When food is prepared with care, it deserves to be served with the same attention. That’s where the plate comes in.
Restaurants often spend months perfecting a dish. But the moment it reaches the table, guests see the plate first. The shape, the glaze, the way the dish fits into it. It all plays a role. That’s why many chefs are now turning to bespoke pottery commissions.
At Abu Dhabi Pottery, we work closely with chefs and restaurant teams to create ceramic pieces that match their menus and elevate presentation. It’s not just about beauty. It’s about function, storytelling, and design that fits the space.
What is a Pottery Commission?
A pottery commission is a custom ceramic item, tailored to a restaurant’s needs. It might be a single plate design or a full set of dishes. Some restaurants want platters for sharing menus. Others request tasting bowls, sauce dishes, or signature plates.
We begin every commission with a conversation. What kind of food do you serve? What does your dining room feel like? From there, we look at the mood board, glaze samples, and even sketches.
Sometimes, the design process happens face-to-face. Master Potter Homa Farley, a qualified ceramic designer, can start by designing a mood board for your restaurant and then begin shaping the first pieces while you are present. That way, we know we’re moving in the right direction from the very beginning.
What Types of Pieces Can Be Created?
There’s no limit, really. Over the years, we’ve helped create:
- Plates for signature dishes
- Platters for sharing-style dining
- Hand-thrown bowls in custom sizes
- Dipping bowls and sauce dishes
- One-off pieces for seasonal menus or special events
We guide each client in selecting the right clay, glaze, and size for service. All pieces are created by hand in our Abu Dhabi studio, which has been in operation since 1994.
Are the Ceramics Safe for Food?
Absolutely. Every item we produce for the table is finished with food-safe glazes and tested materials. We follow international safety standards and avoid finishes that could leach or react during use.
Some glazes may look beautiful but aren’t safe for plating. We never compromise on this. Safety always comes first.
Do Handmade Pieces Hold Up in Restaurants?
Yes, they do. Our ceramics are designed to be both elegant and durable. They’re strong enough for everyday use in a busy kitchen. They’re also stackable and easy to clean. We understand that restaurants need practical solutions, not just pretty plates.
We’ve tested our pottery in real service environments, and it holds up.
Why Choose Abu Dhabi Pottery?
Our studio has been serving clients in the UAE and beyond for over three decades. We were honored as one of the UAE’s official Urban Treasures by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi.
Every commission is led by Master Potter Homa Farley, whose ceramic artworks are permanently displayed in three international museum collections. She has won various competitions and was also recognized as one of the 69 noted alumni of the Glasgow School of Art.
With that depth of experience, we bring both artistic vision and practical knowledge to every project.
What’s the First Step?
If you’re considering a commission, start with a simple conversation. You don’t need to have all the answers. We’ll help you figure out what will work best for your menu and your space.
Whether you want one piece or many, we’re here to listen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order just a few plates to begin with?
Yes. Some clients start small and add more later.
How long does it take?
Most commissions take 3 to 6 weeks, depending on the complexity and quantity.
Can I visit the studio during the process?
Absolutely. Many clients enjoy seeing their pieces being created.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes. We’ve shipped to restaurants across the GCC and beyond.
Let’s Talk
If you’re ready to create custom ceramics that reflect your menu and your brand, we’d love to hear from you.
Let’s turn your ideas into something real, one plate, one platter, one handmade piece at a time.
Homa was born in Tehran, Iran where she spent her childhood and teenage years. She has lived in the UK, and currently resides between Spain and the United Arab Emirates.
