The French-Italian restaurant can be found at Manarat Al Saadiyat.
FACT’s Restaurant of the Year in 2023 and 2024, NIRI Restaurant & Bar, is led by a talented team that includes Managing Director Imad Obeid and Chef Omaka Marie. Now, the dynamic duo have launched their latest venture: Taparelle.
Taparelle blends art, culture, and cuisine in a captivating space at Mamsha Al Saadiyat. Inspired by the vibrant Mediterranean spirit, this French-Italian restaurant caters to all occasions, whether you’re celebrating a special event, enjoying drinks with friends, or seeking a creative space to work remotely.
The name “Taparelle” pays homage to the wooden shutters adorning the windows salvaged from Beirut following the 2020 port explosion. Designed in collaboration with AKK Architects and Trifecta Design, the venue’s warm and inviting aesthetic reflects a commitment to sustainability and cultural preservation. The multi-faceted space offers a Mediterranean street-style dining area, a co-working table and a dedicated outdoor garden area complete with a pizza oven and a bar serving cocktails and mocktails.
At the heart of Taparelle’s culinary offering is a dining experience centred on tapas-style sharing plates. Crafted by Head Chef Omaka Marie, who helmed her skills at Gaia and Zuma, the menu features standout dishes like Burrata with Uzbek Tomatoes, Seabass Carpaccio, Scallops Grenobloise and Wood-Fired Tomato, alongside comforting options like Oxtail Ragu. The wood-fired oven takes centre stage outdoors, producing pizzas with classic and inventive toppings. Complementing the menu is a beverage selection highlighting Provençal herbs like sage and tarragon, alongside wines and beers from Italy, France, and Spain.
Each dish is served on handcrafted ceramics by Studio Coe, a homegrown brand founded by Francielle Coelho, whose studio now resides on the mezzanine level of Taparelle. Guests can purchase her ceramics or participate in pottery workshops upstairs, adding a hands-on artistic experience to their visit.
Taparelle is open daily from 12pm to 11pm, with breakfast service launching in January 2025.
GO: Visit taparelle.com for reservations and more information.
