The Paluto Restaurant team at Dubai Municipality's recognition ceremony. SUPPLIED

Paluto Restaurant, a Dubai homegrown brand known for its market-to-table seafood concept, has been named one of the Top 100 Establishments in the 2025 Food Safety Inspection Star Recognition Awards by Dubai Municipality. Selected from more than 25,000 restaurants and cafés and 75,000 certified Persons-in-Charge (PICs), Filipino-owned Paluto earned the distinction for its outstanding compliance with food safety standards. “This achievement proves our serious commitment to Food Safety and motivates us to continue finding ways to serve you better,” Paluto said in a statement on Facebook. “The Paluto Family is truly overwhelmed and grateful beyond words.” The restaurant also praised its staff, writing, “Paluto Power Team! You deserve all the credit for your hard work and dedication.” The recognition comes as Dubai Municipality rolls out its pioneering City Inspector initiative—the emirate’s first unified, certified inspection system designed to standardize regulatory oversight across sectors. The programme’s first phase trained 63 Emirati inspectors in 14 technical fields, including food safety, health, waste management, sustainability, construction and public facility supervision. Paluto, which celebrates its 8th anniversary this year, was one of the first establishments to open at the Waterfront Market in Deira in 2017. The restaurant popularized the market-to-table style familiar to Filipinos: customers purchase fresh seafood directly from Waterfront Market and have it cooked to their preference by Paluto’s chefs. Set along the Deira Corniche, the restaurant features indoor and al fresco dining and has expanded its footprint over the years with a bigger menu and more seating. The founders also confirmed to Expat Media that further expansions are in the pipeline. Paluto is open Monday to Friday from 2pm to 11:30pm and weekends from 11am to 11:30pm. ICA/Expat Media
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