Brief
Lebanese Chef Joe Barza Brings Tyre Cuisine to Abu Dhabi
Joe Barza, a veteran Lebanese chef, showcases the flavors of his hometown Tyre in Abu Dhabi, where he has lived for over two decades.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Lebanese chef Joe Barza, born in 1963 in the Phoenician port city of Tyre, is presenting traditional Tyre cuisine in Abu Dhabi, a city he describes as his second home since 1999.
What happened
Barza, who now lives in Beirut, was invited to Abu Dhabi to prepare dishes that reflect the culinary heritage of his birthplace. The chef’s menu highlights the region’s reliance on fresh fish, olive oil, herbs and wild greens, served in the Levantine mezze style that encourages sharing.
What the reports add
Gulf News notes that Barza’s career spans more than 44 years, including judging "Top Chef Middle East" and serving as Hilton’s brand ambassador for the Gulf and Africa. The outlet also records that he opened the Joe Barza Culinary Consultancy in Beirut in 2009, earned the International Master Chef title in 2010, and co‑hosted the Middle Eastern edition of "Top Chef" in 2011. No other source provides these career milestones.
What was said
"Abu Dhabi is my second home since 1999," Barza told Gulf News. He added, "My parents used to fill a whole table with food every Sunday, and our families would join the table from twelve to six in the evening. The food gave a whole family a reason to arrive, a reason to sit down and a reason not to leave." He also emphasized the communal nature of Lebanese meals: "Nothing is served to one person. The dishes arrive together, in the style the Levant calls mezze, and everyone reaches across for what they want."
How it came about
Barza’s journey began at the Hotel School of Arts in Lebanon, after which he spent 15 years with Hilton, helping open more than ten restaurants worldwide. His move to Abu Dhabi aligns with the emirate’s recent focus on cultural livability, as highlighted in Felo’s coverage of the Abu Dhabi leaders’ keynote on livability (Felo) and the Cities for Families Framework unveiled at LIVEX 2026 (Felo). These initiatives aim to create inclusive, family‑friendly environments that celebrate shared experiences, echoing Barza’s emphasis on communal dining.
Key facts
- Joe Barza was born in 1963 in Tyre, Lebanon. (gulfnews.com)
- He has called Abu Dhabi his second home since 1999. (gulfnews.com)
- Barza opened his culinary consultancy in Beirut in 2009. (gulfnews.com)
- He earned the International Master Chef designation in 2010. (gulfnews.com)
- Barza served as Hilton’s brand ambassador for the Gulf and Africa. (gulfnews.com)
Sources
- [1] gulfnews.com — originally reported as “Lebanese Chef Joe Barza Revives Traditional Tyre Cuisine in Abu Dhabi”
