A new “salotto in the sky” from F1 empresario Flavio Briatore.
Lion in the Sun is preparing for its Dubai debut at the new Mandarin Oriental Downtown, Dubai, and it is already shaping up to be a must-visit dining destination. Perched at the top of the hotel, the venue embraces the idea of a “salotto in the sky,” which translates to a “living room in the sky.” The concept draws on the original Kenyan retreat from F1 empresario Flavio Briatore, bringing its relaxed spirit to Dubai.
Designed by Richard Saunders, Lion in the Sun pairs timeless elegance with contemporary sophistication. The interiors are carefully curated, from the lighting to the textures, to create a space that feels both warm and refined. Every detail has been conceived to express a deep passion for hospitality, resulting in an atmosphere that has long appealed to high-profile guests, including Naomi Campbell.
Celebrating the art of open-fire cooking, Lion in the Sun places premium ingredients and Mediterranean influences at the forefront. Under the vision of Culinary Director and Celebrity Chef Batuhan Piatti, the grill becomes the heartbeat of the restaurant. Here, fire becomes ritual, creating dishes shaped by depth, purity and shared experience. Expect premium ingredients treated with restraint and respect, dishes designed for sharing, and a menu that reads like an invitation to gather with friends and family. From crisp seafood to flame-kissed meats and vegetables, the plates are built around texture, smoke, and seasonality. There’s even a paella master on hand to create the Spanish signature.
The concept draws inspiration from the original Lion in the Sun retreat in Malindi, Kenya, a resort developed by entrepreneur Flavio Briatore. Once his private home, the Kenyan property has long attracted global figures from the worlds of culture, art, fashion and music, and has become a symbol of effortless elegance. That spirit forms the backbone of the Dubai restaurant, which channels the same sense of privacy, style and relaxed luxury.
Reimagined for the rhythm of Downtown Dubai, this new chapter translates the legacy of Briatore’s Kenyan retreat into a contemporary cultural destination. Intimate yet elevated, Lion in the Sun is a place where heritage meets horizon, where the glow of the fire and the energy of the city come together at the very top of Mandarin Oriental Downtown Dubai.
Lion in the Sun will open on Tuesday, 25 November, joining a growing culinary line-up at Mandarin Oriental, Downtown Dubai, including Billionaire, Chitarra, Noia, Osaka Nikkei, Pavyllon Dubai and Yu & Mi. Together, they signal a destination hotel with serious food credentials, and Lion in the Sun looks set to add a glamorous yet soulful layer to the mix.
If you are looking for a dining spot that balances heritage-inspired style with modern luxury, this new rooftop address belongs on your list.
GO: Follow @lioninthesundubai on Instagram for more information.