Dubai is gearing up for a new era in dining as Rodeo Drive Ibn Battuta Gate prepares to make its grand debut in August 2025 at the Oaks Hotel. This 14,000-square-foot entertainment and dining destination promises to deliver an immersive all-American experience, combining high-energy retro arcade vibes with bold Tex-Mex flavors and live-fire cooking. Leading this ambitious venture is newly appointed Head Chef Walter Melo, a Mexico City native whose culinary journey spans over two decades and multiple continents.
Chef Walter’s story is one of passion, exploration, and creativity. From cooking in his family’s kitchen in Mexico to leading high-profile restaurants around the world, he has cultivated a unique culinary philosophy that blends global techniques with deeply personal expression. Trained at Mexico’s Colegio Superior de Gastronomía, his repertoire covers French precision, Japanese refinement, Mediterranean freshness, and Latin American vibrancy. At Rodeo Drive, he brings this fusion-driven approach to life through his signature Cocina de Autor, a style defined by innovation, authenticity, and endless creativity.
Rodeo Drive Ibn Battuta Gate isn’t just about the food. Guests can expect a dynamic environment where every visit is an experience: live grills, interactive entertainment, and a menu that balances playful comfort with elevated flavors. Chef Walter’s creations reflect his global background while embracing bold, unapologetic tastes that embody the spirit of the venue.
“Rodeo Drive is more than a restaurant; it’s a movement,” says Rahul Shetty, Managing Director of Peninsula Hospitality. “Walter Melo is the perfect culinary leader for this vision. His experience, creativity, and passion for flavor mirror the energy and ambition of our concept.”
With its opening approaching, Rodeo Drive Ibn Battuta Gate is poised to redefine Dubai’s F&B scene. Chef Walter Melo’s leadership promises a menu that surprises and delights, offering guests a fusion of comfort, sophistication, and Latin soul. For food lovers and thrill-seekers alike, Rodeo Drive represents more than a meal — it’s a full-spectrum entertainment destination where flavor, fun, and innovation converge in unforgettable ways.
