Discover Chef Francesco Guarracino’s recipes

Since opening its doors in 2012, Roberto’s has become an emblematic restaurant that has established itself as a gastronomic haven located in the heart of DIFC. This homegrown Italian stalwart has stood the test of time under the direction of Chef Francesco Guarracino, whose culinary expertise draws the most refined of crowds with a desire for an authentic, thoughtful and contemporary Italian fine-dining experience.

This DIFC favourite promises a cosmopolitan atmosphere, sparkling city views and sumptuous cuisine. Chef Francesco’s contemporary yet traditional approach to Italian gastronomy combines European luxury with avant-garde cuisine- Roberto’s adds a delightful La Dolce Vita twist to the UAE dining scene.

Chef Guarracino has curated a menu of refined classics alongside innovative signature dishes complete with bold and inventive flavours. On his culinary style, Chef Guarracino says, “We are keen on respecting traditions while implementing resolutely modern techniques and unexpected alliances in taste.”

His culinary passion has surged from day one, being born into a family of chefs, with his father being a revered two-star Michelin chef. Chef Guarracino recalls, “As a child we cooked as a family, everyone had a task, everyone felt involved. The food we prepared was simple- tomato sauce and pasta for example but it felt like a ceremony of sorts. This is where my love of cooking began.”

“As a child we cooked as a family, everyone had a task, everyone felt involved. The food we prepared was simple- tomato sauce and pasta for example but it felt like a ceremony of sorts. This is where my love of cooking began.”

Originally from Sorrento, after graduating, he travelled around Italy, to Rome, Florence, Sicily and Milan, to gain experience in the different regional cuisines of his home country. He developed his passion for seasonal and quality produce which are of paramount importance and shine through in all his creations.

Despite his father being a chef, he was discouraged to pursue a career in the kitchen, saying “Dad didn’t want me to be a chef, but I had such a passion for food. It was forbidden so I started working secretly as a chef at 11 – they thought I was a waiter. He felt that it would deprive me of important family moments, and I can now understand his concerns.”

“It’s true the job keeps me very busy, but I try to balance this carefully with my home life- I have a wife and two children who need me. I keep my family & work life separate- this way I can give all my focus to each. Being a chef can indeed be a delicate balancing act with lots of compromise, but I can’t imagine doing anything else- I love my job!”

Chef Guarracino has worked at some of Italy’s most prestigious eateries, including Michelin starred restaurants. He also worked alongside some of best chefs in Italy, including Heinz Beck, Enrico Bartolini, Oliver Glowig, Marianna Vitale, Salvatore Bianco, Pasquale Palamaro, Gennaro Esposito and Moreno Cedroni. Through these experiences, he learned the discipline and attitude necessary for success. His diligent approach and natural talent led him to excel in culinary competitions and has resulted in him holding many senior leadership positions in restaurants across Italy, Spain, England and now in the UAE.

As the Group Executive Chef at Roberto’s Dubai, he brings his true Italian flair for fine dining. Injecting a sense of culinary theatrics, he has developed a range of new specialty dishes from around Italy, with table side cooking to give diners an unforgettable and exceptional experience. To ensure authenticity, he has brought a team of Italian chefs to work with him.

“The pasta they are eating in Roberto’s is a recipe handed down through generations of Italian chefs, and by chefs, I mean our mothers and grandmothers. We cook using the finest ingredients sourced from Italy. This is the true taste of authenticity”

“Having a team of Italian chefs in the kitchen at Roberto’s is so important to me. As a nation our love affair with food is unparalleled and I believe that Italian chefs have an inherent talent for creating phenomenal dishes given how closely they connect with the food they are creating. Each dish conjures nostalgia and so the food is cooked with love and the customer can taste this. For example, the pasta they are eating in Roberto’s is a recipe handed down through generations of Italian chefs, and by chefs, I mean our mothers and grandmothers. We cook using the finest ingredients sourced from Italy. This is the true taste of authenticity.”

Gaggenau has collaborated with Chef Guarracino when he hosted an online masterclass at The Gaggenau Galleria, showcasing a number of Roberto’s signature dishes.

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