Chef Koyi Tanabe will be responsible for overseeing the culinary department of Salvaje Group Dubai, which includes Salvaje, a Japanese-Latin fusion restaurant, and Arrogante, a high-end Italian restaurant.
Dubai, UAE: As Dubai’s dynamic culinary scene continues to evolve, the Salvaje Group proudly announces the appointment of Chef Koyi Tanabe as the new Executive Chef managing its flagship venues: Salvaje Dubai and Arrogante. Chef Tanabe arrives with a robust background of over 16 years in international culinary arts, having cultivated his skills across diverse culinary landscapes that include Peru, the Dominican Republic, Italy, and the broader Middle East region. His appointment is indicative of Salvaje Group’s commitment to marrying authenticity with innovation in its dining offerings.
Chef Tanabe’s unique background is set to enrich the culinary direction of his new role. He was born in Peru, grounded in Japanese heritage, and possesses a diverse gastronomic education encompassing Japanese, Peruvian, and Italian cuisines. This cultural duality enables him to seamlessly integrate traditional techniques with contemporary flair, echoing the essence of the Salvaje Group’s diverse culinary identity. His work embodies a curated blend of the meticulousness associated with Japanese cuisine and the vibrant, passionate flavors prominent in Latin culinary traditions.
One of the defining highlights of Chef Tanabe’s illustrious career includes his tenure at Maido Restaurant in Lima, which enjoys a prestigious ranking as the top establishment on the World’s 50 Best Japanese Restaurants list, led by the renowned Peruvian chef Mitsuharu Tsumura. During his time there, Chef Tanabe had the opportunity to craft a unique dining experience for a select group of the world’s most distinguished chefs — specifically, the Top 10 Michelin-starred chefs. This remarkable experience not only sharpened his culinary skills but also imbued him with a rich, global perspective on fine dining.
Guests at Salvaje Dubai can anticipate a bold and innovative approach to the Japanese–Latin fusion cuisine for which the venue is becoming known. Signature dishes will not only celebrate the foundational elements of each cuisine but will also evolve with seasonal inspirations, ensuring an ever-refreshing menu. Meanwhile, Arrogante Dubai will showcase authentic Italian culinary traditions reimagined through a modern lens, creating a dining environment that seamlessly blends food, music, and visual aesthetics.
“Chef Koyi embodies both authenticity and creativity, making him the perfect culinary leader for our Dubai operations,” said Maxime Lejuez, General Manager of Salvaje Group. “His global experiences and his sophisticated artistry align seamlessly with our mission to create dining experiences that are not just meals, but immersive and unforgettable journeys.”
In addition to his achievements at Maido, Chef Tanabe also held a vital role at Eden Roc Cap Cana in the Dominican Republic — the country’s sole member of the distinguished Relais & Châteaux international hotel association. Properties bearing this title are known for their exemplary character and luxury, making Tanabe’s exposure to this high standard a crucial aspect of his culinary development. This background further bolsters his ability to synthesize authenticity with elevating hospitality experiences.
“Joining the Salvaje Group feels like both an honor and an exhilarating opportunity,” Chef Tanabe remarked. “Every brand in our portfolio has its own personality, and my objective is to enrich those identities with imagination, consistency, and fervor — creating memorable moments for our guests that extend far beyond their dining experience.”
Under Chef Tanabe’s stewardship, the Salvaje Group is poised to redefine Dubai’s culinary landscape by merging international prowess with local authenticity. The group anticipates unveiling an updated culinary vision across both venues, prioritizing a commitment to authenticity while introducing unique creations designed to differentiate each restaurant in a crowded marketplace.
Concept: Japanese–Latin fusion and high-end Italian dining under Salvaje Group. Location: Dubai Opera District, UAE. Culinary Lead: Chef Koyi Tanabe, new Executive Chef. Cuisine Highlights: Bold Japanese–Latin fusion at Salvaje Dubai; modern Italian classics at Arrogante Dubai. Experience: Immersive dining with seasonal innovation, music, and design-led settings. Chef Background: 16+ years of international experience (Peru, Dominican Republic, Italy, Middle East); trained at Maido Lima and Eden Roc Cap Cana. Opening Hours: Lunch & Dinner, daily. Services: À la carte dining, events, private bookings.
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