The new culinary concept boasts the largest open-fire grill in Dubai.
Dubai’s dining scene is heating up. INÁ, which means fire and flame in Nigerian Yoruba, is coming to the city. The new restaurant boasts the largest open-fire grill in Dubai and will go from dining to dancing. So, if you’re looking for a night out with a difference, here’s what you need to know.
INÁ is expected to open this spring on J1 Beach. The restaurant, which features open-fire cooking, aims to embrace the values of warmth and unity. Under the expert guidance of Chef Glen Ballis, the menu highlights fresh, seasonal ingredients that are sustainably and locally sourced. Diners can indulge in a masterfully crafted selection of flame-grilled fish, meats, and vegetables that bring together diverse flavours and cultural richness.
The dining offerings are perfectly complemented by an exceptional beverage program featuring signature cocktails, a curated wine list, and an exclusive selection of rare spirits. But INÁ is more than just a dining destination. As night falls, the venue evolves into an elegant late-night lounge. Tables lower, an open-air canopy closes, the lights dim, and a curated DJ lineup sets the perfect ambience for an exciting evening experience.
The venue is designed to invite exploration and encourage guests to move seamlessly through its spaces. Every detail is meticulously curated, blending bespoke luxury with thoughtful handcrafted woodwork, custom artworks, and exquisite soft furnishings, resulting in an atmosphere of refined elegance.
INÁ is a completely new dining concept by Chef Glen Ballis and is his first site in Dubai after working at Nedalny Vostok in Moscow and as Executive Chef at Harrods in London. The restaurant is a partnership with Fundamental Hospitality, which is behind the hit restaurants Alaya, Maison de la Plage, Shanghai Me, and the FACT Award-winning GAIA.
Speaking of the project, Chef Glen said, “Dubai is a new market for me, but I plan to approach INÁ with complete integrity. Food is something everyone knows, it’s a good way to connect people, it’s our universal language, and it’s emotional. I want people to talk about it, to savour these dishes and share this meal together, to forge connections, and to make memories around the table. A lot of my time in Asia and the Middle East has fueled my passion for sharing concepts in this way. It’s not a quick, thoughtless decision we’ve made for INA, it’s a carefully designed experience”.
Fundamental Hospitality’s upcoming restaurants also include Shanghai Me London, which will be located on the 28th floor of London Hilton Park Lane, and Kigo, a new Japanese omakase experience in Four Seasons DIFC. Plus, the ever-popular GAIA will open in both Miami and Abu Dhabi.
J1 Beach is located on the site previously occupied by La Mer. The area has been transformed into an upmarket, day-to-night hotspot with 13 beach clubs and waterfront restaurants. The venues include African Queen, Bâoli, Gigi Rigolatto, Gitano, Kaimana Beach, Ninive Beach and Sakhalin.
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GO: Visit https://fundamentalhospitality.com for more information.