Argentina's Sucre opens in Dubai with Latin American flavours and empanadas galore


Janice Rodrigues
  • English
  • Arabic

It charmed diners when it opened in Buenos Aires in 2001, leading to a second branch in London in 2021, and now, Latin American restaurant Sucre is set to sweep Dubai diners off their feet.

The restaurant – which has previously featured in Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants – recently opened its doors to a new branch in DIFC. The establishment is the brainchild of chef Fernando Trocca and mixologist Renato "Tato" Giovannoni, and is known for blending Italian, Spanish and Latin American cuisines, using quality ingredients.

Chef Trocca, who has trained under the likes of chefs Massimo Bottura and Osteria Francescana, is known for using traditional open-fire techniques that are popular in South America.

“My vision is to continue developing around the very concept that has permeated throughout my career,” he says. “The urge to translate the essence of my roots, family and home country on to the language of a universal, cosmopolitan diner is reflected in [the] Sucre experience.”

On that note, the menu features plenty of meaty delicacies, cooked using traditional Latin American techniques. Expect dishes such as the king crab tostada, Argentinian bone-in rib-eye, squid ink paella, monkfish tail and – one of South America’s most famous dishes – empanadas, filled with aged cheese and onions. All this, along with Giovannoni’s 1980s Buenos Aires-inspired drinks list.

The restaurant is vast, featuring a bar, lounge and terrace area, done up in a warm palette, with bespoke glass chandeliers, an open-plan dining room and an open kitchen, where you can catch a glimpse of the flames from the woodfire cooking techniques.

To complete the Latin American experience, there will soon also be an evolving roster of resident bands regaling diners.

Open daily; 6pm-2am; Podium Level, Gate Village 05, DIFC, Dubai; 04 340 0829; www.sucredubai.com

What are the influencer academy modules?
  1. Mastery of audio-visual content creation. 
  2. Cinematography, shots and movement.
  3. All aspects of post-production.
  4. Emerging technologies and VFX with AI and CGI.
  5. Understanding of marketing objectives and audience engagement.
  6. Tourism industry knowledge.
  7. Professional ethics.
Farasan Boat: 128km Away from Anchorage

Director: Mowaffaq Alobaid 

Stars: Abdulaziz Almadhi, Mohammed Al Akkasi, Ali Al Suhaibani

Rating: 4/5

Yahya Al Ghassani's bio

Date of birth: April 18, 1998

Playing position: Winger

Clubs: 2015-2017 – Al Ahli Dubai; March-June 2018 – Paris FC; August – Al Wahda

Timeline

2012-2015

The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East

May 2017

The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts

September 2021

Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act

October 2021

Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence 

December 2024

Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group

May 2025

The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan

July 2025

The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan

August 2025

Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision

October 2025

Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange

November 2025

180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE

Marathon results

Men:

 1. Titus Ekiru(KEN) 2:06:13 

2. Alphonce Simbu(TAN) 2:07:50 

3. Reuben Kipyego(KEN) 2:08:25 

4. Abel Kirui(KEN) 2:08:46 

5. Felix Kemutai(KEN) 2:10:48  

Women:

1. Judith Korir(KEN) 2:22:30 

2. Eunice Chumba(BHR) 2:26:01 

3. Immaculate Chemutai(UGA) 2:28:30 

4. Abebech Bekele(ETH) 2:29:43 

5. Aleksandra Morozova(RUS) 2:33:01  

Like a Fading Shadow

Antonio Muñoz Molina

Translated from the Spanish by Camilo A. Ramirez

Tuskar Rock Press (pp. 310)

UAE SQUAD

Mohammed Naveed (captain), Rohan Mustafa, Ashfaq Ahmed, Rameez Shahzad, Shaiman Anwar, Mohammed Usman, Mohammed Boota, Zawar Farid, Ghulam Shabber, Ahmed Raza, Sultan Ahmed, Imran Haider, Qadeer Ahmed, Chirag Suri , Zahoor Khan

Updated: January 08, 2022, 7:09 AM