A new Restaurant, Osteria Funkcoolio, Is Coming To La Mer

At the end of 2022, it was announced that La Mer is being redeveloped after La Mer South was demolished. And it seems like La Mer is going to have one of the hottest foodie restaurants in Dubai with the opening of Osteria Funkcoolio.

Now we can announce that well-loved Dubai-based chef Akmal Anuar is launching a new concept tucked away at the latest La Mer development, Port De La Mer, and we absolutely love what it’s called.

The uniquely-named Osteria Funkcoolio is certainly memorable – and we’re expecting it to be both funky and cool.

The chef described the new intimate 30-seater Italian restaurant as one that “defies convention in favour of innovative Itameshi creations”. Basically, it’s a concept where Italian cuisine is made with the best of Japanese ingredients.

Anuar, who specialises in East Asian cookery, is looking forward to venturing into Itameshi cuisine, a fusion between Italian and Japanese.

Inez Tantyanna, the founder and managing partner, added: “We’re really looking forward to introducing something different in the region. There are a lot of Italian restaurants, and a lot of Japanese restaurants too, but seeing them fused together and done well will be unique to this city. Diners in Dubai really love both cuisines.”

The restaurant promises a vintage Italian vibe, reminiscent of family-owned osterias in Italy.

Located along the Jumeirah waterfront, his new restaurant will sit by a stunning marina overlooking Dubai’s skyline.

Osteria Funkcoolio is set to open its doors at the end of December. We can’t wait to see what this next chapter will look and taste like.

Opening soon. Port De La Mer, Jumeirah 1 @funkcoolio