Moscow’s Cult Café Arrives at Dubai Hills Mall

Coffeemania, a name long woven into Moscow’s dining culture, is opening its first international outpost, and Dubai is its chosen starting point. The restaurant will open on 28 November 2025 at Dubai Hills Mall, bringing its familiar blend of refined comfort food and coffee craft to the UAE.

For more than two decades, Coffeemania has held a steady place in Russia’s dining scene. Known for approachable dishes prepared with a certain precision, it has built a reputation that sits somewhere between casual dining and something more considered. The Dubai opening marks a new chapter for the brand as it steps into a city that understands design, food, and the pleasure of spending time well.

Coffeemania’s menu arrives with many of the dishes that shaped its identity. Expect the straightforward staples such as a clean Caesar, an Olivier done the traditional way, and the Pozharsky cutlet that regulars swear by. Beef Stroganoff and other comfort-heavy plates round out the selection.

The pastry section, led by Head Pastry Chef Elena Zheleznyakova, brings a more delicate touch. Her layered Honey Cake (Smetannik) remains one of the brand’s most recognised desserts and will feature on the Dubai menu.

Coffee still sits at the heart of the experience. As the birthplace of the original Raf, Coffeemania keeps its approach simple and exacting. Beans are roasted in-house, and the drinks are prepared by baristas trained through its long-established coffee programme, ensuring each cup stays consistent and traceable from start to finish.

The 500 m² space has been designed by Studio APAA under lead designer Alexey Penyuk. The interior leans into warm woods, soft natural stone, and a restrained palette that complements the large Murano glass installation by Hannes Peer suspended overhead. Gio Ponti-inspired mosaic flooring and touches of Carrara marble and Breccia stone give the room a subtle texture without overwhelming the space.

Custom seating, Italian leather details, and lighting by names such as Charlotte Perriand add a quiet sense of craft. The result is a room that feels polished but relaxed. A place intended for unhurried visits rather than quick stops.

Coffeemania has also partnered with RARARES Gallery to introduce rotating works from both regional and international artists. Pieces by Tatiana Chursina, Ruslan Gudiev, and Emirati artist Fatma Lootah will be part of the opening curation, giving the restaurant an added cultural layer.

Behind the kitchen is Brand Chef Alexey Petrichenko, whose experience spans Michelin-starred restaurants in France and Sweden. The coffee programme is overseen by Gleb Neveykin who is the creator of the original Raf Coffee, along with long-time specialists Irina Puzachkova and Varvara Stukalo. Their combined experience shapes what the brand hopes will be a familiar yet elevated version of the dining room it built back home.

Coffeemania’s arrival in Dubai signals the start of its wider international expansion. For Dubai Hills Mall, it adds a new all-day dining option anchored in consistency, craftsmanship, and a calm approach to hospitality.

Location: Ground Floor, Entrance 1, Dubai Hills Mall

Opening: 28 November 2025