Sports stars Nadal and Ronaldo bring TOTÓ restaurant to Dubai 

The fine dining Italian restaurant is opening in Downtown Dubai. 

Sport and food might not sound like a creative combination, but it appears to have worked for tennis’ Rafael Nadal and football’s Cristiano Ronaldo. The pair are behind the culinary concept, TOTÓ. Now, they are opening in Hotel Boulevard, Autograph Collection in Downtown Dubai this year.

In 2020, TOTÓ launched in Madrid. The restaurant draws its inspiration from 1950s Italian cinema and cinematography, and the legendary Cinema Paradiso. Showcasing Italian cuisine, the fine dining experience brings together tradition and creative excellence. 

TOTÓ in Dubai aims to be a rustic yet luxurious experience. The décor will include artwork and accessories, which reflect the spirit of Italian cinema and a chic Dubai sensibility. Plus, there will be a buzzing bar and an open kitchen. 

If the Dubai location is similar to TOTÓ’s global counterparts, we can expect a menu of clay pot casseroles and stews, plentiful pasta dishes, and meat and fish prepared in the wood-fired oven. TOTÓ in Dubai will also offer a breakfast spread on the terrace, which boasts views of Downtown Dubai. The extensive drinks menu includes classic cocktails, spirits and signature Mediterranean-inspired beverages. Plus, there will be Mediterranean-inspired entertainment and a resident DJ. 

Ronaldo and Nadal are both no strangers to the Middle East. Ronaldo plays for Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr FC, and Nadal recently launched a tennis school in Riyadh. 

Ronaldo and Nadal will also be bringing TATEL to Hotel Boulevard, Autograph Collection in Downtown Dubai. The fine dining restaurant showcases Spanish cuisine, and is already open in Beverly Hills, Doha, Mexico City and Valencia. If the Riyadh branch is anything to go by, Dubai is in for a treat – it’s a FACT Dining Award winner in Riyadh, after all. 

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GO: Visit www.totorestaurants.com for more information.