With deep Neapolitan roots and a decade of international expertise, Chef Giovanni Cortese brings an elevated Italian dining experience to Dubai’s vibrant food scene at Ristorante LOREN. Inspired by Italy’s iconic Dolce Vita era, LOREN combines authentic flavors with contemporary twists, crafting an ambiance that offers guests not just a meal, but a journey through Italian elegance and charm.
Giovanni, how much do your Neapolitan roots influence the menu at Ristorante LOREN?
Chef at Ristorante LOREN
My Neapolitan roots are very important to me, and although I’ve aimed to represent the whole of Italy on the menu, I’m deeply connected to my home flavors. I’ve created a menu that stretches from Piedmont to Sicily, enriching each dish with recipes that tell a story. For me, each plate is a narrative: my grandmother’s genovese sauce, for example, has become a defining part of my cuisine.
International guests love discovering the origins and stories behind each dish, which add personal and cultural layers to their dining experience.
How would you describe your culinary style?
My cuisine balances tradition with modernity. I strive to keep the authentic Italian flavors while adding a contemporary twist. In Dubai, people are looking for a full experience: not only a delicious meal but something visually captivating as well. That’s why I design each plate with visual allure in mind, aiming for a presentation that feels almost like an art piece, inviting guests to savor both the taste and the aesthetics. For example, our mushroom risotto, with its delicate gold leaf garnish, combines flavor with visual impact.
Let’s talk about ingredients. What do you choose for your dishes, and where do they come from?
We prioritize fresh, locally sourced ingredients wherever possible, like mozzarella, burrata, and ricotta from a Neapolitan producer here in Dubai. This allows us to offer the genuine flavors of Italy, with the added freshness that local sourcing provides. Importing is reserved only for items that can’t be matched locally, such as premium Australian Wagyu or specialty seafood from Europe. Using high-quality, fresh ingredients is essential for creating a top-level culinary experience.
What type of clientele does Ristorante LOREN typically attract?
Our clientele is diverse, with around 40% Italian and 60% international such as resident, and locals , mostly of the resident are from Europe, Canada, and the U.S. We have fewer local customers, partly because I intentionally chose not to adapt the menu to cater to the typical expectations for an Italian restaurant in Dubai. My goal is to attract guests who truly appreciate refined, authentic Italian cuisine.
Finally, what makes Ristorante LOREN a unique destination?
Ristorante LOREN is special because it successfully merges elegance, quality cuisine, and an atmosphere that evokes the Italy of the Dolce Vita era.
Our interiors, inspired by the iconic Riva boats, create a warm and sophisticated setting with an open kitchen that allows guests to observe the craftsmanship behind each dish. We also have a terrace overlooking Dubai Marina, where every detail, from the cobblestones to the floor patterns, brings a piece of Italy to life. Seeing guests relax for hours, savoring the atmosphere, is a great source of pride for us—it means they feel right at home.
At LOREN, Giovanni Cortese has crafted a space where modern elegance meets Italian authenticity.
Each dish is a story, a piece of Italy reimagined, and an invitation for guests to experience Italian culture in the heart of Dubai. Through his culinary artistry, Giovanni not only serves food but shares a journey, creating a memorable connection that bridges tradition and innovation.
When you step into LOREN, you aren’t just entering a restaurant—you’re stepping into a small piece of Italy, where time slows, and the experience leaves a lasting memory. For Giovanni, seeing guests fully immerse in this atmosphere is the ultimate reward—a testament to his culinary vision and the warmth of Italian hospitality.
