The company is behind London’s Ave Mario, Circolo Popolare and Gloria.
The European restaurant company, Big Mamma Group, can be found around the world, with locations in London, Madrid, and Paris. Now, it is set to make its mark in the Middle East and open Gloria at The Ritz-Carlton, DIFC, in December.
Founded in 2015, the company recently celebrated its 10th anniversary and treated staff to a skydiving experience from a plane. Today, the brand has more than 30 restaurants and trattorias across Europe, located in Belgium, England, France, Germany, Italy, Monaco, and Spain. A decade on from its beginnings, the group owns a string of much-loved trattorias across Europe, including Pink Mamma and La Felicità in Paris, Circolo Popolare and Jacuzzi in London, Bel Mondo in Madrid, Edmondo in Hamburg, and Gloria in Milan. The next chapter brings the brand to the Middle East.
Born in Milan’s Brera district, Gloria is a love letter to la dolce vita. The dining room boasts velvet banquettes, monumental chandeliers, golden mirrors, and vintage flourishes, creating a mood that feels both nostalgic and fresh. A sweeping terrace opens to the city skyline. The kitchen, led by Chef Pietro Zamuner, serves a menu of bold flavours and fine dressings that pay homage to classic Italian recipes while keeping a contemporary edge. Expect 24-month Parmigiano Reggiano from the maestri at Famiglia Gennari, fresh mozzarella from Caseificio Artigiano, hand-rolled pasta made in-house daily, and extra-virgin olive oils pressed in small mills across Italy.
Signatures include Casoncelli all’astice, a lobster-stuffed pasta finished with beurre blanc and caviar. There is a richly layered lamb and Wagyu saltimbocca filled with scamorza and sage. Roman staples take centre stage, from a silk-smooth Cacio e Pepe crafted with a four-pepper blend to the Mafaldine al Tartufo featuring fresh Melanosporum truffle shavings.
In London, Big Mamma Group’s restaurants include Ave Mario, Carlotta, Circolo Popolare, Gloria and Jacuzzi. Located in Shoreditch, Gloria is one of the capital’s most successful restaurants, boasting a firm following. The menu showcases Italian classics, freshly made pasta and Neapolitan pizzas baked in a wood-fired oven. The news of a Big Mamma Group Dubai opening was revealed via a series of LinkedIn job postings looking for a Restaurant Manager, Head of Communications, and Event Director.
The Dubai opening in December marks the first Big Mamma restaurant in the Middle East, with a mission to share a traditional Italian experience, rich in warmth, generosity and festive spirit, in a setting that matches the extraordinary city.
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GO: Visit www.bigmammagroup.com for more information.