DUBAI, UAE — The high-octane hospitality scene of Dubai has just received a dose of "Malindi magic." Majestas, the luxury group helmed by Italian entrepreneur and Formula 1 legend Flavio Briatore, has officially unveiled its newest culinary destination: Lion in the Sun.
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| Inside Lion in the sun restaurant in Dubai |
Perched high above the city’s pulse on the 62nd floor of the Mandarin Oriental Downtown (within the architectural marvel that is the Wasl Tower), this isn't just a restaurant—it is a personal love letter to Africa from one of the world's most prolific restaurateurs.
A Sky-High Sanctuary
Drawing inspiration from Briatore’s original, exclusive retreat in Malindi, Kenya (inaugurated in 2022), the Dubai outpost blends the rustic charm of East Africa with the sleek sophistication of the Emirates.
Designed by renowned architect Richard Saunders, the 8,072-square-foot space is a masterclass in atmospheric design. The aesthetic breaks away from the typical chrome-and-glass of Downtown Dubai, instead embracing a warm, earthy color palette of terracotta, deep browns, and crisp whites.
The venue is designed to be versatile, offering:
Intimate Dining: Seating for 160 guests across a seamless indoor-outdoor flow.
The Terrace: An open-air vantage point offering breathtaking views of the Burj Khalifa and the coastline—perfect for "sundowners" as the sun dips below the horizon.
Social Events: Standing capacity for up to 300 people, signaling its ambition to become the city's next "it" spot for exclusive parties.
The Culinary Art of Fire
At the heart of Lion in the Sun is a celebration of primal cooking techniques refined for a fine-dining palate. The kitchen is commanded by the charismatic Italian-Tunisian celebrity chef Batuhan Piatti, who brings a "Mediterranean meets the Grill" philosophy to the table.
The menu is an ode to open-fire cooking, focusing on high-quality ingredients allowed to shine through simple, masterful preparation. Highlights include:
The Starters: Pulpo alla Gallega (tender octopus paired with potato purée), crispy fried calamari, and razor-thin Fassona beef carpaccio.
The Signatures: A delicate sea bass carpaccio and a rich, briny Spaghetti with Mediterranean Vongole that transports diners straight to the Italian coast.
A Personal Passion Project
For Flavio Briatore, this opening is distinct from his high-energy "Billionaire" dinner-show concepts. It is deeply personal. The concept traces its roots back to Karen Blixen’s iconic memoir Out of Africa, capturing the romance and timelessness of life on a Kenyan coffee farm in the early 20th century.
"I’m especially happy to see Lion in the Sun my most personal concept, inspired by my home in Kenya take on a new life on the 62nd floor," Briatore remarked. "Dubai holds a very special place in my heart... In Dubai, to last is to succeed, and we’ve done just that."
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| The food at Lion in the sun restaurant |
Why It Matters
The opening marks a continued expansion for the Majestas Group, which has successfully operated in Dubai since 2016. By partnering with the Mandarin Oriental, Lion in the Sun positions itself as a sophisticated retreat for the cosmopolitan traveler a place where the warmth of Kenyan hospitality meets the culinary excellence of Italy, all set against the glittering backdrop of the Dubai skyline.
Lion in the Sun is now open for reservations at the Mandarin Oriental Downtown, Dubai.