Exclusive first look: Michelin-starred New York restaurant Marea opens in Dubai

The long-awaited opening of the two-starred Italian in DIFC is here

Inside Marea Dubai. The restaurant is open now in Dubai's Dubai International Financial Centre. Courtesy Marea Dubai

The restaurant can seat up to 210 people with 125 on the first floor. Courtesy Marea Dubai

Chef Michael White is at the helm in the kitchen. Courtesy Marea Dubai

The restaurant serves high-quality Italian seafood. Courtesy Marea Dubai

The interiors "emphasise Marea's signature understated elegance" with "sleek and warm lighting; and a European hand-blown crystal installation". Courtesy Marea Dubai

Altamarea Group's Corporate Chef, Lauren De Steno is working with Chef Michael White. Courtesy Marea Dubai

Inside the Marea Dubai kitchen. Courtesy Marea Dubai

It was announced last June that popular New York restaurant Marea was coming to Dubai's DIFC, and it is now open.

The second Marea in the world serves a high-end, Italian seafood menu, with dishes that “highlight the best of the sea”. Marea is the Italian word for "tide".

"Following 10 years of great success in New York city, we are delighted to bring the first Marea outside its New York home to the Middle East and return to my own roots," said Altamarea Group CEO and Owner, Ahmass Fakahany in a statement.  "New York and Dubai are two exciting global cities, and we look forward to hosting our international clientele in both, bringing a little New York vibe to the Emirates."

The restaurant is located in DIFC's Gate Village Building 7, and opened its doors in March 2019.

"Marea New York and Dubai will be run as integrated units, regularly sharing ideas, resources, and recipes to make the client experience all it should be," Fakahany added.

The seafood-heavy menu has been created by Chef Michael White, who also heads up the NYC eatery, along with Altamarea Group's Corporate Chef, Lauren De Steno.

Marea Dubai can host up to 210 people with 125 on the first floor, along with an outdoor seating area for the cooler months. It is expected to have a lively, elegant atmosphere, with a bar area as well as the dining area.