Chef Dani García’s Leña Dubai Is a Display of Earth and Fire

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Dani García Group has opened a new location of steakhouse concept Leña at the St. Regis Dubai, the Palm.

Crafted by Barcelona-based Astet Studio, the restaurant’s design extensively utilizes primitive elements like wood, fire, and stone.

Setting the tone at Leña Dubai

Leña Dubai slatted wooden ceiling sculpture dark palette

The entrance features a large carved wooden wall that leads to a space adorned with over 40,000 hand-placed wooden scales. Inside, a slatted ceiling, created with stained ash wood in sinuous lines, mimics tree rings and forms a luminous sculpture across the restaurant.

The bar is crafted with wood pieces of varying degrees of scorching and a veined black tropical stone countertop.

The interior’s open layout creates distinct atmospheres marked by large totems and sculptural seating areas. Benches are wrapped in a fire-inspired color palette, while subdued lighting and glittering metallic elements evoke the sense of smoke and fire.

An intense jet black hue—applied to the walls, ceilings, floors, and furniture—dominants the space in a nod to the color produced through the Japanese yakisugi technique of charring wood.

This monochromatic palette is contrasted by materials like metal and stone. For example, two rocky volumes stand out against the black canvas, one revealing a show kitchen and another housing a DJ area.

An omakase experience at Smoked Room

Situated within Leña is the Smoked Room, an exclusive dining experience that offers an omakase tasting menu for 14 diners.

Here, dark brick, metal, mirrors, and brass mesh create a sophisticated, austere atmosphere. For dessert, guests are ushered into a separate area crafted with an intricate wooden ceiling installation.

Leña Dubai slatted wooden ceiling sculpture dark palette