Open Flame Kitchen leads the way in Dubai’s experiential dining scene

Enjoy internationally inspired grilled dishes from around the world in a contemporary-chic Burj Khalifa ambience with a spectacular outdoor terrace.

As we move into the post-pandemic era and cooler winter months, restaurants in Dubai are upping their game for the new season, exploring new ideas and innovations to continue to provide evocative experiences for each and every guest. OFK, an immersive upscale dining restaurant located in the iconic Fashion Avenue of The Dubai Mall, is proud of its trailblazing status, offering world-class, curated cuisine in a superlative setting that offers sleekly minimal interiors and a breath-taking outdoor terrace with views of the Dubai Fountains.

OFK Dubai is the first OFK by Gastronomica; the renowned Kuwaiti operator with a raft of successful brands in its portfolio. OFK’s unique and theatrical concept revolves around the theme of the open flame kitchen, drawing inspiration from a number of international influences. This is played out by OFK’s three grills; the Latin American parrilla, a tandoor from Northern India and a robata grill, the famous Japanese robatayaki method of cooking food over hot coals. The result is a menu rich in flavour, depth and substance, with many dishes prepared freshly to order incorporating traditional live fire cooking methods.

Boasting sophisticated, mid-modern-style interiors with an open plan kitchen and central sushi counter, equipped with cutting-edge technology, OFK offers guests a luxurious dining experience. The restaurant sources quality ingredients from around the world and prides itself in offering new, seasonal dishes to add excitement for regulars.  A highlight of the venue is its expansive outdoor terrace, with spectacular views over the beautiful Dubai Fountains and Downtown Dubai skyline.

The flame grilled cooking techniques lend OFK’s menu its edge, with the Robatayaki or “fireside-cooking” method yielding the succulent wagyu tenderloin, and the 48 Hours sous vide wagyu ribs and the tandoor and Parrilla grills used for signature dishes including the wagyu picanha and the 5+ wagyu tomahawk. The dining venue also offers guests an array of international rice dishes prepared table side for a lively sense of performance and artistry.

Elsewhere, a raw menu offers a selection of freshly made salads such as grilled corn & Italian rocket, or aged balsamic avocado and nigiri wagyu aburi. Small bites also pack a punch, including the  decadent fuji fries, sriracha honey shrimps, rib eye hummus and wagyu kushiyaki, alongside woodfired brick oven artisanal pizzas and gourmet burgers and sliders. To finish, OKF is proud to offer a bespoke, handcrafted range of indulgent desserts, with popular favourites including chocolate fondant, warm chocolate cheesecake and the unmissable house tiramisu, a traditional Italian delicacy plated table side.

Basil Al Salem, Founder & CEO, Gastronomica, said: “Our commitment to showcasing the finer aspects of open flame cooking has resulted in the chain’s expansion from Kuwait into Dubai. The UAE, and specifically Dubai, is a diverse culinary hub and we wish to exceed market expectations and offer diners of all ages an unparalleled dining experience. OFK allows guests to immerse themselves in dining experiences that stimulate all the senses, delivered by our dedicated staff who consult and help with menu selections based on individual preferences, which adds another level to OFK’s experiential hospitality.”

KPMG’s latest F&B report revealed that restaurants across the GCC have observed that consumers are now looking for increasingly contemporary dining experiences, making experiential dining a new trend, especially in the UAE. OFK’s exquisite food, relaxing environment, upbeat music, ambient lighting and stylish seating all contribute to guests’ total dining experience or ‘TDE’, which its parent company Gastronomica is renowned for.