Award-Winning Restaurant Fi’lia Opens in Dubai

SLS Dubai Hotel & Residences proudly presents Fi'lia, a fully female-led restaurant. With prestigious locations across the United States and Bahamas with flagship restaurants in Miami and Nassau at Baha Mar Resorts, and an upcoming opening in Paris in 2022. The opening of Fi'lia Dubai marks the fourth location worldwide and the very first in the Middle East for the concept. The restaurant is helmed by Chef Sara Aqel and her team of talented women. From the restaurant management to service, the incredible female-led team brings the authenticity of Fi'lia to life.

Chadi Farhat, Chief Operating Officer, sbe states: "We are delighted to bring our honest Italian culinary concept Fi'lia to the Middle East, which will be focused on empowering the incredible leadership team of women, from our chefs to mixologists to managers. Fi'lia will be a destination for our guests and residents at SLS Dubai, and we look forward to welcoming the locals to discover this culinary experience as well."

Sara Aqel, Chef de Cuisine, Fi'lia Dubai adds: "I am so excited to be part of this amazing concept. With Fi'lia, I can finally be a woman of the kitchen, instead of 'just being in' the kitchen and I'm doing what I love most with a great team of other women around me."

Fi'Lia opens at the SLS Dubai, helmed by Chef de Cuisine, Sara Aqel, leading an all-female team. The opening of Fi’lia Dubai marks the fourth globally and the first in the Middle East.

Run by a team of ambitious women, striving for culinary greatness and excellent service, Fi'lia celebrates a genuine approach to Italian cuisine with a hint of Mediterranean influence. Fi'lia is committed to authenticity and honesty. The menu is inspired by the recipes and traditions that were passed on from one generation of women to the next and the name for the concept is born from this generational approach. From "Nonna," Italian for grandmother, to "Mamma," Italian for mother and "figlia" - now "Fi'lia," Italian for "daughter," adding a modern twist to traditional and much-loved Italian-Mediterranean dishes prepared with the freshest ingredients.

Nonna's creations include well-known favourites such as Ravioli quattro formaggi and the lasagna which was named after her. Mamma's dishes serve up contemporary creations such as the Burratina, the Cozze e vongole (mussels and clams) and the Beef Tenderloin, cooked to perfection. Fi'lia adds modern touches to the Italian-Mediterranean meals from Beef Tartare dressed with egg yolk jam and pecans to Seabass served with a crunchy feta and herbs crust. Naturally, pizza is a must at this stylish eatery - baked freshly with handmade dough and garnished with the finest ingredients from Italy. Staying true to empowering women, the beverage menu features a 100% female produced wine list and a special cocktail menu with female led spirits that are sure to evoke a story in every sip.

Located on the 70th floor of SLS Dubai with 360-degree views over Dubai's impressive skyline, the iconic Burj Khalifa and an outdoor terrace perfect for al fresco dining, the restaurant was designed by acclaimed Bishop Design and exudes a modern Mediterranean charm. Inside, guests can lounge and dine by the pizza bar which is the centerpiece of Fi'lia with its impressive copper ovens, while the live cooking station adds a contemporary touch. Flooded with natural light, guests await a journey through a hybrid of diverse yet seamless spaces. Fi'lia can host up to 76 people on its terrace, as well as 128 indoor. Open for lunch and dinner, this is where creativity, craftsmanship, and community all share a seat at the table.

Fi'lia is one of the culinary concepts that Accor acquired when they completed the acquisition of sbe hotel brands in November 2020.

April 14, 2021