A refined new dining and lounge destination opens its doors in the heart of Dubai.
Dubai’s dining scene welcomes a refined new address as ZEA Restaurant opens its doors today, January 22 within the Emirates Financial Towers, DIFC. Rooted in Mediterranean heritage and interpreted through a contemporary lens, ZEA is a sophisticated dining destination where elevated cuisine, crafted cocktails, and an energetic social atmosphere come together.
Named after the ancient Greek symbol for the “grain of life”, ZEA draws inspiration from centuries-old Mediterranean rituals of gathering, nourishment, and celebration. This philosophy is reflected throughout the experience, from the culinary and beverage programmes to the design-led ambience that transitions from refined dining to a vibrant late-night lounge.
At the helm of the kitchen is Chef Donovan Clive Christian, whose culinary direction champions clean flavours, premium produce, and fire-driven techniques. The menu is firmly anchored in the coastal cuisines of France, Italy, Spain, and Greece, complemented by a subtle Peruvian accent that adds brightness and intrigue while preserving the Mediterranean soul of the food.
ZEA’s menu celebrates ingredient-led cooking and elegant simplicity. Cold starters highlight fresh seafood and vibrant seasonal produce, while hot starters and mains showcase the depth and character of open-fire cooking. Signature dishes include corn-fed baby chicken, Australian Wagyu tenderloin, lamb chops, black cod, and refined fresh pastas. For a more convivial dining experience, sharing plates such as the Wagyu Tomahawk and whole Dover sole invite guests to gather around the table in true Mediterranean fashion.
Commenting on the opening, Prateek Chitkara, Founder of ZEA, said: “ZEA is born from a desire to create a space that feels both timeless and modern, rooted in Mediterranean culture, where food, drinks, music, and people come together naturally. The ‘grain of life’ represents abundance, connection, and shared moments, and that spirit defines everything we are creating at ZEA.”
The experience is completed by a beverage programme designed to mirror ZEA’s culinary identity. Cocktails are fresh, herbaceous, and refined, built around Mediterranean botanicals, citrus notes, and European spirits, with pisco featured as a signature nod to Peru. The wine list leans confidently into Old World regions, with a curated selection from France, Italy, Spain, and other Mediterranean producers, alongside premium by-the-glass offerings and a refined champagne selection.
Speaking about the overall experience, Benoit Perelli, General Manager of ZEA, added, “ZEA is designed to evolve throughout the evening. Guests can enjoy a refined dining experience early on, before the space transitions into a high-energy ambiance driven by music, crowd, and social culture. It is welcoming yet dynamic, elegant yet expressive, and reflects Dubai’s vibrant dining and nightlife scene”.
Designed to move effortlessly from dinner into late-night socialising, ZEA offers a setting that is equally suited to intimate dining and lively evenings. With a seating capacity of 130, the venue provides an immersive, design-led environment for Dubai’s discerning dining and nightlife crowd.
