General managers and restaurant managers are rare things in the UAE, with many venues seemingly not seeing the value in having a skilled leader overseeing proceedings in the dining room.
One thing the very best establishments in the country share, though, is a brilliant GM. Their presence is felt – by staff and guests alike – as they smooth operations and provide reassurance during busy service periods. Their worth should not be undervalued.
Jonathan White has been with Dinner by Heston Blumenthal for nine years, starting at the restaurant’s London original before moving to Dubai in 2021 on the pre-opening team at Atlantis The Royal. He is a knowledgeable, calm and assured manager, as well as an engaging raconteur with guests.
Shortlist
- Alexandre Tissot, L’Atelier Robuchon
- Hervé Lorit, Pierre’s TT
- Jonathan White, Dinner by Heston Blumenthal
- Liam Paisley, City Social House
- Neal Testoni, Al Muntaha