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Women-led F&B brands are redefining Dubai’s culinary scene, with entrepreneurs turning their passion for food into successful restaurants, from burgers and pizzas to specialty teas and home-style meals.
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Notable female-led establishments include She Burger, Pitfire Dubai, Boon Coffee, Tania’s Teahouse, Bait Maryam, LOWE, Fi’lia, and Kinoya, each offering unique flavors, innovative dining experiences, and award-winning cuisine.
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Women hospitality leaders like Neha Anand and Panchali Mahendra are shaping luxury dining, managing multiple restaurant brands and introducing innovative concepts that blend tradition with modern culinary trends.
From Passion to Plate: Women-Led F&B brands of Dubai
Dubai’s culinary scene is being redefined by women-led businesses that bring passion, creativity, and bold flavors to the table. From flipping burgers and crafting artisanal pizzas to curating specialty teas and perfecting traditional home-style meals, these female entrepreneurs are shaping the city’s food landscape. Each of these trailblazers has turned a personal passion into a thriving eatery. Here’s a look at the women making their mark in Dubai’s dynamic food world.
Cravings You Can’t Resist
Shaikha Eissa started flipping burgers in her kitchen, and now she runs a popular spot in Dar Wasl Mall, Dubai, by the name She Burger. Her menu has everything from classic to creative burgers. It’s a female-led business that’s built a loyal following. If you’re in Al Wasl, this is a solid place to grab a burger.
Pitfire Dubai is where you go when you’re craving a great pizza. Co-founder Michele Johnson left a 20-year HR career to start this UAE-born pizza joint with her husband, Bill—not much experience, just a love for good food. Now, it’s getting global recognition as one of the top pizza chains out there. Their pizzas blend New York and Neapolitan styles, and people can’t stop talking about them. Find them at Jumeirah Lake Towers, Cluster D, Lakeshore Tower.
Brew That Defines You
Boon Coffee brings Ethiopian Arabica beans to Dubai, roasting them locally. Founder Orit Mohammed started by sharing coffee with friends before turning it into a business. Growing through word of mouth, Boon Coffee now has locations in Palm Jumeirah, JLT, and more. So, all coffee afficionados craving a large Honey Iced Latte, head to this spot for a perfectly brewed blend.
Tania’s Teahouse, owned by Tania Lodi, is the go-to spot for a laid-back afternoon, serving up good vibes, friendly service, and a menu with something for everyone. Head to Dubai Hills and have a look at the food. It isn’t just fun to look at—it’s packed with flavor too. Think colorful breakfast plates, cheeky dish names, and a few healthy twists. The All I Avo Wanted swaps toast for a sweet potato slice topped with smashed avocado. Got a sweet tooth? Try the Unicorn Cheesecake with rainbow layers or the classic scones with jam and cream – perfect for an all-day tea break. Pair it with your favorite brew—tea, coffee, or a latte.
Tantalizing Tastes of Dubai
Chef Salam Dakkak runs Bait Maryam in JLT’s Lakeshore Tower, inspired by her mom, Maryam. You’ll find her in the kitchen or chatting with guests, serving up home-style meals. Before this, she ran a school and taught cooking in Saudi. Now, from her restaurant in Cluster D, she’s bringing classic Arabian flavors to Dubai, sticking to her mom’s old-school Jordanian recipes, including those of manakish, falafel, and lamb chops.
LOWE is a popular breakfast spot at KOA Canvas in Dubai, run by former journalist Kate Christou. The menu has crumpets, almond milk waffles, and more. Hungry? Go for the aged ribeye steak with fried eggs, or cumin spiced lamb. The space is simple and open, with a wood oven, grill, and rotisserie in view.
Michelin Selects
Dubai’s first female-led restaurant, Fi’lia, run by Chef Célia Stoecklin, serves up honest, family-style Italian food with a twist. Think handmade pasta, rustic breads, and cheesy firewood pizzas—all crafted by an all-female team of talented chefs. Must-tries? The classic Margherita with fresh buffalo mozzarella, and the branzino in salt crust (perfect for sharing). Perched on the 70th floor of SLS Dubai, Fi’lia offers stunning views—so grab a terrace table in winter and soak it all in.
Tucked near The Onyx Tower, Kinoya is a dream come true for Dubai’s very own ‘ramen queen,’ Neha Mishra. From sold-out supper clubs to her first restaurant, she’s now serving up the ultimate izakaya experience—good food, good vibes, no fuss. Must-tries? Spicy miso ramen, sushi, and stir-fried rice. With a ramen counter, chef’s table, open dining, and cozy rooms, Kinoya is always buzzing—so book ahead.
Hospitality Entrepreneurs Redefining Luxury
Neha Anand is another leading female entrepreneur in the F&B industry, heading Three Layer Hospitality, which manages 20+ restaurants across six brands, including the acclaimed and award-winning Jun’s and Little Jun’s in Downtown Dubai, as well as the pizza brand Circle of Crust. Under Anand’s leadership, Three Layer Hospitality continues to expand, adding diverse dining concepts such as Pind Bathinda. Working alongside top chefs and operations officers, Anand ensures a diverse menu with gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan options, pushing the boundaries of culinary innovation.
Atelier House Hospitality, owned by Panchali Mahendra and based in Dubai Design District, is a boutique culinary firm behind award-winning restaurants like 11 Woodfire in Jumeirah and Mohalla in D3, as well as the newly opened Gerbou in Nad Al Sheba. Offering diverse cuisines, Mahendra caters to Dubai’s cosmopolitan audience. In collaboration with Tashkeel, Atelier House recently launched Gerbou, which reimagines Emirati cuisine through a modern lens while celebrating local artistry and craftsmanship.
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