Chef Izu Ani opens Alaya in Dubai’s DIFC

The chef's latest venture combines Mediterranean dishes and Middle Eastern influences

Dubai-based restaurateur Evgeny Kuzin and chef Izu Ani have partnered to create Alaya, a concept that celebrates Mediterranean cuisine and features Middle Eastern influences. 

Alaya was born from Evgeny Kuzin and Chef Izu’s extensive travels across the Middle East and their desire to pay tribute to the richness of the region's cuisine. 

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The new concept aims to encapsulate the generous hospitality and care the Middle East region is well known for with dishes designed to create meaningful experiences, showcasing carefully selected ingredients and traditional cooking methods with a contemporary approach.

Alaya dishes feature premium meat and seafood, pulses and plenty of citrus, plus an abundance of herbs and spices. Cumin, cinnamon, turmeric, nutmeg and cardamom deliver their distinctive signatures.

Designed by Richard Saunders & Sagrada, Alaya’s interiors also take an integrated approach that interweaves culture, history and design of the Eastern Mediterranean into the DIFC dining scene. Reinterpreting original details like marquetery and traditional tapestry, expect rich colours and intricate patterns and textures. 

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Commenting on the opening, Izu Ani said: “I am thrilled to be continuing my partnership with Evgeny to create another unique homegrown dining concept in Dubai. Alaya is our tribute to the Middle East, born from a desire to bring an entirely new culinary experience to the DIFC scene. 

"Our inspiration comes from a combination of our extensive travels across the Eastern Mediterranean and our deep affection for the region, resulting in an eclectic concept driven by creativity, generosity and honesty.”

Alaya is open for reservations from Wednesday 27 July 2022. 

For more information, please visit www.alaya-dubai.com