Palm Jumeirah’s West Beach is about to get a splash of the Caribbean. SAONA, a new restaurant led by Jamaican-born chef Richie Richards, opens at voco Dubai The Palm this December, pairing his Caribbean roots with modern Peruvian influences.
Where The Name Comes From
SAONA takes its name from Saona Island, known for turquoise waters and a laid-back island mood. The restaurant borrows that spirit from Caribbean culture, where food, music, and getting together tend to go hand in hand.
The Space
You’ll find SAONA on the first floor of voco Dubai The Palm, with room for 244 guests. The layout includes a main dining room, a VIP lounge, casual lounge seating and outdoor areas. Expect warm lighting, layered textures and vibrant interiors inspired by the colour and character of the Caribbean. It is a big room, built for groups as much as for couples.
The Chef And The Menu
Executive Chef Richie Richards has more than 20 years of international experience, including a stint at Dubai favourite Miss Lily’s. His menu will explore Caribbean ingredients and flavours through modern Peruvian techniques, with contemporary interpretations of traditional dishes.
The full menu hasn’t been revealed yet, so dishes and prices are still to come. What we do know is the direction: Caribbean ingredients as the starting point, Peruvian technique as the method, and a chef with two decades of experience in international kitchens behind him. If you are planning a December night out on the Palm, it is worth putting on the shortlist now.
Also Read: Eat To The Beat: 10 Dubai Restaurants For Food, Drinks & Live Music
Dinner, Then The Late Night
Dinner is only part of the plan. Handcrafted cocktails, DJ sets and music are set to keep the evening going, and the mix of VIP lounge, relaxed seating and outdoor spaces leaves room for everything from dinner with friends to private celebrations. Named for an island that is all about easy evenings, SAONA is aiming for a restaurant that is as much about the mood as the menu.
Cover Image Courtesy: voco Dubai The Palm/Website
FAQs
What kind of food will SAONA serve?
Executive Chef Richie Richards, who is Jamaican-born, will explore Caribbean ingredients and flavours through modern Peruvian techniques. The full menu has not been revealed.
How big is SAONA, and what is inside?
It seats 244 guests and has a main dining room, a VIP lounge, casual lounge seating and outdoor areas. Handcrafted cocktails and DJ sets are part of the evening plan.
