For high res image and full press kit: Press here
As the renowned chef’s first Dubai venture, INA to celebrate the primitive art of fire-cooking on the city’s largest open-flame grill,
The venue will serve a seasonally curated menu of fresh, high-quality fish, meats, vegetables and grains, infused with Chef Glen Ballis’ creativity and charisma
Dubai, UAE (05 March 2025): Australian-born Chef Glen Ballis is once again bringing the heat, this time to J1 Beach Dubai, at the much-awaited INA. Marking Ballis’ first Dubai venture, INA joins Fundamental Hospitality’s impressive portfolio of original “Made in Dubai” concepts, to offer a bold new back-to-basics dining experience centred around live-fire cooking. With Ballis’ instinctive, passionate yet simplistic approach to cooking, each flame-infused creation will showcase fresh produce at its purest, for guests to revel in INA’s experience-driven, back-to-nature take on luxury dining.
Introducing Chef Glen Ballis
Chef Ballis has spent the majority of his culinary career mastering his skills in different kitchens around the globe. Spanning Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Singapore, and most recently Russia, Chef Ballis takes inspiration from every culture he experiences while also staying true to the natural, free-form philosophies of Australian cooking. Having already built an impressive portfolio of creative concepts, INA marks an exciting new chapter for the celebrated chef, where he envisions a multi-sensory dining experience that is both liberating and celebratory.
At INA, Chef Ballis brings his philosophy of simplicity and authenticity to life, blending primal cooking techniques with refined craftsmanship. Each dish will reflect his global journey, designed to ignite the senses and create a deeper connection between food, fire, and those who gather around it. More than just a restaurant, INA to embody an energy that evolves through the night—a space where guests can indulge in bold flavours whilst embracing the rhythm of live entertainment, and create unforgettable memories.
Chef Glen Ballis, Chef Partner at INA, says, ‘It’s an honour to be part of this exciting new concept in Dubai’s dynamic dining scene, and I look forward to welcoming guests to experience INA. Our back-to-basics approach allows each ingredient’s natural essence to shine, bringing a bold yet refreshing take on fine dining. Together with my team, I hope to inspire diners and take them on a memorable sensory journey unlike anything else.’
Playing with Fire
Serving a seasonally curated variety of fresh, ethically sourced fish, meats, vegetables and grains, every aspect of INA’s menu is brought together by one key ingredient – fire. From bite-sized delicacies bursting with bold flavours to generous sharing plates designed for communal indulgence, every dish allows guests to explore and discover their own favourites.
With a guest-visible kitchen at the heart of the space, diners can witness the theatre of open-flame cooking firsthand, as fresh produce hangs in wait, ready to be seared to perfection in a rhythmic display of passion, precision, and creativity. While soaking in the action, guests can enjoy thoughtfully crafted cocktails and mocktails, each with a refined, artistic touch. In harmony with the kitchen, the bar incorporates ingredients from the grill into its creations, infusing smoky depth and fresh garnishes that highlight INA’s focus on quality in every detail.
Beyond the Table
INA—meaning ‘fire’ or ‘flame’ in Nigerian Yoruba—will be more than just a restaurant; it will be an immersive escape for conversations and sparking connections. From bespoke woodwork and hand-selected artworks to plush furnishings that envelop guests in warmth and elegance, every detail of the space is designed to captivate. A retractable open-air roof will allow diners to savour the winter breeze under the stars, while in the summer, the venue will transform into a blissful retreat, to offer a cool sanctuary from Dubai’s heat.
Complemented by a knowledgeable team that will tailor every visit to personal preferences, INA will offer a dining experience where every moment will feel intuitive, seamless, and effortlessly indulgent.
INA is set to redefine Dubai’s dining scene, bringing fire, flavour, and energy together in a way that’s never been done before. With Chef Glen Ballis at the helm, expect a vibrant, immersive experience where every dish is grilled to perfection and every moment lingers long after the night ends.
Follow INA on Instagram @ina.dubai and subscribe at www.ina-restaurants.com to be the first to feel the heat.
