Atelier Hospitality and Tashkeel Studio are behind the new concept.
Atelier House Hospitality, a distinguished name in bespoke dining experiences, and Tashkeel, a leading visual art and design incubator in the UAE, opened Gerbou on 7 February 2025.
Gerbou—meaning “Welcome to my humble abode” in Arabic— reimagines Emirati cuisine through a modern lens while celebrating local artistry and craftsmanship.
Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and fwala—an Emirati high-tea experience—Gerbou invites diners to enjoy locally inspired flavours that harmonise with global influences. Under the expertise of Chef Ionel Catau, whose career spans MICHELIN-starred kitchens, the menu artfully blends international techniques with Emirati traditions.
One of Gerbou’s most captivating features is its underground pit cooking technique, inspired by age-old Emirati methods that infuse dishes with rich, smoky depth, offering diners a taste of the UAE’s culinary heritage. Complementing these savoury delights, guests can indulge in Emirati-inspired pastries and desserts, created by Emirati Chef Sahar Al Awadhi.
True to its ethos of blending the past, present, and future, Gerbou is housed in a beautifully restored 1987 Dubai building. Every detail of the venue reflects a deep reverence for Emirati culture—from the thoughtfully curated interiors with camel leather sofas and wooden furniture made from fallen ghaf trees. Even the bathrooms adorned with fish scales reflect time-honoured traditions.
Speaking on the concept, Her Highness Sheikha Lateefa Bint Maktoum Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Director of Tashkeel, said: “Gerbou is a testament to the power of collaboration – where design, craftsmanship, and gastronomy come together to create an experience deeply rooted in the UAE’s cultural identity. Through Tashkeel’s collaboration with Atelier House Hospitality and Kristina Zanic Consultants has culminated in a space infused with artistry through researched culinary arts and design that speaks to heritage while embracing contemporary innovation. This partnership reflects our ongoing commitment to championing local talent and materials, ensuring that every element tells a story of authenticity and contemporary heritage.”
If Atelier House Hospitality’s previous restaurants are anything to go by, Gerbou looks set to be a success. The team is behind Dubai hospitality hits 11 Woodfire, RSVP, Mohalla and Morini in Riyadh, and several soon-to-open restaurants on Sindalah Island in Neom.
Check in with FACT for the latest details.
GO: Visit @gerbou for reservations and more information.