Lion in the Sun: The Latest Gastro-Gem Making A Grand Arrival Above Downtown Dubai

We recently made our way to the newly opened Lion in the Sun, located on the top floor of Mandarin Oriental Downtown Dubai, not without excitement. Opened on November 25, the restaurant marks the global debut of the Lion in the Sun concept, with Dubai chosen as its launch destination.

If one word were to summarize the experience, it would be grand. The ascent alone sets the tone: an imposing staircase leading upward, gradually revealing sweeping views of Downtown Dubai. You'll spot the Address Sky Views unfolding in one direction, the Burj Khalifa anchoring the other. Designed by Richard Saunders, the space blends timeless elegance with contemporary refinement. The décor, the open kitchen, and the rhythm of the room create a sense of theatre that feels almost cinematic. Before the food even arrived, we found ourselves already immersed and served a feast for the eyes.

At its core, Lion in the Sun celebrates the art of open-fire cooking, a philosophy led by Culinary Director and celebrity chef Batuhan Piatti. Here, fire is treated as ritual rather than spectacle, shaping dishes that prioritize depth, purity, and shared experience. The menu draws from Mediterranean influences, allowing premium ingredients to speak through simplicity and precision.

Among the standouts, the king crab leg is one we’ll remember for months to come: indulgent and impeccably executed. The rib eye and the sea bass, both simply grilled, rank among the finest we’ve had the chance to enjoy, reinforcing the idea that simplicity can be the ultimate luxury.

And while we wrere trying to give our carb intake a break, the pasta menu was seriously inviting and we might have to be back just to try the truffle rigatonis. If you're visiting as a group, the paella looks like the ultimate succiuent choice.

Then came dessert or the moment that truly sealed the evening. A mandarin sorbet, vibrant and refreshing, so delicious we could have easily ordered five scoops without hesitation. But it was the pistachio flan that proved unforgettable: silky, comforting, and rich without being heavy. The kind of dessert that stays  that could genuinely justify a two-hour drive through traffic, just for one more bite.

Inspired by the original Lion in the Sun retreat in Malindi, Kenya, a cultural landmark developed by Flavio Briatore and long associated with art, fashion, and music, the Dubai outpost reinterprets that legacy for the city’s rhythm. Reimagined under the umbrella of Majestas, Lion in the Sun positions itself as more than a restaurant: a contemporary cultural destination where heritage meets horizon, and where hospitality is designed to feel like a sense of home.

Lion in the Sun doesn’t rely on spectacle alone. It understands scale, yes, but it’s the alignment of setting, concept, and execution that makes the experience resonate long after the table is cleared.

More info on Instagram, here.‍

Monday to Sunday: 12PM – 12AM
Address: Mandarin Oriental Downtown, Wasl Tower - Albanny Street, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai

WhatsApp: +971 56 573 8283