John Dory Seafood Market opens its doors at The Market Island in Dubai Festival City Mall, introducing the region’s first sustainable head-to-tail seafood ecosystem. This concept encompasses every stage of the seafood journey, from direct sourcing and import to in-house processing, open-fire cooking, and retail, providing diners with an unmatched experience in freshness, quality, and value. The grand opening is scheduled for July 25, 2025.
A new way to experience seafood
Founded in 2013 by seafood enthusiasts Arseni Tsiutsiunnik and Eugene Halavach, John Dory has grown from a small garage operation into a modern seafood business ready to make a significant impact on Dubai’s culinary scene. At its core is a commitment to traceability, craft, and respect for the product.
Fish is personally selected from trusted fisheries and farms, and imported directly without the use of intermediaries. John Dory actively imports seafood into Dubai, maintaining contracts with suppliers from the Netherlands, France, the Seychelles, and more. From Norwegian salmon to Seychellois tuna, the brand is committed to shaking up the market with both quality and fair pricing.
“We’re not just launching a restaurant — we’re building a seafood ecosystem. We believe the true taste of seafood begins at the source— with the origin of the fish and every step that follows. For instance, we carefully selected a tuna supplier from the Seychelles, known for pristine waters and premium tuna exported to Europe and Japan. Our sea bass and sea bream come exclusively from Greece, and our oyster bar features French oysters chosen through blind tastings,”said Arseni Tsiutsiunnik, CEO and co-founder of John Dory.
Three formats. Two masters. One product.
John Dory brings together three distinct yet interconnected experiences, all guided by the synergy of fishmonger and chef, united by a single focus on fish:
John Dory Seafood Bar: A casual dining seafood restaurant with around 80 seats, centred around open-fire grilling “à la parrilla”. The kitchen’s signature lies in bold, honest flavours, with fish and seafood cooked over flame to bring out their natural richness (starting from AED 50). The menu moves from dishes like king crab croquettes (AED 100) and baked oysters (AED 50) to Galician-style octopus (AED 95) and dry-aged tuna steaks (from AED 140). Fresh oysters start at just AED 10, paired with a curated selection of non-alcoholic, kombucha-based drinks.
John Dory Seafood Store: A retail market offering the freshest global catch alongside artisanal products, including smoked fish (from 30 AED), seafood pâtés, salads, canned specialities, and ready-to-cook meals (fish lasagna, salmon wellington, shepherd’s fish pie) for home enjoyment.
John Dory Street Food: A concise menu of globally inspired dishes, including tuna dry-aged cheeseburger (AED 70), bouillabaisse (AED 60), fish & chips (75 AED) and octopus hot dog (AED 75), for a quick, flavorful bite within the food hall or on the outdoor terrace.
Head-to-tail craft and full transparency
John Dory’s head-to-tail philosophy ensures that every part of the fish is utilised with care. Thanks to a custom-built smoker, dry-ageing technology, and complete supply chain control, fishmongers and chefs collaborate closely to maximise flavour and minimise waste. From belly cuts and tail sections to bones and heads, every element is transformed into dishes like ossobuco, seafood lasagna, and rich broths.
“Everything we serve is crafted in-house, from fresh fillets to dry-aged cuts and smoked pâtés. Our dedicated craft zone allows us full control over flavour and quality,” explained Head Chef Maxim Gurin, who brings over a decade of culinary expertise to the kitchen.
John Dory Seafood Market is open daily from noon to 11 pm at The Market Island, Dubai Festival City Mall. No reservations are required, and free parking is available.
