In a city where architecture constantly challenges gravity and imagination, The Dragonfly rises as a sculptural gem — a two-level dining sanctuary that captures both the myth and movement of its namesake. Conceived by the renowned international design studio YODEZEEN, this dramatic space invites guests into a story woven from light, symbolism, and craftsmanship.

Ofri Paz | stannel home

Housed in a shimmering glass volume that echoes Dubai’s futuristic skyline, the restaurant is a poetic collision between East and West, stillness and flight. The name Dragonfly was more than a theme — it became the foundation for a holistic design language that draws from Eastern iconography and natural grace.

From the moment guests arrive, a sense of narrative begins. On the outdoor terrace and inside the threshold, traditional Japanese kokeshi dolls — minimalist in form yet rich in cultural meaning — greet diners with quiet presence. They serve as a symbolic invitation into a world where tradition is honored, yet reinterpreted.

A central staircase, both monumental and airy, draws the eye upward to a mezzanine lounge that floats above the main dining floor. Here, a DJ booth is seamlessly integrated, allowing the space to shift from serene to electric with ease. The upper deck offers a unique perspective over the restaurant below — a spatial choreography that blurs boundaries between levels, moments, and moods.

On the lower level, the open kitchen pulses at the heart of the action. More than a culinary workspace, it functions as a live performance, connecting chef and guest in real time. The transparency of process is echoed in the architecture itself — a motif of openness, flow, and transformation.

The centerpiece of The Dragonfly is undeniably its 360-degree bar: a dramatic cylinder of red glass that glows like a lantern in the dark. At once sculptural and functional, it anchors the room in color, energy, and symbolism. Suspended above it — almost levitating — is a breathtaking dragonfly sculpture with a wingspan of nine meters, commanding attention and conjuring a sense of wonder.

Surrounding elements reveal the designers’ meticulous attention to material and meaning: hand-carved dragons wrap around granite-based columns, blurring the line between architecture and art. Natural textures — bamboo blinds, woven rattan screens — soften the boldness with warmth and intimacy, creating a tactile dialogue throughout the space.

YODEZEEN, founded by Artem Zverev and Artur Sharf, continues to redefine global luxury design with a philosophy they describe as “a relentless pursuit of perfection and a commitment to excellence.” With offices in Europe and the United States, the studio has earned its reputation for crafting spaces that are not just visually stunning — but emotionally immersive.

At The Dragonfly, YODEZEEN delivers more than a restaurant. They’ve created a world — where design takes flight.

Design by | Studio YODEZEEN

Photography by | Gregory Vishnevetsky