With locations across three continents, Fi’lia is set to bring female-led Italian-Mediterranean cooking to the globe. Fi’lia Dubai is the region’s first female-led restaurant, and its focus on empowerment and equality truly make it stand out in the crowded Dubai fine dining scene.
Located on the 70th floor of Business Bay’s SLS building, Fi’lia is resplendent in natural light due to its floor-to-ceiling windows, and punctuated by pops of green from the many plants. The interior, designed by the acclaimed Bishop Design, is full of natural textures amd features a live cooking station for an exciting and contemporary touch. This unpretentious space simply oozes a relaxed and welcoming charm. However, the best seats in the house are on the garden terrace, which offers panoramic views of the Dubai skyline and the Burj Khalifa best enjoyed with a pizza and a glass of wine.
The menu plays with the custom of mothers handing down family recipes to their daughters and is split into three parts; nonna (‘grandmother’), mamma (‘mother) and fi’lia (from ‘figlia’, Italian for ‘daughter’). Nonna offers hearty Italian classics; expect fried calamari, lasagna, risotto, and marinara meatballs with parmigiano and sourdough. Mamma adds some contemporary twists to Nonna’s traditional fare, with slow cooked veal elevated by a tuna mousse,and braised beef cheeks with the interesting addition of saffron risotto. Rebellious daughter Fi’lia takes a modern approach to generational Italian masterpieces; seabass is served with a herby crust, couscous salad and grilled asparagus, and beef tartare comes topped with egg yolk jam, capers, chives, pecans and balsamic reduction.
Don’t forget about Fi’lia’s rustic pizzas, made with artisan dough and stretched to order with a 72 hour-fermented crust. These delightful Napolitano treats come topped with interesting and seasonal ingredients, freshly sourced from France and Italy.
Dessert has options for Nonna, Mamma and Fi’lia alike- who could refuse pannacotta, pavlova or selected gelati? Be sure to grab a cocktail- once again split into Nonna, Mamma and Fi’lia, the menu ranges from traditional Aperol Spritz to experimental concoctions that include ingredients like saffron bitter and olive oil vanilla vodka.