Picture maximalist Murano glass chandeliers with retro vibes dancing from the ceiling, food plated on Sicilian-style ceramics and a terrace garden reminiscent of those in Taormina. Gloria Osteria recently opened its doors in Dubai, and we can’t get enough. Unsurprisingly it’s become the city’s latest hotspot. Behind all the buzz is the Big Mamma Group, which has built a cult following across Paris, London, Madrid, Berlin and Milan for its spirited approach to Italian dining. The restaurant marks the group’s first Middle Eastern project, which is situated within The Ritz-Carlton at DIFC, a neighbourhood that feels naturally aligned with the brand’s balance of glamour and conviviality.
Stepping inside the restaurant feels like time-travelling into a bygone era. The interiors designed by the group’s in-house Studio Kiki lean into Milanese nostalgia, where warm light, patterned
fabrics and Murano glass create a space that feels lived-in rather than curated. “From the moment you walk in, Gloria Osteria transports you straight to Italy, specifically 1970s Milan. It’s a world of glamour and the unmistakable Italian way of making a room feel alive and instantly familiar,” says Tigrane Seydoux, cofounder of Big Mamma Group. Given that it’s winter, you’ll find many guests dining alfresco amid the vibrant décor. Think floral-printed umbrellas and cushions, playful red chairs and sofas. Once the sun’s down, the vibe becomes moodier and more cinematic with soft lighting – perfect for this glorious weather. “Our outdoor terrazza carries that same warm spirit, shifting the focus to a whimsical Sicilian Dolce Vita garden and creating an atmosphere that evolves effortlessly from day to night,” adds Seydoux.
The menu remains steeped in Italian tradition. Ingredients are sourced directly from specialist producers across Italy – Parmigiano Reggiano perfected over generations to truffles selected at peak aroma from Piedmont, alongside fresh produce from local UAE farms. Even the burrata here is handcrafted, while the pastas are made in-house daily. The ultimate decadence? The spaghetti alle vongole topped with caviar. The mains are where things get heartier. From grilled sea bass fillet layered with Mediterranean flavours to charred octopus served with Greek yoghurt and chimichurri, seafood plays a key role. Meat follows with equal focus – from wagyu cuts to large-format steaks designed for sharing – bringing a sense of abundance to the table. And then there’s the much-awaited dolci, which completes the meal beautifully. Nothing speaks of Southern Italy more than lemon, or rather limone. Suffice to say, the lime and basil granita, the torta al limone and the tiramisu top the list.
For Seydoux, Dubai was a natural next step. “Dubai is the city that celebrates big dreams, bold flavours and the joy of going out – values that sit at the heart of Big Mamma. Dubai understands hospitality not just as service but as warmth, generosity and a sense of togetherness,” he says. That sensibility runs through the restaurant. Italian at its core, Milanese in spirit and attuned to its new home, the opening taps into what Dubai does best – turning a meal into an experience people return to over and over again.
This article was originally published in the February 2026 issue of Vogue Arabia
Dining and Cooking