Jamie’s Italian has held a grand opening in Dubai Mall, with none other than celebrity chef, Jamie Oliver himself, gracing the momentous occasion.

Oliver, a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to the hospitality industry, started the day with a quick visit to the flagship store and a tour of the largest mall in the world.

In partnership with the prestigious Apparel Group, Jamie officially started the event by cutting the ceremonial ribbon alongside Italian Consul General Giuseppe Finocchiaro, and Apparel Group Chairwoman and Founder, Sima Ganwani Ved. 

During the festivities, guests enjoyed flavoursome Italian bites while having the opportunity to meet the prolific chef, who gladly posed for photos.

The crowd even had the chance to see Jamie’s phenomenal skills as he donned his pristine chef’s whites, serving up delicious croquettes and risotto.

Live music filled the walls of the newest lifestyle locale, and everyone was beaming with excitement throughout the festivities. On Thursday, 9 June, before heading back home to the UK, Jamie met up with the winners of the Pasta Lovers Community meet-and-greet competition for an intimate gathering at the Dubai Mall branch.

The restaurant was opened a day before on 8 June.

Following the Dubai Mall branch, the anticipated opening of the second Jamie’s Italian branch in Dubai Hills Mall is the next big step for Jamie Oliver Restaurants and local franchise partner, Apparel Group. 

Oliver reached the public eye after his series The Naked Chef premiered in 1999. In 2005, he opened a campaign, Feed Me Better to introduce schoolchildren to healthier foods, which was later backed by the government. He owns the restaurant chain, Jamie Oliver Restaurant Group.