Community Update:
Due to the positive response from our neighbours, Orilla has extended the community offer until March 31. Residents of JVT, Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC), The Springs, The Meadows, Emirates Hills, Jumeirah Islands and Jumeirah Park are invited to enjoy a relaxed dining experience close to home.
In moments of uncertainty, communities often look for the places that bring comfort, familiarity and connection. At Orilla, we believe restaurants play an important role in maintaining that sense of normalcy.
While the Middle East region and Dubai navigate a challenging period, Orilla remains open and committed to welcoming guests with warmth, calm and care.
Located in JVT and just minutes away from Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC), The Springs, The Meadows, Emirates Hills, Jumeirah Islands and Jumeirah Park, the Orilla Dubai restaurant continues to welcome guests from across the neighbourhood.
As a small gesture of appreciation to the neighbourhoods that surround us, we are offering 20% off our à la carte menu for residents of JVT, JVC, The Springs, The Meadows, Emirates Hills, Jumeirah Islands and Jumeirah Park until March 23.
For us, hospitality has always been about people first.
A Restaurant Rooted in Dubai
For Chef Saradhi Dakara, founder of Stellar Society Group and the chef behind Orilla, Dubai is more than the city where he built his career: it is home.
As he recently shared in an interview with Caterer Middle East:
“When I landed in Dubai in June 2008, I arrived with a suitcase, my books, and a dream. Today, nearly two decades later, this city is not just where I built my career — it is home.”
That connection to Dubai shapes how the restaurant responds when the hospitality industry faces uncertainty.
“At Orilla, the focus immediately shifts to three priorities: safety, communication and continuity.”
These principles guide how the team operates every day, ensuring both guests and staff feel supported and reassured.
People First, Always
During challenging times, restaurants must do more than serve food — they must provide a sense of stability for both teams and guests.
Chef Saradhi explains:
“As restaurateurs, our first responsibility is not revenue — it is people. Our guests, our teams, our community.”
Operationally, this means keeping communication clear, maintaining a calm and supportive environment for staff, and ensuring guests continue to feel welcomed and safe.
It also means staying open whenever possible, because restaurants often become gathering places where people reconnect with friends, family and neighbours.
Supporting Local Producers in the UAE
Another factor that helps Orilla remain resilient is its commitment to local sourcing.
Chef Dakara has been a vocal advocate for working with UAE farms and suppliers since 2016. What started as a sustainability initiative has also strengthened the restaurant’s operational stability.
“What began as a sustainability initiative has today become a strategic advantage.”
By working closely with regional producers, Orilla reduces dependency on global supply chains and can remain agile if imports face delays.
“In situations like this, local produce ensures continuity and strengthens our internal ecosystem.”
This approach not only supports local agriculture but also helps ensure guests continue to enjoy fresh, high-quality ingredients on every plate.
Adaptability in the Kitchen
For chefs, resilience also means creativity.
Menus evolve naturally when availability changes, and the kitchen team embraces flexibility as an opportunity rather than a limitation.
“If certain imports are delayed, we redesign menus. If supply tightens, we innovate. Creativity thrives under constraint and hospitality must remain flexible.”
That philosophy continues to shape Orilla’s Mediterranean-inspired menu, where seasonal ingredients and thoughtful sourcing remain central.
Restaurants as Places of Reassurance
Dubai’s hospitality industry has successfully navigated multiple global challenges over the past two decades. According to Chef Dakara, restaurants play a subtle but powerful role during these moments.
“A restaurant becomes reassurance. Familiar flavours and warm service create normalcy when people need it most.”
At Orilla, that reassurance comes through welcoming service, relaxed Mediterranean flavours and a space where neighbours and friends can gather.
A Small Gesture for Our Neighbours
To thank the communities around us for their ongoing support, Orilla is offering 20% off the à la carte menu for residents of nearby neighbourhoods, including:
- Jumeirah Village Triangle (JVT)
- Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC)
- The Springs
- The Meadows
- Emirates Hills
- Jumeirah Islands
- Jumeirah Park
This offer is available until March 23, and simply requires proof of residence in one of the neighbouring areas.
It’s a small way for us to say thank you and to keep the spirit of community alive.
Moving Forward Together
Chef Dakara remains confident in the resilience of both the hospitality industry and the city he calls home.
“Dubai is our home. We trust its leadership. We support our local producers and we move forward with unity and resilience.”
At Orilla, our doors remain open, our tables are set, and we look forward to welcoming our neighbours, today and every day.
Reserve your table here