La Camera! By TOTÓ, Dubai’s Best Kept Secret, Opens Its Doors
Located in the heart of Dubai, La Camera! By TOTÓ is a unique concept that effortlessly blends the melodic sounds of live jazz, soul, funk, and blues with the finest in Italian gastronomy and world-class mixology. A collaborative effort between MABEL Hospitality & Leisure Quest brings La Camera! By TOTÓ to life. In partnership with some of the biggest names in sports – football legend Cristiano Ronaldo, tennis superstar Rafael Nadal, and LA Lakers champion Pau Gasol, this one-of-a-kind venue is open from Thursday to Saturday from 8:00 p.m. until late and promises unforgettable moments as luxurious as the city itself!
Karim Hajjali, CEO of Food Quest says “Our collaboration with MABEL Hospitality in developing this concept has deepened our partnership and harnessed international expertise to deliver something truly special. The project is a natural evolution of TOTÓ’s, with La Camera! By TOTÓ located on the restaurant’s first floor. It serves as the perfect spot for guests to transition from one venue to a high-energy lounge, while also attracting a new audience seeking a captivating gastronomic experience paired with live entertainment and vibrant ambiance.”
Inspired by the glitz and glamour of the 1950s and 60s of Italian cinema, step back in time as La Camera! by TOTÓ pays homage to legendary Italian screen icons such as Gina Lollobrigida, Sophia Loren and Marcello Mastroianni. Located on Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd in Downtown Dubai, the venue’s interior, design and ambiance draws heavily from one of Italy’s most celebrated filmmakers and successful screenwriter, Federico Fellini. He is known for his distinctive style of using circus imagery in his films which evoke flamboyant romanticism and a love for mystery, magic, and make-believe. La Camera’s interiors, adorned in rich dark wood floors, black granite, and touches of deep green are accentuated by warm lighting and elegant curtains, inducing a sense of nostalgia, reminiscent of old movie marquees and film posters.
Tucked away on top of TOTÓ Vini e Cucina, La Camera! By TOTÓ provides guests with an intimate and exclusive setting where the whimsical charm of Federico Fellini’s films come to life through live musical performances, and unique cocktail creations paired with delectable Italian dishes, creating a sensory experience unlike any other. Following the ethos of its parent brand TOTÓ, La Camera is a nod to Italian cinema while playing on the double meaning of “the room” in Italian. This subtle wordplay adds a touch of intrigue, perfectly capturing the venue’s exclusive, playful, and mysterious ambiance.
Ruben Martinez, GM of Leisure Quest, says, “La Camera! by TOTÓ has been crafted as a true timeless classic.”, Martinez added, “The concept is deeply inspired by Italy’s iconic cinematography. Every detail, from the barely visible corridor lined with vintage cinematic images to the moody, dimly lit wine cellar, and director-inspired bar stools, each touch evokes the charm of Fellini’s films. Inside, guests are surrounded by luxurious décor and cinematic lighting, all paired with Italian gastronomic artistry and innovative mixology. Our goal was to create a beverage program that satisfies even the most discerning, well-traveled connoisseurs. And the night comes alive with immersive live performances from extraordinary singers and musicians.”
Guests can begin their evening with Insalata di Fiori, edible flowers salad served on a bed of potatoes, sundried tomatoes, and pesto; Stracciatella made with fresh stracciatella cheese, anchovy crumble, and topped with caviar and spicy datterino jam; Crocchette e Caviale filled with bechamel sauce and finished with premium caviar amongst other options. For main courses, savour carefully choreographed Italian dishes including Tagliata di Wagyu, wagyu striploin served with truffle and seasonal mushrooms; Raviolo served with red prawns, stracciatella, and caviar as well as Ostriche, Gilardeau oysters No 2, topped with pesto foam and caviar, making every seafood lover’s dreams come true.
Wrap up the night with an array of irresistible dolce such as Piccola Pasticceria, which includes everything from small pastries, tiny tarts and ice cream, while relishing meticulously crafted fruity mocktails and refreshing cocktails including Negroni Affogato, tastefully blending fruity notes of berry flavoured Gin with bitter Campari and served with homemade vanilla ice cream and Fellini Negroni, which marries berry infused Gin with Campari, passion fruit, dried hibiscus and a cold washed with sweet Vermouth, both of which are La Camera’s distinctive take on a classic Negroni.
Each dish is thoughtfully crafted by the culinary master Chef Emilio Galarza. With 20 years of experience, Chef Emilio’s journey through countless kitchens, participation in major events, and long hours at the stove have been driven by a love for the culinary arts that derives from his Basque and Italian family heritage. At La Camera! By TOTÓ every bite is a harmonious symphony of flavours and textures suited for every palette.
Whether looking to kick off the evening with pre-dinner drinks or wanting to keep the party alive well into the night, La Camera! By TOTÓ is the ultimate destination for a night to remember.
Details:
When: Thursday to Saturday
Time: 8:00 pm – 3:00 am
Where: La Camera! By TOTÓ – Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd – Downtown Dubai
For bookings, please visit https://www.sevenrooms.com/reservations/lacamerabytoto/ig or call 04 215 2121
