Launching on 15th January, Amaru unveils a new chapter in Dubai’s dining and nightlife scene, introducing an immersive Latin American restaurant and bar, defined by fire-led cuisine, ritual-driven cocktails, and rhythmic energy.
Located at Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Amaru takes its name and spirit from the ancient legend of the Amaru – the Incan serpent-dragon believed to move between worlds – a symbol of transformation, prosperity, and connection. This mythology shapes the experience throughout the venue, influencing its flavours, atmosphere, music, and the way the evening unfolds.
From the moment guests arrive, Amaru reveals itself as a journey through distinct yet interconnected spaces. At its centre, the main bar acts as the natural meeting point of the venue – a place to gather, begin the evening, and set the rhythm. Surrounding the bar, the dining room is defined by walls of warm clay and textured stone that echo the ancient temples of the Mayans and Incas, flickering firelight that creates a cozy yet dramatic ambiance, and intricate wood carvings and golden Aztec motifs that celebrate the region’s artistic heritage. An elevated upper level offers a fresh vantage point over the room, while the Chef’s Table provides an intimate setting for a curated, immersive dining experience. Throughout the venue, music weaves seamlessly through each area, infusing energy while allowing conversation to flow.
“Amaru began as a feeling before it became a place,” says Fadi Bijjani, Founder and CEO of Amaru. “After years of travelling through Latin America, I wanted to create something in Dubai that carried the same sense of fire and emotion – where food, drinks, music, and atmosphere move together.”
Rooted in the culinary traditions of Latin America and elevated through contemporary technique, Amaru’s menu celebrates the continent’s streets, coastlines, ancestral kitchens, and sacred fire rituals. Guided by Chef Carlo Valentino, the menu unfolds across regions and rituals – refining familiar street flavours, honouring heritage through sacred plates, and placing fire at the centre of the experience. From citrus-y ceviches and blue lobster tacos wrapped in huitlacoche tortillas, to smoky anticuchos, otoro tostadas, and highland lamb chops kissed by live flame, each dish tells a story shaped by earth, sea, and soul.
Under the direction of Firas Youssef, Amaru’s beverage program reflects the same sense of theatre and storytelling found in the kitchen. Signature cocktails draw on tropical botanicals, ancestral infusions, and precise flavour construction – from the “Welcome Sphere”, an appetite stimulating tropical expression with a funky twist; to the Negroni Latino, where mango distillate and tropical fruit reframe the classic with a distinctly Latin character.
Alongside its cocktail offering, Amaru introduces Sober Whispers – a refined selection of no-alcohol creations crafted with the same attention to balance, aroma, and presentation, ensuring the ritual of the bar extends to every guest.
Curated by Kori Hall, music is the soul of Amaru. DJs and live bands fill the space with salsa, cumbia, and samba, guiding evenings that naturally transition from dining to dancing. On select nights, tango performances add theatrical flair, while weekends come alive with Latin-inspired DJ sets fused with Dubai’s favourite beats, transforming Amaru into a celebration.
Amaru opens on 15th January 2026, inviting guests to immerse themselves in the fire and energy that defines Latin America.
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