Planning a trip to or via Dubai this November? If so a sojourn to CBH Hospitality’s latest venture could be high on the To Do list, as loved London destination restaurant, Duck & Waffle flies East to Dubai.
Duck & Waffle, one of London’s most beloved hotspots will officially open its new venture in Dubai in a 10,000 square foot space in the Dubai International Financial Centre ( DIFC).* Bringing a blend of modern British and American cuisines, Duck & Waffle is a culinary success story celebrating the humble waffle!
Its signature dish: the decadent, world-famous Duck & Waffle which has now sold over two million dishes globally and counting is at the heart of the menu.
Featuring a crispy duck leg confit, fried duck egg, and mustard maple syrup – the dish is a prime example of the brand’s love of unexpected flavours. Other flavour combinations include Foie Gras Crème Brûlée, the Spicy Ox Cheek Doughnut, and the hugely popular Whole Roasted Chicken with ratte potatoes, wild mushrooms and truffle.
Full Elvis Waffle
Additionally the brand celebrates the waffle – a perfect edible vessel for delicious fun exemplified in the popular ‘Full Elvis’ Waffle. In Dubai, Head Chef Jeremy Besson, renowned for his tenure with Chef Daniel Boulud, will steer the Duck & Waffle kitchen – including the introduction of a robata grill to the Dubai menu.
The new Dubai restaurant will offer a 360-degree, walk-around ‘chef’s bar’ where clever skills and libations take centre stage. Upon arrival in the Dubai locale, visitors will be drawn to a central, radiant dome that serves as the focal point within the main restaurant.
“Dubai for me is one of the most exciting cities on this planet. Its diverse culinary scene and vibrant culture make it the perfect city for our next Duck & Waffle adventure, as we look to expand our wings overseas,” says Shimon Bokovza, Founder and CEO. Bokovza also founded the global hospitality brand SushiSamba.
The new restaurant is being introduced to Dubai by CBH Hospitality Group, led by CEO Hadi Aknin and his partner Berton Grup. Aknin, who most recently ran famed private members club, Annabel’s in London, previously served as Director of Operations at Duck & Waffle in London.
“We are honoured to introduce Duck & Waffle to the Middle East,” says Aknin. “While we’re committed to upholding the original tenants of what makes Duck & Waffle such a brilliant and unique brand, we’re equally excited to shape its distinct presence in Dubai, taking it to new heights.”
Iconic Views
A huge, perforated metal tree surrounded by lush greenery will frame iconic views of the Burj Khalifa. The venue will also feature a greenhouse dining area with a covered pergola, creating a cosy daytime setting that will transform into a lively atmosphere after sunset.
Designed by award-winning New York City-based design firm ICRAVE, other highlights of the dining space include an open kitchen and thoughtful architecture designed to effortlessly convey the space from day to night, and late night, dining.
The restaurant will feature a special after-hours menu available until late, transforming the venue into the perfect spot after a night out or a sunrise power breakfast to start the day.
London Duck & Waffle
Since its inception in London 40 floors up in the Salesforce Tower in 2012, Duck & Waffle has become a beloved destination for food and drink enthusiasts, offering a menu built around its iconic namesake dish and complemented by a specialty cocktail experience from a 360-degree walk-around ‘chef’s bar.’
The restaurant has garnered critical acclaim and a multitude of global awards including Tatler Restaurant Guide, Michelin Guide, Time Out London, Tales of the Cocktail and GQ Food & Drink among many others. A second Duck & Waffle opened in Edinburgh in 2023, and the third outpost is coming soon to Dubai’s DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre) in the fall of 2024.
CBH Hospitality
Founders Hadi Aknin and Berton Grup are known for their excellence in the hospitality industry with over 20 years nurturing brands across the world, and especially in culinary meccas including London and Dubai. With a proven track record of success, CBH Hospitality adheres to a consistent approach that prioritises quality and innovation. Often referred to as the “Mayfair of the Middle East,” the Hub provides a dynamic and prestigious environment for these recognisable brands to thrive.
Led by CEO Hadi Aknin, founder of 28 Hospitality Group who has over two decades of experience in global hospitality, Hadi’s career spans renowned restaurants in London and Dubai, where he curated immersive experiences and propelled talented teams to new heights including renowned establishments including the famous members club Annabel’s, Petrus by Marcus Wareing, SUSHISAMBA, and Duck & Waffle UK. Complementing this is Berton Grup who has redefined the landscape of business across multiple industries from Construction to Agriculture and Hospitality including Serafina restaurant group.
*The DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre) Innovation Hub at Innovation One, Concourse Level, is the largest financial ecosystem in the region, hosting over 700 tech firms.
