Experience an enchanting world of culinary delights and a tranquil lounge at Dubai’s newest hidden gem
Dubai, United Arab Emirates-: NARNIA, a new dining and lounge concept, is NOW OPEN. Located within Loona, Downtown Dubai, Narnia presents a peaceful retreat that blends fine dining with a relaxing lounge atmosphere, creating the perfect setting for a memorable evening.
NARNIA invites guests to step into a space where they can unwind while savouring Pan-Asian dishes. The thoughtfully designed space, created by the acclaimed AVA team (Anton Pinskiy, Vitaly Istomin, and Artem Losev), strikes a balance between calm and surprise, offering a dining experience that feels like a hidden paradise.
The Pan-Asian menu highlights classic recipes in an unorthodox execution. Unconventional and bold yet comfortable and familiar. Think of sushi without rice, tiramisu with wagashi, or fish on “rice” made from white asparagus and cauliflower – a true low-calorie delight. Even the impressive presentation is meaningful: nori and sesame balance the sweetness of smoked eel, red caviar adds charisma to the shrimp, and truffle enhances the richness of butterfish and charred scallop, revealing layers of silky nuances. Narnia skips nothing – noodles, fried rice, gyoza, dim sum, and tom yum are all on the menu.
As usual with AVA team, the character-filled desserts cleverly tackle the scarcity of sweetness in Asian traditions. Wagashi mochi with caramel miso serves as the base for tiramisu, and coconut pasta with mango and black coffee caviar looks like rice udon. But the most exciting part is hidden in a cauliflower head!
Head sommelier Katya Kudryavtseva has curated a universal wine list for Narnia’s signature Asian dishes, focusing on white wines and champagne, along with an interesting selection of sake by the glass. Head bartender Liza Chuprova has crafted culinary cocktails where the geographical essence of the cuisine is reflected in the combination of ingredients and flavours.
NARNIA is the fourth restaurant from the award-winning AVA team. Pinsky is a recipient of the prestigious Palm Branch award and GQ’s Restaurateur of the Year. Along with brand chefs Istomin and Losev, they bring a wealth of experience from their ventures with Michelin-starred restaurants and 50 Best projects, infusing creativity and expertise into every dish. Both Artem and Vitaly’s international experience spans Belgium, Norway, England and Switzerland, while Anton Pinsky also has successful restaurants in Kazakhstan, Doha, Oman and Turkey.
“We wanted to create a place where people can relax and enjoy something different,” says a representative from the AVA team. “Narnia is all about offering an escape, a place to enjoy good food, great drinks, and a peaceful atmosphere.”
As part of the larger Loona experience, NARNIA is a perfect addition for those looking for something special. Whether you’re visiting for a casual night out or a more intimate gathering, NARNIA offers the perfect escape for an evening of relaxation and indulgence.
Open from 6 PM to 12 AM daily, Narnia invites guests to discover the magic hidden behind its doors, offering a culinary experience like no other in Dubai.