Our Milan Favourite, Now in Dubai: Inside Princi’s New Flagship

In Milan, Princi is our go-to: the kind of spot you fall into naturally while wandering near the Duomo di Milano or spending slow afternoons in Brera district.

It’s our favorite place for breakfast, some that turn into lunch, for an espresso that become focaccia, and those in-between moments where you sit a little longer than planned, watching the city move (with an excellent ‘bombolone’ or two.) And it makes sense: Princi literally built that ritual into its DNA, adding an espresso bar early on so people could pair coffee with freshly baked cornetto, the Milan way.  

So when Princi officially opened its flagship in Dubai, we couldn't be any happier. It felt less like discovering something new and more like welcoming an old favourite into our everyday. In a city with so much options everywhere, betting on something we truly love is a real luxury. Princi’s own story tracks that expansion clearly: Kuwait in February 2020, then Dubai Mall in February 2026: a neat, confident timeline for a brand that’s always moved with ambition.  

As founder Rocco Princi puts it: “Princi embodies the spirit of Milan: rhythm, discipline, and warmth. Everything begins with three simple things—water, flour, and fire—and the time it takes for them to become something real. Each dish is a reflection of the Milanese heart and craftsmanship, and we're bringing this daily gesture to Dubai, with Alshaya, to create a place to be experienced all day long.”

That “all day long” detail is key, because Princi isn’t positioning itself as just a bakery pit stop. The Dubai flagship brings Princi’s signature Milanese rhythm to the UAE in a modern, premium setting designed for all-day dining that is more a destination than a café. And the brand has a simple set of pillars that explain why it translates so well across cities: Origin, Craft, Place, People.  

Origin is Princi’s obsession with ingredients: sourced without compromise, baked with intention, and treated like the main character.  

Craft is where Princi gets almost poetic. “In the artisan, there is art. And from art comes bread.” The brand frames its process through elemental language—water, air, earth, fire—and makes a point of doing things the traditional way: no shortcuts, no secrets, just patience and pride. You feel that approach in the Dubai space too, where freshness isn’t marketed as a promise, but is built into the choreography.

Place is Milan, always. Princi calls Milan Rocco’s muse, and you can see it in the design language, the counter rhythm, the quiet efficiency that still feels warm. The Dubai flagship keeps that “Spirito di Milano” energy intact: sleek but not cold, social but not loud, like it understands that luxury can be as simple as a really good coffee, at the right pace, in the right light.

And then there’s People: la ‘Famiglia’. Princi describes itself as a family legacy started by Rocco, continued by his sons, but also extended to the bakers and commessas, the farmers and artisans, and the customers who keep showing up. That’s what makes the Dubai opening feel instantly familiar: the room is designed for everyday life: quick coffee runs, casual meetings, and long conversations that stretch because nobody’s rushing you out.

From the first espresso of the morning to the final bite later in the day, Princi is built to move with your schedule. The menu is genuinely all-day, spanning bakery, bread, pastry, breakfast, starters, salads, focaccia pizza, sandwiches, pasta and main courses, plus beverages, so you can do a soft morning start or a proper sit-down without switching venues. And in true Dubai fashion, what makes it extra fun is how seamlessly Princi plays with local taste: think a tender zaatar focaccia moment, or a warm, comforting Umm Ali; Middle Eastern familiarity, filtered through a very Italian kind of precision.

“Our commitment to delivering world-class, authentic experiences continues with the debut of Princi in the UAE. We are thrilled to introduce this unique culinary landmark that offers guests an inspiring culinary destination that captures the vibrant essence of Milanese culture. We look forward to seeing our customers experience it firsthand,” said John Hadden, CEO of Alshaya Group.

And the real bonus? Their breathtaking views on the majestic Burj Khalifa and Dubai fountains. Who doesn’t love having a meal set against grand backdrop?

A breakfast stop before meetings or a spontaneous lunch plan, Princi is one of those addresses you suggest instinctively. We can’t wait for our next visit.

PRINCI  

www.princime.com

Dubai Mall

1^st floor  04 315 3603

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