opening that gap.
“Foodies can go upstairs and have alcohol and more sophisticated food, whereas downstairs it’s equally healthy, fresh and tasty but more comfort food-focused.”
Chef Maxime Le Van – previous executive chef of Boca Dubai and head chef of Grosvenor House Dubai – will be at the helm of the kitchen.
The menu will feature modern presentations using traditional recipes, with a focus on quality, freshness and textures.
The design is an important aspect of the concept, with a striking façade, black and white design motif, and an accessible, rustic-chic ambience.
“We’re turning the façade of the building into a design element so when people stop at the lights they’ll look up. The whole building will be head-turning, it will stand out like an icon,” Maadad added.
“I’m making sure that I complement the offer [on the boulevard] rather than competing. Italian makes a lot of sense; we found a vacuum, we found a solution for that vacuum and we’re plugging it in.”
The concept has been a year and a half in the making, and is expected to be partially operating by the end of April.
Gates Hospitality’s F&B portfolio also includes Folly by Nick & Scott and Publique, both of which opened last month at Madinat Jumeirah, in addition to Bistro Des Arts, Reform Social & Grill, The Black Lion, and Ultra Brasserie.
