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New seafood restaurant in Dubai: John Dory Dubai’s first head-to-tail seafood ecosystem

John Dory Seafood Market opens at The Market Island in Dubai Festival City Mall, introducing the UAE's first head-to-tail sustainable seafood ecosystem.

Dubai, UAE: A seafood restaurant and marketplace all rolled into one – John Dory Seafood Market is a must-visit spot for every seafood lover in town. 
On July 25, this unique concept opened its doors at The Market Island in Dubai Festival City Mall. John Dory introduces the region’s first sustainable head-to-tail seafood ecosystem. This means direct sourcing and import of fresh and high-quality seafood, in-house processing, open-fire cooking, and retail. 
This arrival coincides with the UAE seafood market’s impressive valuation of $2.66 billion in 2025, with projected annual growth of 5.78% through 2030.

A New Era for Seafood in Dubai

Founded in 2013 by seafood enthusiasts Arseni Tsiutsiunnik and Eugene Halavach, John Dory evolved from a small operation into a modern seafood business ready to make a significant impact.
At its core lies a deep commitment to traceability, craftsmanship, and respect for the product. Fish is personally selected from trusted fisheries and farms, then imported directly without intermediaries. John Dory actively imports seafood into Dubai, maintaining contracts with suppliers from the Netherlands, France, the Seychelles, and more, ensuring both quality and fair pricing.
“We’re not just launching a restaurant — we’re building a seafood ecosystem,” stated Arseni Tsiutsiunnik, CEO and co-founder of John Dory. “We believe the true taste of seafood begins at the source. For instance, we carefully selected a tuna supplier from the Seychelles, known for pristine waters and premium tuna. Our sea bass and sea bream come exclusively from Greece, and our oyster bar features French oysters chosen through blind tastings.”

John Dory Seafood Market opens at The Market Island in Dubai Festival City Mall, introducing the UAE's first head-to-tail sustainable seafood ecosystem.
John Dory Seafood Market opens at The Market Island in Dubai Festival City Mall, introducing the UAE's first head-to-tail sustainable seafood ecosystem.

Three Formats, One Focus

John Dory unites three distinct, interconnected experiences, all guided by the synergy of fishmonger and chef, with a singular focus on fish.

John Dory Seafood Bar: This casual, 80-seat restaurant centres around open-fire grilling “à la parrilla”. The kitchen’s signature lies in bold, honest flavours, with fish and seafood cooked over flame to highlight their natural richness. The menu moves from dishes like King Crab Croquettes and Baked Oysters to Galician-style Octopus and Dry-Aged Tuna Steaks. Fresh oysters start from just AED 10, paired with a curated selection of non-alcoholic, kombucha-based drinks.

John Dory Seafood Store: A retail market offering the freshest global catch alongside artisanal products. These include smoked fish, seafood pâtés, salads, canned specialities, and ready-to-cook meals such as fish lasagna, salmon wellington, and shepherd’s fish pie for home enjoyment.

John Dory Street Food: A concise menu of globally inspired dishes, perfect for a quick, flavourful bite within the food hall or on the outdoor terrace. Offerings include a Tuna Dry-Aged Cheeseburger, Bouillabaisse, Fish & Chips, and an Octopus Hot Dog.

John Dory Seafood Market opens at The Market Island in Dubai Festival City Mall, introducing the UAE's first head-to-tail sustainable seafood ecosystem.

Head-to-Tail Seafood Craft

John Dory’s head-to-tail philosophy ensures every part of the fish is utilised with care. Thanks to a custom-built smoker, dry-ageing technology, and complete supply chain control, fishmongers and chefs collaborate closely to maximise flavour and minimise waste. Every element, from belly cuts and tail sections to bones and heads, transforms into dishes like ossobuco, seafood lasagna, and rich broths.
“Everything we serve is crafted in-house, from fresh fillets to dry-aged cuts and smoked pâtés. Our dedicated craft zone allows us full control over flavour and quality,” explained Head Chef Maxim Gurin, who brings over a decade of culinary expertise.
John Dory Seafood Market is open daily from noon to 11pm at The Market Island, Dubai Festival City Mall. No reservations are required, and free parking is available.

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