Restaurant 11 Woodfire: Signature Cuisine Cooked Over an Open Flame by Akmal Anuar

There are no views of the Burj Khalifa or golden steaks here. Just primal fire, the finest ingredients, and a Michelin star for authenticity. Let’s explore why 11 Woodfire has become a gourmet hotspot in Dubai and how you can snag a dinner reservation.

Dubai’s gastronomic scene is a kaleidoscope of luxury and bold innovation, where every plate seems to promise a culinary spectacle. But what if, just for one evening, you set aside all the excess and returned to the roots? To the oldest, most honest, and straightforward cooking technique—open-fire cooking? This philosophy is perfectly embodied by 11 Woodfire, a true oasis for those who appreciate pure, unadulterated flavors. Its visionary creator is Singaporean chef Akmal Anuar, already well-known in Dubai as the mastermind behind the iconic 3 Fils project. At 11 Woodfire, he has proven that genuine simplicity can be the pinnacle of culinary art. His approach was duly recognized: in 2022, with the launch of Dubai’s first Michelin Guide, the restaurant earned its coveted star, instantly cementing its status as one of the city’s most important gastronomic destinations. Consider this guide your personal concierge. We’ll take you behind the scenes at 11 Woodfire, sharing not only the legendary dishes but also all the subtle details that distinguish a good dinner from an unforgettable one. Our goal is to ensure your evening here goes flawlessly, turning every dirham spent into a vivid memory.

The Philosophy of Fire: Immersing Yourself in the Concept and Atmosphere of 11 Woodfire

At the heart of the 11 Woodfire concept lies the idea of primal simplicity. Here, there’s no pursuit of complex techniques or elaborate presentations typical of many Dubai establishments. The chef’s primary tool is live fire, and the main goal is to reveal and enhance the natural flavors of the finest ingredients. To achieve this, a carefully selected blend of oak, olive, and beech wood is used, each imparting its own unique smoky aroma to the dishes.

The atmosphere here is best described by the word "confidence." It’s not Dubai’s flashy gold; rather, it’s the quiet luxury of materials that are pleasing to both touch and sight. It’s that very "smart" design which doesn’t draw attention to itself but instead serves as the perfect backdrop for what truly matters—food and conversation. During the day, especially on weekdays, there’s a calm ambiance ideal for business meetings, while in the evening the space fills with energy, becoming more social and lively. Subtle modern lounge music and light jazz provide a relaxed background for interaction, ensuring that the focus remains on the food and conversations.

An interior born from flames

The design of 11 Woodfire is a tactile and visual embodiment of its concept. Here, the warmth of living wood engages in a dialogue with the cool ruggedness of raw concrete, while the sharp lines of black metal lend the space graphic precision and structure. The color palette is kept in warm, earthy tones—from sandy to graphite—with an abundance of live plants creating a sense of coziness. The heart and centerpiece of the restaurant is an open kitchen featuring a massive wood-fired grill, located right in the middle of the dining area. Guests become witnesses to true culinary magic as they watch the chefs work seamlessly together. Notably, 11 Woodfire doesn’t offer panoramic views of Dubai’s skyscrapers, and this is a deliberate choice. Here, all attention is focused inward—on taste, aromas, and that special atmosphere created around the live fire.

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What’s on the Menu? A Gastronomic Guide to 11 Woodfire

The restaurant’s menu isn’t tied to any single national cuisine—it could be described as “global.” Chef Akmal Anuar selects the finest ingredients from around the world and combines them using a universal, easily understandable technique: cooking over fire. The result is vibrant, rich, and unforgettable flavors.

Must-try hits

To ensure your experience at 11 Woodfire is as successful as possible, we’ve compiled a list of dishes that consistently receive rave reviews from guests:

• Grilled meat: Meat here is a religion. Forget everything you thought you knew about steaks. When a T-bone or Rib Eye arrives at your table, you first inhale that incredible, mind-blowing aroma of live fire and wood smoke, and then the knife glides through the meat as smoothly as butter. The perfect crust on the outside, a tender, juicy heart bursting with flavor—this is what people book tables here for weeks in advance.
• Original appetizers: Start your dinner with beetroot salad. Sounds simple? Not here. The beets, charred over an open flame, reveal sweet-smoky notes that perfectly balance the spicy goat cheese cream and smoked oil dressing. Another must-try is the bone marrow, baked to the consistency of the most delicate pâté. A virtuoso performance.
• Signature dessert: Don’t leave without trying the “chocolate bone marrow.” Don’t be alarmed by the name—it’s a silky, rich dark chocolate cream served in an authentic, impeccably cleaned bone. Intriguing presentation, deep flavor, and an utterly unforgettable end to your meal.

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Insider tip: don’t take detours

Yes, the menu includes sea bass and chicken, but let’s be honest: ordering them at 11 Woodfire is like attending a rock star’s concert and listening from the lobby. To truly experience that one-hundred-percent experience for which the restaurant earned its star, go all-in. Focus on where the magic of fire fully unfolds—on the meat, grilled seafood, and those bold appetizers. You can enjoy poultry and fish somewhere else.

Your Perfect Visit to 11 Woodfire: Everything You Need to Know

A great dinner at an iconic spot always starts with good planning. We’ve gathered all the practical details to help make your visit to 11 Woodfire flawless.

Table reservation: the first and most important step

The restaurant is extremely popular, so making a table reservation is essential. To guarantee a dinner spot here, especially on weekends (Friday through Sunday), plan your visit 5–7 days in advance. You can do this through the official website or by phone.

Visiting budget: what to expect

11 Woodfire falls into the fine dining category, fully reflecting its status as a Michelin-starred restaurant. Be prepared for above-average prices.

Getting there and parking

The restaurant is located in the Jumeirah area, on Jumeirah Beach Road. If you arrive by car, you won't have to spend long circling around looking for a spot. The easiest option is to leave your vehicle in the free parking right at the entrance. If you'd like to add a touch of luxury and not worry about anything, take advantage of the valet service (which will cost approximately 35 AED). Finally, along the road there are always public paid parking spaces provided by RTA (zone 332B)—this is also a convenient option.

Dress code and etiquette rules

The restaurant has a Smart Casual dress code. This means smart everyday attire. It’s best to avoid beachwear and sportswear, shorts, and flip-flops, especially if you plan to visit in the evening. Here are a few important details:

• Children are welcome at the restaurant; high chairs are available for them, but the evening atmosphere is more suited to an adult audience.
• Smoking is permitted only on the outdoor terrace.

Gourmet tip: business lunch

If you’d like to experience the cuisine of 11 Woodfire at a more affordable price, be sure to check out the business lunch offer. It’s a great opportunity to appreciate the chefs’ skill without breaking the bank. The lunch is available on weekdays from 12:00 to 15:00. It costs 135 AED for a two-course set and 165 AED for a three-course set. However, like all good things, this offer isn’t permanent: menus, prices, and even conditions may change. So, before your visit, it wouldn’t hurt to take a look at the official website or simply give the restaurant a call to make sure everything is still valid.

So, Is 11 Woodfire Worth Your Evening? Conclusions and Final Recommendations

11 Woodfire is, in essence, a gastronomic manifesto—a manifesto in favor of honesty, where the taste of the product matters more than technical complexity, and the heat of the fire is more impressive than any culinary show. His success is the result of a unique concept, impeccable execution of signature dishes, and the highest level of service.

Who is 11 Woodfire perfect for?

To help you make the right choice, we’ve prepared a quick guide.

• Choose 11 Woodfire if you: appreciate pure, natural flavors, adore perfectly grilled dishes, and are looking for a stylish yet not overly formal spot for a special dinner or an important meeting.
• You might want to consider other options if: a panoramic city view is your top priority, you’re seeking a lively atmosphere for a party, or you prefer more traditional cuisine, such as classic Italian or Japanese.

Looking for substance rather than spectacle in Dubai? Seeking genuine flavor instead of superficial glitz? Then your path leads straight to 11 Woodfire. Rest assured: their fire was lit just for you.