GIOVANNI PAPI

Giovanni’s love for cooking was first realised in 2002 when he began his culinary journey as an intern in his native Sardinia before moving to mainland Italy for three years to progress his career. France’s renowned Côte d’Azur beckoned next, with an opportunity to broaden his culinary expertise followed by a series of growth positions elsewhere in France and back home in Italy. In 2014, Giovanni won a coveted Bronze Medal at the Luxembourg Culinary World Cup, held as part of ExpoGast. With this high-profile accolade added to his resume, he explored new destinations along his career path with posts in Luxembourg, Australia and China. In 2018, he relocated to Dubai from Shanghai to joined Armani Hotel Dubai as a Speciality Sous Chef. In recognition of his dedication and passion for Italian cuisine honed at the hotel’s signature outlet, Armani/Ristorante, and in 2020 was promoted to the position of chef de cuisine. Most recently, Giovanni was named 2020 Rising Star Chef of the Year at the prestigious Hospitality Excellence Awards held in Dubai. He is a firm believer that, through food, we discover the culture and people.