There’s more than meets the eye at the MICHELIN Bib Gourmand restaurant, Fi’lia. Beyond the beautifully authentic Italian dishes served on the rooftop of level 70, SLS Dubai Hotel, lies two intertwined stories; the sublime Italian recipes passed down from generations and made with the finest fresh global ingredients; and its future-forward female-led team carving their own story as women in a male-dominated industry. One narrative fuels the other as they seamlessly tandem for a warm and welcoming experience.
Here, Head Chef Célia Stoecklin reveals where her journey with food began and why it’s so important for her to champion this female-led philosophy in the Middle East.
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Like so many other successful culinary artists, chef Célia’s journey with food began as a child. “I remember helping my grandfather in his big garden, growing all sorts of vegetables,” she says.
“My grandmother would turn them into delicious dishes and seeing how everything came together - from the land, to the joy of cooking - fascinated me.” Célia’s decision to become a chef was profoundly influenced by her grandparents and she fondly remembers rolling meatballs for their delicious family recipe, ‘Bouché a la Reine’. “My grandmother showed me that cooking is a language of love and kindness that has the power to bring happiness and joy to the people we love,” she reminisces.
Already an accomplished and skilled leader at the age of 26, it’s unsurprising to hear that Célia grew up surrounded by strong women. Her grandmother stimulated her passion for cooking, her sisters inspired her socially and her mother (who admittedly was not one for cooking) shaped Celia with unconditional support, resilience and strength - essential qualities for succeeding in the esteemed kitchens of Guy Savoy, The Four Seasons’ two MICHELIN star L’Orangerie and Jumeirah Al Qasr’s MICHELIN-selected French Riviera, which Célia would later find herself working in.
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It is perhaps this female influence ingrained in Célia that made her the ideal replacement for Fi’lia’s ex-Head Chef Sara Aqel as she departed in 2023. As the first fully female-led restaurant in Dubai when it launched in 2021, Fi’lia has only had women at the helm since its inception and Célia embodies the values at play in Fi’lia’s kitchen. “Supporting women in pursuing careers in the culinary industry is something I’m really passionate about,” she says. “Working at Fi’lia allows me to spread this message and inspire young women to dive into the exciting world of cooking. It’s empowering to see that at Fi’lia, most of my fellow chefs are women, breaking down barriers and proving that talent knows no gender.”
Does Célia believe that she’s had different opportunities as a woman? “Working in a profession traditionally dominated by men has presented its challenges,” she states.
“It’s been a journey of perseverance and dedication, where I’ve had to work twice as hard to prove my worth and gain my place in the kitchen.”
And prove her worth she has. While the female story at Fi’lia is an imperative one, Célia ensures it does not overshadow the story of the food - it feeds it. “Our Fi’lia menu celebrates three generations of women: Nonna, Mamma, and Figlia. Each woman brings their own style,” she explains. “Nonna’s dishes are all about tradition, while Mamma mixes things up with a modern twist. And Figlia’s creations? Well, they’re all about the new generation, blending innovation with tradition.” These classic Italian personas highlight the culinary knowledge passed down through generations of women and come through in every dish, be it the artisan pizzas or contemporary twists on Italian classics.
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Célia says it’s all about using the power of flavour to transport guests somewhere completely different. “At Fi’lia, our dishes are more than just food; they are stories waiting to be told,” she enthuses. “Inspired by my travels across different regions of Italy, each signature dish carries with it a piece of my culinary journey. From the seafood delights of the Amalfi Coast, to the rich traditions of Puglia, every bite is a reminder of the warmth and hospitality I experienced along the way. Cooking, for me, is like sharing all those memories with our guests, allowing them to experience the same feelings I felt while visiting this beautiful country.”
Whether it’s the Italian lineage that the brand is built upon, or the women in the kitchen driving Fi’lia forward today, the two customs dovetail behind the menu harmoniously and the feeling of family is soaked up at Fi’lia like a soft focaccia dunked into olive oil.
“Looking back on Fi’lia’s journey, it’s clear that strong, talented women have played a vital
role in shaping our story,” Célia concludes. “Each one brought her own style and energy, making a big impact on our success.” One can’t think of a better chef than Célia to continue the story.
