Dubai, UAE: Downtown Dubai offers diverse culinary journeys. Loona and NARNIA, both located within Vida Downtown Residences, present two distinct and essential dining experiences. From modern Italian classics to a hidden world of Asian gastronomy, these venues invite exploration.
Loona: Modern Italian Classics with a Twist
Loona is an Italian project from Anton Pinskiy, Artem Losev, and Vitaly Istomin. This spacious restaurant focuses on Italian classics with a modern interpretation. A large pizza oven stands at its heart. The restaurant also emphasises a huge selection of dry-aged steaks for meat gourmets. Loona makes its pizza and pasta dough in-house daily.
Loona champions clear Italian food, using quality local and seasonal products. It sources 24-month aged Parmigiano Reggiano, various Caputo flours, organic eggs, cold-pressed Lorenzo olive oil, and Sicilian Nocellara del Belice. The daily catch prepares through grilling, oven-baking, steaming, or baking in salt. Fresh homemade pasta, made with organic yolks, prepares in front of guests. Pizzas range from traditional margherita to unique versions with eel and zucchini flower.
Loona Russa: A Tasting Menu You’ll Remember Loona introduces “Loona Russa,” a 12-course set menu. This offers a tasting journey where Italian culinary tradition meets fine Russian ingredients. It is more than just dinner; it is a curated story told through flavour, style, and detail. Dishes include Far Eastern scallops with black caviar, and fried dumplings with wagyu. The menu also features signature chorizo caviar pizza and desserts with Dubai chocolate and chestnut. Each course delivers elegance, depth, and character. Head chefs Artem Losev and Vitaly Istomin craft this experience. It reflects Loona’s philosophy: bold flavours, an open kitchen atmosphere, and refined presentation.
Loona is available daily from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Vida Downtown Residences, Dubai. For reservations, call 05 885 02200. Follow them on Instagram: @loona.uae.
NARNIA: A Hidden World of Asian Gastronomy
NARNIA, nestled inside Loona at Vida Downtown Residences, offers a tranquil escape. It serves as a hidden, magical world. Dreamlike interiors, with harmonious tones and subtle floral accents, create a relaxed atmosphere. High ceilings, natural materials, and abundant daylight make guests feel welcome. A dragon detail on the ceiling draws attention, as if guarding its treasures.
The “AVA team” conceptualised NARNIA. This team includes Anton Pinsky, Vitaly Istomin, and Artem Losev. They created a fantastic world of Asian cuisine. It adapts to modern demands and trends. The inventive menu offers surprises like sushi without rice, and fish with white asparagus and cauliflower rice. Desserts include wagashi mochi and coconut “udon” pasta. Each dish pushes creative boundaries.
