Something special is coming to Jumeirah Olhahali Island this July-and it’s set to delight anyone who loves good food, great company, and a setting straight out of a dream.
From 7 to 10 July 2025, the island will welcome Chef Emanuele De Leo for a limited-time culinary residency that brings a fresh Mediterranean spirit to the Maldives. Known for his work at Shimmers in Dubai-where he’s redefined beachside dining with bold, vibrant plates-Chef Emanuele is ready to share his distinctive style with guests in an unforgettable island setting.
Rooted in his Sicilian heritage and shaped by years in some of the region’s finest kitchens, including a chapter at the Michelin-starred L’Olivo at Al Mahara in Burj Al Arab, Chef Emanuele’s cooking is as thoughtful as it is flavorful. His menu at Shimmers earned recognition from Gault&Millau UAE, and now, he’s bringing that same energy and creativity to Olhahali.
For this residency, he’s crafted a tasting-style menu inspired by both Greek and Sicilian traditions-built around fresh, seasonal ingredients and designed to be shared. Guests can expect dishes like cauliflower salad, zingy tuna tartare, and grilled octopus with Santorini fava, followed by comforting mains such as slow-braised beef cheek with celery purée and orzo with red prawns, lemon, and caviar.
To finish? A perfect duo of desserts: Greek yoghurt ice cream and a silky orange crème brûlée. Every detail has been thought through, right down to the way the dishes are presented-elegant, playful, and full of flavour.
This is more than a dinner. It’s a chance to experience something rare-the kind of evening that stays with you long after the sun sets.
Lets Go Maldives is your way in.
Book now and make this unforgettable island experience your own.
