Dubai’s dining scene has never been short on glamour, however Gerbou, tucked away in Nad Al Sheba,brings something refreshingly different to the table. The brainchild of Atelier House Hospitality and Tashkeel Design Studio, Gerbou feels like stepping into a stylish friend’s home – if that friend happened to be a gifted chef with an eye for art and a passion for storytelling.
The Venue
From the moment you approach the venue, the entrance alone sets the tone, a custom-made door handle etched with palm trees, desert dunes, and ocean waves, hinting at the UAE’s natural beauty. Inside, the space is a masterclass in quiet luxury. A front desk carved from Ghaf tree trunks, left raw and unpolished, feels like a tribute to the desert’s resilience. Above it, a delicate bronze sculpture of a Eurasian collared dove and desert rose adds a poetic touch. Plush camel-leather sofas and embroidered cushions invite you to linger, while the Herbarium chandelier, a stunning glass piece filled with crystallised foliage, drips from the ceiling like frozen desert botanicals. Even the tables tell a story, inlaid with Sadu weaving patterns that nod to Bedouin craftsmanship. It’s heritage, but not as you know it—think “Emirati ancestral heirlooms” meets “modern art gallery.” Every detail feels intentional.
The Food: Familiar Flavours, Unexpected Twists
The menu, crafted by chef Ionel Catau (a Michelin-starred veteran) and Emirati pastry chef Sahar Al Awadhi, walks a delicious tightrope between tradition and innovation. The Feta & Pistachio Dip was the perfect way to kick things off. Creamy, just tangy enough, with those earthy mushroom crackers adding a nice bit of crunch. I’ll admit, I went straight for the Bahraini Loomi Kebab next that hit of dried lime took me right back to childhood summers in Bahrain. Nostalgia on a plate, honestly. Then came the delightful sharing plate of Lamb Chops & Asparagus: perfectly pink, with that whisper of smoke from Gerbou’s underground pit cooking (clever touch, that). But the real showstopper? The Charred Broccoli with Green Harissa. Who knew a vegetable could steal the spotlight? Smoky, spicy, downright addictive. And of course, we had to end with the Date Cake—sticky-sweet without being heavy, especially with that light cream cutting through. Washed it all down with the Desert Rose mocktail (floral, citrusy, lovely) and their Hibiscus Iced Tea, which was just tart enough to balance the richer bites.
The Verdict: Unpretentious Elegance
Gerbou isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. One that feels as thoughtful as it is delicious. Whether you’re here for fwala (their elegant take on Emirati high tea) or a leisurely dinner under that mesmerising chandelier, this is a place that lingers in the memory. In a city that often equates luxury with flash, Gerbou proves sophistication can be soulful too.
