9 Restaurants That Delight the Senses

Gerbou, Dubai

Gerbou, a dining sanctuary tucked within Dubai’s Nad Al Sheba district, translates to “welcome to my home” in the local UAE dialect. Led by local firms Kristina Zanic Consultants and Arkiteknik International, “the space [is] where guests feel exactly that—welcomed and at ease,” says Kristina Zanic, CEO of her eponymous firm. Natural materials and fluid forms define the interiors, accented with brushed metallics and rich tones of amber, emerald, and teal. Heritage plays a central role, expressed through design elements like the intricate Dubai pattern, which appears as a mesh screen at the entrance, green camel-leather stickwork on the back wall, and breezeblocks framing the outdoor bar. Meanwhile, the reception desk is carved from a naturally felled Ghaf tree trunk, with the bronze-topped bar etched with the tree’s silhouette. “Traditionally, people gathered in the shade of these trees, and the bar is doing the same in a modern way—bringing friends together,” Zanic explains. Outside, Urban Landscape created a sense of intimacy with native planting, arcaded courtyards, and a central firepit that evokes the spirit of traditional Bedouin gatherings. “While guests may not immediately notice these elements,” she adds, “they establish a connection to Dubai’s rich history.”

Photo by Sebastian Böttcher