Lion in the Sun Dubai is set to open its doors at Mandarin Oriental Downtown Dubai on 25 November 2025, introducing a dining concept shaped by fire, craft and a precise approach to hospitality. As the newest addition to the hotel’s collection of venues, the restaurant sets out a clear identity built around open-fire cooking and Mediterranean influences.
A concept shaped around fire and flavour
At the centre of Lion in the Sun Dubai is an approach that places open-fire technique at the heart of its culinary style. Under the direction of chef Batuhan Piatti, the restaurant elevates the simplicity of elemental cooking while drawing on Mediterranean references.
The kitchen’s focus on clarity, depth and restraint informs the wider atmosphere, setting an unhurried tone that allows the dining experience to unfold with purpose. Lion in the Sun Dubai reinforces this focus by anchoring its menu in premium ingredients treated with precision.
Design built on warmth and intention
Designed by Richard Saunders, the space brings together natural textures, soft contours and a sense of understated elegance. Every detail has been shaped with hospitality in mind, resulting in an interior that feels composed yet welcoming.
The interplay of light, natural materials and elevated finishes aligns with the wider design language of Mandarin Oriental Downtown Dubai, forming a cohesive link between the hotel’s urban setting and the intimate environment of the dining room. The setting of Lion in the Sun Dubai reflects a balance between contemporary sophistication and a deeper connection to the restaurant’s origins.
An origin story reinterpreted for Dubai
The name and spirit of Lion in the Sun Dubai trace back to the original Lion in the Sun retreat in Malindi, Kenya, a property created by Flavio Briatore. Known over the years for attracting leading figures from culture, art, fashion and music, the Kenyan property became recognised for its relaxed elegance and connection to its surroundings.
The Dubai outpost doesn’t replicate that venue but instead draws inspiration from its sense of ease and community. This new chapter translates the retreat’s atmosphere into a contemporary setting, positioning Lion in the Sun Dubai as a place where heritage and modernity meet.
A new addition to the city’s evolving dining landscape
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With its arrival atop Mandarin Oriental Downtown Dubai, Lion in the Sun Dubai finds itself within a hotel that continues to shape the city’s approach to design-led hospitality. The location offers elevated views over the skyline, creating a backdrop that becomes part of the wider dining moment. The restaurant’s philosophy highlights shared experiences, reflected in its layout, cooking methods and overall ambience. Through these elements, Lion in the Sun Dubai adds a distinct perspective to Dubai’s restaurant landscape.
Connection, rhythm and a sense of place
Throughout the space, Lion in the Sun Dubai reinforces the importance of connection. Guests move between the bar, dining room and terrace with a sense of continuity, supported by a design language that prioritises flow. The interplay between fire, flavour and hospitality defines the rhythm of the experience. This alignment of culinary vision, design and intention positions Lion in the Sun Dubai as one of the notable new openings within the city, offering a setting where the Dubai skyline becomes part of the dining ritual.
Quick summary – Lion in the Sun Dubai
- 🔥 Concept: Fire-led cooking with Mediterranean influences
- 📍 Location: Top floor of Mandarin Oriental Downtown Dubai
- 👨🍳 Culinary direction: Led by Batuhan Piatti
- 🎨 Design: Created by Richard Saunders
- 🌍 Inspiration: Original retreat in Malindi, Kenya
- 🍽 Dining approach: Focus on purity, depth and shared experience
