We sit down with Damiano Ruggiero, general manager of Signor Sassi, to explore how leadership, creativity and attention to detail shape Dubai’s Italian fine-dining experience.
In your experience, what does it take to successfully lead a restaurant in Dubai’s fast-paced and competitive hospitality landscape?
Leading a restaurant in Dubai’s fast-paced hospitality scene requires more than great food; it demands a clear vision, teamwork and consistency. For me, success begins with building a passionate, united team that shares a genuine love for creating memorable experiences. At Signor Sassi, our goal is not only to serve exceptional Italian cuisine but to craft a story. Furthermore, leadership is about inspiring the team to go beyond expectations. The idea is to ensure every guest feels warmth, energy and a sense of belonging. Consequently, this makes Signor Sassi stand out in Dubai’s competitive dining landscape
How is the luxury Italian and fine-dining market evolving in Dubai, and what trends are shaping guest expectations today?
With new Italian restaurants constantly emerging, Dubai’s luxury dining scene is becoming ever more dynamic. Guests today expect more than exceptional cuisine – they are seeking experiences that resonate emotionally. Authentic storytelling, personalized service and a strong sense of place are now essential. At the same time, the Italian luxury segment is shifting toward sophistication rooted in comfort: beloved dishes presented in a way that feels both familiar and refined. A growing emphasis on sustainability and locally sourced ingredients is also reshaping expectations, with diners valuing authenticity paired with responsibility. Experiential dining is now a defining trend, with ambiance created through curated events, live music, themed evenings and seasonal offerings. Together, these elements transform dining into an occasion that guests return to, not just for the food, but for the feeling it inspires.
With so many high-end restaurants in Dubai, what strategies allow a luxury establishment to remain distinctive and relevant?
Relevance for a luxury restaurant comes from creating a signature experience that feels uniquely its own. Consistency is essential, but so is the ability to surprise and delight guests in meaningful ways. Moreover, in a city full of high-end choices, being distinctive means offering experiences that make diners feel genuinely connected. Furthermore, innovation is key to maintaining this edge, whether through seasonal menus, themed events or curated offerings. By combining consistency, emotional connection and forward-thinking strategies, a luxury establishment can remain both relevant and memorable.
Having worked with major global brands, what insights have you gained about creating a world-class dining experience in a cosmopolitan city like Dubai?
The greatest lesson I’ve learned is that world-class dining is about creating emotional connections rather than relying solely on precision. Moreover, guests rarely remember the food alone; rather, they remember the emotions and the lasting impressions you made on them. In a vibrant city like Dubai, this means blending exceptional global standards with an authentic and deeply rooted sense of local identity. Every table, therefore, tells a distinctive story through its dishes, interior design and the personalized way each guest is served. Additionally, it’s about anticipating guests’ desires before they express them, from cultural preferences to dietary needs and thoughtful, memorable details. Furthermore, it’s vital to continuously surprise them with innovative concepts, seasonal menus and engaging events to keep the experience dynamic. Ultimately, the goal is to craft lasting moments where guests leave feeling valued, warmly welcomed and genuinely cared for every time.
What are your plans for Signor Sassi Restaurant?
Our vision is to make Signor Sassi the benchmark for authentic Italian luxury dining in Dubai’s ever-evolving culinary landscape. Moreover, we strive to create a destination where guests return time and again because they feel genuinely welcomed and emotionally connected. Each visit surrounds them with the food they love, the ambiance they cherish and the sense of belonging they truly value. Beyond Dubai, we aim to extend this philosophy across the Emirates and into key international destinations with consistency and passion. Furthermore, we are dedicated to sharing the Signor Sassi experience globally while staying true to our Italian roots and hospitality spirit.
