KHAMSA‘s Chef’s List is a significant component of our culinary exploration, where we delve into the minds of regional chefs or food enthusiasts, seeking out their top dining destinations. They respond with their favourite one that ticks all the boxes in our query. As such, whether you are looking for an all-around dining place or something that caters to a very unique niche, you have come to the right place.
This chef’s list is curated by Chef Robert “Rob” Stevens, the quiet engine behind The Nice Guy Dubai, H.Wood Group’s first international outpost. Since its October 2022 opening, he’s built a tight, collaborative kitchen and a menu of elevated American-Italian comfort that feels both nostalgic and new. From recruiting and mentoring the back-of-house to refining brand classics, Chef Rob’s exacting touch keeps the tables full—and the city talking.
KHAMSA had the pleasure of asking Chef Rob for his expert opinion on various cool spots. Have a look at his recommendations and make sure to visit them!
١. Your favourite restaurant?
There are many great restaurants in Dubai, so it’s hard to name just one. For more casual food I love to eat in Mannaland, it’s a hidden gem restaurant serving authentic Korean food.
٢. Your favourite bar?
LPM would be one of my favorite bars for a drink, I enjoy their cocktails and wine selection.
٣. Your favourite place for dancing?
I rarely go out dancing anymore, mostly due to working on the weekends. I do like to go to some of the underground drum and bass parties when I have the chance.
٤. Your favourite restaurant growing up?
As I did spend many of my youth years living in Dubai, an absolute favourite of those days was Eat and Drink on the Jumeirah road for the Shawarmas.
٥. Your favourite bakery/sweet shop?
This one is easy. Birch Bakery for sure. Their malted sourdough bread is top quality and their pastry’s flaky and delicious.
٦. Your favourite burger joint?
It’s not really a burger joint but my favourite burger is the OB cheese burger at Orfali Bros.
٧. Your favourite spot for a first date?
I am happily married but The Nice Guy Dubai would be the perfect first date spot, dim lighting, great live music and great Italian comfort food.
٨. Your favourite spot to work and get a coffee?
My favourite coffee spot close to where I live is called Spill the Bean In Sustainable City, great specialty coffee and delicious vegan pastries to go with it. I’m not vegan but they are good.
٩. The restaurant you’d take your parents out to dinner at.
They Love Indian food so if it was a special occasion I take them to Tresind Studio on the Palm Jumeirah. The food is exceptional.
١٠. The birthday bash paradise for your yearly celebrations?
I usually like to celebrate my birthday outside of Dubai as it’s in the beginning of July and the weather here is so hot.
A summer house in the Archipelago off the Finnish coast would be paradise for me with the midnight sun and close to nature.
