La Petite Maison celebrates its iconic Tomatini in Dubai 

The restaurant hosted quite the party, with a whole week of celebrations in Dubai and events held at LPM locations worldwide

Travel and Wellbeing 22 Jan 2025

I have always loved a cocktail, but once you leave your 20s behind, you seem to become more selective about your night out’s drink of choice. I could easily create a map of London based on my favourite things to sip: a kiwi margarita at The Laundry in Brixton over brunch, one of Artesian’s cutting-edge inventions for a fancy date and, more often than I like to admit, a luscious Tomatini at La Petite Maison in Mayfair.

Like me, many others, including A-listers like Tom Cruise, Beyoncé, the Beckhams, Harry Styles, Charli xcx and even Jeff Bezos, have enjoyed a Tomatini at one of LPM’s many locations around the globe. But when Jimmy Barrat first created the Tomatini in 2010, he couldn’t have imagined that this fresh and zesty drink, inspired by its southern French roots, would become the restaurant’s signature cocktail for more than a decade to come. Yet, 14 years later, the Tomatini is still the most beloved item on La Petite Maison’s menu, sipped by hundreds of people every day from Dubai to London.

If savoury drinks are all the rage now, this wasn’t the case in 2010, making LPM a pioneer of the trend. Made with Ketel One Vodka, fresh tomatoes muddled à la minute, a touch of sugar syrup, salt, pepper and white balsamic vinegar, the drink sounds almost too peculiar to be enjoyed by most, but the numbers tell a different story. More than 27,000 Tomatinis have been sold in 2024 so far, 830 of which have been prepared in one night – a not-so-boring Tuesday – right before my eyes. But there are no “slow nights” in Dubai, and LPM’s staff is used to working while at constant full capacity.

Tomatinis toast at La Petite Maison Dubai

Considering my undeniable passion for the drink, I was delighted to join the party when I was invited to celebrate the very first Tomatini Day in Dubai, aka Tomatini’s birthplace, and learn more not only about the cocktail but also the buzzing wining and dining scene in the emirate.

Once known for its luxury dining and extravagant experiences, the city has now matured into a melting pot of diverse cuisines, creative concepts and authentic dining ventures. ‘Dubai’s F&B scene has transformed dramatically over the past decade,’ says Tibor Krascsenics, group bar manager at LPM, ‘and keeping up with its evolution requires constant adaptability and innovation, never compromising on quality.’ With an average of 40 new restaurants opening every month, it’s easy to see how staying relevant would be an ongoing challenge, ideal for fostering creativity and unconventionality.

Dubai stands out with its ability to blend luxury, innovation and cultural diversity into one city. Unlike London, which has a rich historical fabric, Dubai’s charm lies in its futuristic vision and ability to reinvent itself.’ This vision seems to come to life every night of the week when hundreds of people visit the numerous glittering restaurants, bars and clubs in the Business District, making London look almost conservative and timid in comparison. 

Dining room interiors of La Petite Maison Dubai

Where to stay

Waldorf Astoria DIFC

If you were a tourist in London, the last place you would want to be based would be Canary Wharf, but Dubai is not London and the emirate city’s business hub is home to much more than men in suits and big corporations. With a vast number of restaurants and bars only a few steps away, some of the city’s main attractions, like the Museum of the Future and the Burj Khalifa, close by and a handy proximity to the airport, the DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre) neighbourhood is a great base for a weekend of exploration. The Waldorf Astoria DIFC is comfortable and sleek, with a lovely outdoor pool and elegant, spacious rooms. But the star of the show has to be the view: sprawling from the 18th through 55th floor of Burj Daman, the hotel boasts incredible views over Dubai’s skyline – just make sure you book one of the suites with floor-to-ceiling windows.

Where to eat

Zuma

If you only have one evening in Dubai, you can’t miss a night of fun at Zuma. Stop on the first floor to enjoy a calm dinner or follow the sound of laughter and music to the top floor for more of a party atmosphere. As always at Zuma, the food is fresh, inventive and delicious, with a special mention for the soft-shell crab roll and the miso-marinated black cod. To spice up your night, make sure to order one (or many) of its signature cocktails. The most popular is the Japanese Paloma, but I personally favour the Manzanita. As a Dubai expert, Tibor Krascsenics also suggests Twiggy for its chilled atmosphere and seamless blend of luxury and tranquillity, Bungalow 34 for a laid-back yet stylish lunch with a coastal vibe and Roka for an exceptional culinary experience.

What to see

The traditional souks

You can spend a fun day at the Dubai Mall and the marina, but if there is one thing that shouldn’t be skipped when visiting Dubai, it is a tour of the souks or traditional markets. Like any other busy city, there is a significant risk of falling into a tourist trap, but with a bit of research and a good eye, the souks are the perfect place to do some interesting shopping, whether you are after some silver jewellery or a local perfume. If you only have a few hours to visit this Dubai institution, the gold souk, the perfume souk and the spice souk are the ones to explore.