Mercato Dubai, UAE

Homegrown Italian restaurant Mercato has opened in 2016, launched by Skelmore hospitality, the brand owner of Roberto’s Restaurant & Lounge. They both are located in DIFC, the global financial centre of Dubai. Its name was inspired by the “Mercato Centrale” in Florence and the restaurant incorporates a retail space, positioning itself as an Italian grocer.

It sells goods imported from Italy, including roasted coffee beans, cheese, cured meats and fresh pasta.

Mercato also bakes its own bread on-site and has a full-time artisan baker in residence.