Chef Faisal Albaradie Brings Authentic Greek Taverna Experience To Dubai With Bakalis

Faisal Albaradie's culinary odyssey defies the polished clichés of fine-dining fairytale. His journey began at 15 by scrubbing dishes in a lively Canadian restaurant that doubled as a nightclub and banquet hall. The energy, the chaos, the rhythm of the kitchen — it lit a fire in him that never went out.

By 21, he'd clinched the prestigious Canadian Red Seal certification and stepped into the Executive Chef role, commanding brigades with precocious authority. His trajectory since has catapulted gloriously: soaring as an in-flight chef for Etihad Airways, sculpting concepts as a consultant and entrepreneur, and emerging as a full-spectrum F&B visionary.

Now anchored in Dubai's glittering gastronomic atmosphere, he directs the culinary helm at Wyndham Residences The Palm and Th8 Palm Dubai Beach Resort. Signature outlets like ENVY, Fluid Beach Club, 20Four Eatery, and the newly unveiled Greek taverna Bakalis pulse with his ethos: rustic yet refined global fusions, mood-responsive menus, and soul-stirring narratives on every plate.

At the heart of it all is his commitment to innovation with purpose, championing sustainability through locally sourced ingredients, seasonal menus, and low-waste practices, all without compromising taste or creativity. Off-duty, he hunts flavours in far-flung markets or travels for fresh inspiration.

His mantra, "One team. One rhythm. One outcome," is the service heartbeat. For Chef Faisal, cuisine transcends the plate: it's raw emotion, deliberate intention, and the profound sense of belonging in every shared bite.

OneArabia.me in an exclusive conversation with Chef Faisal Albaradie.

Can you tell us more about the concept behind Bakalis and how it reflects the essence of Greece?

Bakalis is our tribute to the true Greek taverna experience. A place where food, music, and gorgeous seaside views come together effortlessly. The concept is rooted in authenticity and simplicity, celebrating the soul of Greece through traditional, feel-good food made with local and sustainable ingredients. It is not just a restaurant; it is an escape to Greece without leaving Dubai from the flavors on the plate to the skyline views and toes-in-the-sand ambiance.

A key highlight of the experience is our outdoor wood-fire grill, where we cook our seafood and meats over olive wood, infusing every dish with a subtle aroma and depth of flavor that truly transports you to the Greek islands.

What inspired the design of Bakalis, particularly the toes-in-the-sand dining experience?

When we envisioned Bakalis, we wanted to recreate the laid-back charm of coastal Greece where dining happens by the sea, music plays softly in the background, and guests feel instantly at ease. The toes-in-the-sand setting captures that feeling of being on a Greek island casual yet refined, intimate yet full of life. It is about creating an atmosphere where guests can relax, connect, and savour each moment, just as they would in a small taverna by the Aegean Sea.

Please elaborate on the significance of sharing-style dining in Greek culture.

In Greece, food is never just about eating it is about sharing life. The act of passing plates, reaching for bread, and sharing stories around the table embodies the Greek philosophy of community and connection. That is exactly what we bring to Bakalis. The menu is designed for sharing, encouraging guests to engage, laugh, and create memories together much like my own childhood, where family meals were always about togetherness and generosity.

What are some standout dishes that guests can expect to try at Bakalis?

The menu celebrates traditional Greek favorites with integrity. Among the standouts are the Tarama, a classic fish roe dip that sets the tone for the meal; the Charred Sun-Dried Octopus, a true taverna signature; the Whole Sea Bass with Wild Greens, which showcases balance and freshness; and the Beeftekia, a humble yet comforting dish that captures the heart of Greek home cooking.

Many of these dishes are prepared on our outdoor olive wood grill, giving them a smoky aroma and rustic authenticity that connects every bite to the true spirit of the Mediterranean.

How does Chef Ioannis Baxevanis contribute to the overall dining experience at Bakalis?

Chef Ioannis Baxevanis, known as one of the pioneers of modern Greek cuisine, gave his seal of approval to Bakalis a menu created far from his homeland yet one that, as he said, made him feel like he was eating in his own backyard. His passion for preserving authentic Greek flavours and traditions played a key role in branding Bakalis as genuinely Greek, lending the concept a level of credibility and respect rooted in his deep knowledge and experience with the cuisine. His influence reinforces our commitment to authenticity and the heartfelt simplicity that defines true Greek dining.

Can you share any insights into the culinary traditions and heritage that have influenced the menu at Bakalis?

Greek cuisine is all about balance and honesty using what the land and sea provide, cooking it simply, and letting the ingredients speak. When developing the Bakalis menu, I immersed myself in local neighborhoods across Greece, learning from small tavernas that have carried their traditions for generations. Those lessons, respect for produce, patience in cooking, and passion for storytelling through food — became the foundation of our menu. The addition of our open wood-fire grill continues that tradition, allowing guests to witness the authentic methods and aromas that define Greek cooking.

How do you envision Bakalis fitting into Dubai's vibrant dining scene, and what sets it apart from other restaurants?

Dubai's dining scene thrives on innovation, but Bakalis stands apart by offering authenticity over theatrics. There is no molecular gastronomy or over-styled presentation here, just honest, beautifully prepared Greek food served with warmth and heart. Our open olive wood grill is a central showpiece not just for display but as a core part of our cooking philosophy, connecting guests directly to the craft and energy of Greek cuisine.

It is the only true Greek taverna in the UAE, where guests can feel like they have stepped into a seaside village, complete with Greek music, heartfelt service, and an atmosphere that feels like home.

Is there a dish on the Bakalis menu that always takes you back to childhood memories or a favorite family gathering?

It is hard to choose just one, but the Beeftekia and Chicken Souvlaki always take me back to those simple family barbecues growing up. They are humble dishes, nothing extravagant, yet they capture everything about home, comfort, and togetherness.

The aroma of the grill, the sound of laughter around the table, everyone helping themselves and passing plates. It is the essence of what Bakalis is about. They remind me that sometimes the most memorable meals are the simplest ones, made with love and shared with the people who matter most.

What is your favourite global cuisine, and why?

Besides Greek and the Mediterranean diet, I would have to say authentic Mexican cuisine not Tex-Mex, but true, regional Mexican food. There is something about it that connects deeply with my Lebanese roots the warmth, the communal style of dining, and the way food brings people together.Both cultures celebrate family, generosity, and storytelling through food.

The use of spices, the balance of freshness, and the passion behind every dish remind me so much of home. It is different yet familiar, comforting in the same way that sharing a Lebanese meal with family feels. Honest, soulful, and full of life.