Welcome to Oppidan: A Fresh Take on Italian-Inspired Comfort Food

February 11, 2025

February 11, 2025

Blog Post

After the immense success of Terra Dubai and Abu Dhabi, founder Rashed Al Tayer of Outset is bringing a new vision to the Dubai culinary scene with the opening of Oppidan. Set to launch in Q1 2025, Oppidan reinvents the Italian-inspired dining experience by offering home-style food that’s as comforting as it is vibrant—elevated classic dishes served in a space that feels like home.

Nestled in a quiet villa on Al Wasl Road, Oppidan is the answer to the growing demand for casual Italian eateries in Dubai. The concept is playful yet refined, with a design that embraces the warmth of home while refining the dining experience. Expect artisanal pasta made fresh before your eyes, simple yet unique dishes, and a focus on wholesome, ingredient-driven food that celebrates the rich flavors of Italy.

The spacious villa was transformed to perfectly capture this ethos. With bright, sun-kissed walls and a design that incorporates ochre, yellow, and red tones, the space feels both stylish and relaxed. Key features include bright windows, lemon zellige tiles that cover both walls and floors, and a large open kitchen as the heart of the restaurant. The open kitchen creates an inclusive, interactive environment, inviting guests to experience the culinary magic as it happens.

“The idea behind the logotype was to embed that personal “sign off” ofthe main resident, AKA the founder, AKA Rashed. We wanted the identity to be a partof the founder itself. Hence opting for the route of Rashed’s hand-written versionof the brand name.”

The name “Oppidan” holds deep meaning. Rooted in community, it derives from the Latin word for "townsman" or "resident of a town." The logo has been handwritten by our founder himself, adding an extra layer of heart and individuality to the Oppidan experience. It reflects our vision of creating a homegrown concept, by us and for us, that welcomes everyone—from locals to visitors—into a space that feels like an extension of their own home.

Stay tuned for more updates as we prepare to open our doors sometime soon —follow us on our socials and subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news and exclusive updates.