Gigi Rigolatto has touched down in the Middle East! After the success of its Paris, Saint-Tropez and Val D’Isère outposts, the much-loved Italian restaurant-meets-beach house has officially opened its doors in Dubai’s J1 Beach, promising a culinary experience like no other.
Led by Rizwan Kassim, Gigi Rigolatto is among the most anticipated projects helmed by Rikas Hospitality Group and Paris Society. Highlighting the appeal of Italian food and culture, Gigi Dubai invites guests to have a taste of life’s pleasures in a retreat that embodies “La Vita Alla Grande,” or the idea of living “life to the fullest.”
Giving the space a healthy dose of charisma is, of course, the expertise of Franco-Mexican architect Hugo Toro, whose signature style has come to be known and loved across the globe. After breathing life into past editions of Gigi, the creative has created yet another haven in the UAE — one that carries the Gigi Rigolatto franchise’s undeniably free-spirited ethos, yet perfectly embodies Dubai’s more-is-more way of life. “The idea is to create a park of properties where the owner’s style is recognizable, but where each place has its own identity,” he tells Vogue Arabia. “The Dubai edition of Gigi is the only one with direct access to the sea, with an interior and exterior design that creates a truly unique relationship. We also twisted the codes of Italy with some Arabic codes, which gave life to a fusion of custom motifs. What makes Dubai unique is its urban and wild beach club vibe, which creates a unique alchemy.”
No stranger to the art of building beautiful spaces, Toro’s journey with architecture began at home. “I have always been very hands-on, and my first exercise was drawing and building my treehouse in my mother’s garden,” he remembers. “It was my refuge and the beginning of my passion for both small and large spaces.” Over his lifetime, Toro has honed his design process to perfection, gleaning ideas from his surroundings with ease. “I like to think of spaces as unique theatrical pieces each time. I always start with a drawing in my notebook or on my iPad, and then ideas flow in my head,” he explains. “People inspire me a lot because they are the ones who will bring the place to life. I enjoy imagining their paths and how they will interact. I also like to give room for accidents in the layout; for example, in the garden of Gigi Dubai, a branch on your path will invite you to bend down and feel like you are in a living space.”
Bringing together soothing earthy hues, rustic pieces crafted from wood and jute, and unexpected floral elements, the look of Gigi Dubai compels visitors to adopt a slower pace and enjoy time away from their busy schedules. The menu is equally appealing, offering upseasonal dishes inspired by regions like Tuscany and Puglia.
With seating for up to 240 guests, no group is too large for a day at Gigi. Guests are invited to relax by the pool on sun beds, or enjoy Gigi Dubai’s resident DJ in its many outdoor nooks — keep an eye out for the restaurant’s four exclusive cabanas, Ischia, Ponza, Capri, and Elba.
For children, the Dubai edition of Gigi Rigolatto is also home to Gigi Circus, a kids’ club featuring all the makings of a dreamland. Think inflatable play areas, trampolines, gaming stations and water games. For the shopping enthusiasts, the Gigi boutique is a must-visit. Expect to discover more than 100 products from over 40 international brands, along with exclusive Gigi Dubai merchandise including scented candles and wicker bags.