In a city already synonymous with superlatives, The Link at One&Only One Za’abeel has swiftly claimed its place as Dubai's culinary hub. Stretching across the skyline like a futuristic bridge, this architectural marvel—now home to a collection of MICHELIN-starred restaurants and bold culinary concepts—aims to elevate Dubai's dining scene to unprecedented heights.
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At the heart of this transformation is Lili Astic, Vice President of Food and Beverage at The Link and her team, who envisioned creating not just another luxury dining destination, but a global gastronomic stage. “We wanted to set an example, not just locally, but globally," she says. The strategy? A lineup of internationally renowned chefs and curated dining experiences that reflect Dubai’s diverse culture and sophisticated taste. “Our guests are well-travelled and have high expectations,” she adds. “They’re not just looking for dinner—they’re looking for a unique experience.”
Among the stars at The Link is La Dame de Pic Dubai, helmed by Anne-Sophie Pic, the world’s most MICHELIN-decorated female chef. This outpost of her celebrated brand has already earned its first MICHELIN star, offering a refined French dining experience in the Middle East for the first time. Not far from there is Sagetsu by Tetsuya, the brainchild of Tetsuya Wakuda, the famed Australian-Japanese chef, also snagging its MICHELIN star in its debut year. Other heavyweights include Dabiz Muñoz’s MICHELIN-selected StreetXO, a wild fusion of street food and haute cuisine that brings the vibrancy of urban flavours to Dubai.
But the appeal of The Link doesn’t stop with MICHELIN clout. Six diverse dining venues reflect the global crossroads that is Dubai—spanning French, Japanese, Nikkei fusion, and Middle Eastern influences. The roster is completed by Sphere, a nightlife spot with 360-degree views of the glittering cityscape. Astic explains that the dining experience at The Link is always about more than just the food.
“No matter where you dine, you’re surrounded by the skyline. It elevates the entire experience.”
This level of immersion is not accidental. The Link's forward-thinking approach merges cutting-edge technology with luxury dining. “Innovation is at the heart of everything we do,” Astic notes. From the futuristic architecture to the immersive “Bridge of Love”—a suspended digital art installation running the length of The Link—the setting itself is designed to be as remarkable as the culinary offerings.
Beyond innovation, sustainability plays a key role in the ethos of The Link. Astic emphasises the importance of local sourcing in many of the menus, a growing trend even in Dubai’s luxury sector. Dishes like the ‘Local Fig’ dessert at La Dame de Pic Dubai and Middle Eastern herbs featured in the dishes at Arrazuna, helmed by Mehmet Gürs of Turkey’s MICHELIN-starred Mikla, nod to this conscientious approach
Image credit: Pic Group/La Dame de Pic Dubai
With food tourism on the rise, The Link positions itself as an unmissable stop for culinary connoisseurs. Its range of experiences, from exclusive tasting menus to quick business lunches, offers something for every palate.
As The Link heads into Dubai’s peak season, it’s preparing to debut new dining events and festive menus that promise to keep the city’s gourmands coming back for more. For those looking to explore Dubai’s evolving culinary scene—or simply take in the breathtaking views over a plate of world-class cuisine—The Link at One&Only One Za’abeel is setting a new standard. Astic’s closing sentiment encapsulates their mission: “We have the stage, and now we’re focused on continuously exceeding expectations.”
Illustration image: The Link/Kerner Group
