Dubai is a city that welcomes expats from all over the world, offering opportunities to everyone in what has evolved to be a dynamic, multicultural environment. While some stay temporarily, others choose to stay for the long-term, making Dubai their home.
In this article, the final chapter of a three-part series, we explore the story of three chefs who have come to Dubai from various parts of the world. They share their personal journeys and reflect on how their culinary journey led them to Dubai, detailing their experience so far.
We had the pleasure of speaking with Giacomo Amicucci, Head Chef at two MICHELIN star Il Ristorante - Niko Romito to learn more about how his career brought him from Italy to Dubai via Australia.
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Since 2017, chef Giacomo Amicucci has been carving a name for himself in the Dubai culinary scene, heading up the luxury Italian restaurant Il Ristorante - Niko Romito alongside renowned chef Niko Romito and his dedicated team. Born in Gradara on the Eastern Coast of Italy, Amicucci’s love for cooking began in the kitchen of a local hotel in the small seaside town. This soon turned into a passion and Amicucci went on to study at the renowned ALMA International School of High Cuisine, where he developed his culinary precision. Upon graduation, he went on to advance his skills in some of the most well-respected kitchens in Italy, before relocating to Australia in 2012 on a mission to “see a completely different perspective of the world.”
After three years down under, Amicucci returned to his native Italy and joined chef Niko Romito at Ristorante Reale to hone his skills further. It was from here that chef Niko Romito proposed a new project, and asked Amicucci to head up the new Dubai-based restaurant Il Ristorante - Niko Romito in 2017, located in the exclusive Bulgari Resort Dubai. Enticed by “rumours” he had heard about the luxurious venue and the city itself; Amicucci jumped at the chance and hasn’t looked back since.
Coming from a small seaside town in Italy, Amicucci was in disbelief when he first arrived in Dubai. From the expansive desert to huge skyscrapers, he thought the city was so vast and simply “unbelievable.” He remembers going for dinner in a renowned Middle Eastern restaurant for the first time and was completely blown away by the scene, the food, and the vibe. “I thought ok, Dubai is on a different level.”
Amicucci also recalls meeting his new work colleagues for the first time and was delighted to discover the team of 14 was made up of 10 different nationalities. For him, this was so exciting, and a novelty that has never worn off. He loves meeting people from different cultures and interacting with customers from different countries, building friendships with people from all over the world. He remains in awe of the cultural diversity in Dubai and working with so many different nationalities.
Amicucci notes there has been a lot of changes since he arrived seven years ago, but this is one of the things he loves about the city - it’s always evolving. He has experienced some personal changes of his own too: the arrival of his daughter – something that has given him a newfound appreciation for the safety that Dubai offers its residents.
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“For me, Dubai is extremely safe, and this is something I really need to consider at this stage of my life. I also think this aspect is really valued in Dubai. There is a sense of community from everyone that lives here. It’s a city that gives you fantastic energy and vibes and I am so proud to call this place home.”
Fatherhood completely changed his life too. Initially, he feared this new challenge; however, he knew he was in the right place to raise a family and received so much support from his community and colleagues. Family and friendships are the most important things to Amicucci, and over the years he has built a strong support network in Dubai made up of friends from all over the world. Quality time with loved ones is something he really values and his favourite thing to do outside of work is spend time with them, enjoying the perks that Dubai has to offer such as hiking, camping, or going to the beach.
Passionate about the Dubai food scene, Amicucci believes the city is “thriving in the culinary industry.” In his opinion, anything is possible in the city thanks to rising levels of investment in the industry and the variety of nationalities and cultures. The positioning of Dubai in the centre of the world also means you can source almost any ingredient possible. When it comes to the local cuisine, he doesn’t favour a specific Emirati dish, instead he loves the sharing concept surrounding it. “You really see it all on the table, and you enjoy the food and the experience.”
Amicucci has nothing short of high praise for the city he now calls home. From the lifestyle to the people, to the food scene, he has a positive outlook on it all. Preferring a more peaceful lifestyle, he chooses to spend his time away from the hustle and bustle of the city, in neighbourhoods that are close to the desert such as Town Square. “It’s heaven and a beautiful place for your family,” he says.
When it comes to the next five years, he sees himself continuing to enjoy this life in Dubai, with his cherished friends and family – continuing to serve joy with his talent.
“I want to continue giving the authentic Italian dining experience to Dubai diners.”
Bonus Questions with chef Giacomo:
Favourite places to eat in DubaiAl Khayma Heritage Restaurant, Trèsind Studio.
Describe Dubai in three words
Safe, Multicultural, Impressive
