Alessio Colantuono appointed GM Dubai — the move signals a new era for two of the most talked-about restaurants in the city: Leña and Smoked Room Dubai. Known for their luxurious Spanish cuisine and bold fire-based cooking, these restaurants have found a leader who brings deep experience and global perspective to the UAE’s fine dining scene.
Here’s what this appointment means for Dubai’s culinary future — and what diners can expect next.
Who Is Alessio Colantuono?
Alessio Colantuono is a seasoned hospitality expert with over 15 years of experience working across luxury hotels and restaurants around the world. Originally from Italy, Colantuono has carved a niche in managing high-profile dining destinations from Europe to the Middle East.
Before his Dubai appointment, Colantuono held leadership roles at world-class properties including the Four Seasons Hotel Milano and Bulgari Hotel London. Most recently, he served as General Manager of MiMi Mei Fair in London — a refined Chinese restaurant known for its opulent design and elite clientele.
Now, Colantuono brings that same blend of precision, luxury, and guest-focused service to Dubai.
A Big Move for Leña and Smoked Room
The appointment of Alessio Colantuono as General Manager for both Leña and Smoked Room Dubai is a strategic step by chef Dani García and his hospitality group, Grupo Dani García (GDG). Both restaurants are located at the ultra-luxurious St. Regis Gardens on the Palm Jumeirah — one of the UAE’s most prestigious culinary destinations.
Leña is García’s acclaimed charcoal grill concept, mixing Andalusian flavor with open-fire theatrics. Smoked Room, on the other hand, is an intimate 14-seat, fire-only tasting experience that already holds two Michelin stars at its Madrid flagship. The Dubai outposts, which opened in 2024, have quickly become must-visit venues for food lovers and fine dining insiders alike.
By placing Colantuono at the helm, GDG is signaling its commitment to excellence, consistency, and long-term growth in the UAE.
What Alessio Colantuono Brings to the Table
Colantuono’s vision is clear: to elevate both restaurants while maintaining the creativity and intimacy that define them.
Here’s what his appointment brings:
- Operational finesse from years in five-star hospitality
- Global experience with elite restaurant groups
- Focus on exceptional guest journeys and repeat business
- Strong leadership for multicultural teams
In a city that’s booming with high-end restaurant launches, Colantuono’s steady hand and attention to detail may prove to be the difference between a good restaurant and a great one.
Colantuono himself says he’s excited to join at such a critical stage:
“It’s a true honour to lead these unique concepts in one of the most dynamic dining scenes in the world,” he said in a statement. “I look forward to creating memorable guest experiences and guiding our team to even greater success.”
Why This Appointment Matters for Dubai
Dubai is no stranger to celebrity chefs or luxury dining — but what makes this move important is the strategic alignment between a rising dining scene and a proven hospitality professional.
The city has seen a major boom in the arrival of global culinary talent over the past two years. The Michelin Guide arrived in 2022. Since then, more restaurateurs are treating Dubai not just as a stop on the tour, but as a core part of their expansion strategy.
Colantuono’s appointment shows that Grupo Dani García is serious about investing long-term in Dubai. Instead of flying in talent or running operations remotely, they’re putting in place top-tier leadership on the ground.
As more restaurants open in the region, expect to see similar moves from other brands: investing in high-level general managers who can make or break the guest experience.
Inside Leña Dubai
Leña is a showstopper in every sense. The Dubai edition, located on the second floor of The St. Regis Gardens, blends rustic Spanish charm with sleek luxury. Think smoky meats, fresh seafood, and vegetables kissed by flame — all served in a lush, art-forward space.
Signature dishes include the oxtail brioche, grilled bone-in ribeye, and crispy eggplant glazed in cane honey. The wine list is Spain-focused, with exclusive bottles curated to pair with the fire-based cuisine.
Colantuono says the key to Leña’s success is balancing tradition and innovation.
“We honour Andalusian roots, but we’re also creating something new for Dubai — something bold, yet elegant,” he said.
Inside Smoked Room Dubai
Smoked Room is one of the most exclusive dining experiences in the city. With just 14 seats, it’s an intimate, immersive journey into fire cooking. There’s no à la carte menu — only a multi-course tasting experience where each dish is prepared over live flame and served in front of guests.
It’s a performance, a conversation, and a dinner rolled into one. And with Dani García’s Madrid location holding two Michelin stars, expectations for the Dubai version are sky-high.
Colantuono’s challenge? Delivering that same elite experience nightly, without compromise.
He sees the limited seating as an advantage, not a constraint:
“With fewer seats, we can focus on every detail — from the temperature of the dish to the emotion it creates.”
Dubai’s Rising Global Reputation
This appointment comes as Dubai climbs higher in the global food world. In 2024, the city added three more Michelin stars to its roster and welcomed dozens of new fine dining venues. Tourists and locals alike are now looking for experiences that combine luxury with personality.
That’s exactly what Colantuono aims to deliver.
He’s also uniquely positioned to navigate the complexities of the Dubai market — which mixes international travelers, local Emirati guests, and long-term expats. His multilingual background and cultural fluency will be key assets as he manages two premium restaurants catering to very different audiences.
What’s Next for Grupo Dani García in the UAE?
Grupo Dani García has already hinted that Leña and Smoked Room are just the beginning. With Colantuono leading operations in Dubai, the group may look to open additional concepts across the region — or deepen their investment in the city’s growing culinary events and activations.
Colantuono’s appointment also aligns with the group’s global growth push. In recent years, GDG has expanded to New York, Paris, Doha, and beyond — with Dubai positioned as a major strategic hub in the Middle East.
In the near future, guests can expect new seasonal menus, exclusive tasting events, and possible chef collaborations under Colantuono’s leadership.
Final Thoughts
Alessio Colantuono appointed GM Dubai is more than just a staffing update — it’s a signal that Dubai’s fine dining industry is maturing. With the right talent, structure, and vision in place, restaurants like Leña and Smoked Room are well-positioned to become long-term culinary landmarks.
Whether you’re a Michelin star chaser or someone looking for a memorable dinner, keep your eye on these two restaurants — and the man leading them.
Read More: Santiago Lastra London: His Favourite Places for Special Occasions
