In the hospitality world, every detail counts. From how your space is lit to how each dish is served, everything comes together to create the guest experience. One element that quietly plays a big role is the tableware. It may not always be the first thing people notice, but it’s one of the things they remember.
At Abu Dhabi Pottery, the UAE’s first-ever modern pottery studio, we create pottery commissions that help restaurants bring their vision to the table, literally. Whether you’re running a fine dining concept or a relaxed café, the right ceramics can make your food stand out and give your space a signature feel.
Why Tableware Matters
When a guest sits down for a meal, their experience begins before the first bite. The weight of a plate, the texture of a cup, the color of a serving bowl, these all shape how the meal feels. The tableware becomes part of the presentation, part of the mood, and part of the memory.
Restaurants that choose custom pottery often do so because they care about storytelling. A handmade plate says something different than a factory-made one. It adds a human touch. It shows that attention has been paid to every part of the guest’s experience.
Our Approach to Pottery Commissions
Each commission at Abu Dhabi Pottery begins with a conversation. We want to understand your space, your style, and the type of food you serve. We also review mood boards and visual references shared by clients. In many cases, we meet directly with chefs, designers, or restaurant teams to better understand their creative goals. Sometimes, Master Potter Homa Farley creates shapes and forms in the client’s presence. This way, we make sure we’re fully aligned before production begins.
Some restaurants ask for earthy, textured pieces. Others want smooth, modern forms with clean lines. Some want to match a certain palette. Others want to stand out with something unexpected.
We listen, take notes, and begin creating pieces that fit your needs. All work is led by Master Potter Homa Farley, whose ceramics are held in three museum collections. She was also named one of the 69 noted alumni of the Glasgow School of Art. Her decades of experience ensure every piece is made with care and expertise.
What Can Be Commissioned
Restaurants approach us with a range of requests. Some need signature plates for their seasonal menus. Others are looking for mugs, serving trays, sauce dishes, or decorative items for the table. Whether you’re building a full set or starting with a few feature pieces, we work with you to make sure each item is both beautiful and functional.
Together, we select the right clay body, glaze finish, and shape to suit your brand. Every item is handmade in our studio, where we’ve been working with clay since 1994.
Built for Daily Use
Safety is just as important as design. All our custom tableware is made with food-safe glazes and materials. We carefully choose and test every glaze to ensure it’s safe for regular use and meets international standards. Using non-food-safe pottery can pose serious risks, so we never compromise on this part of the process.
Custom pottery should not only look good, it should work well in a busy kitchen. Because of this, we design all of our tableware with longevity in mind. The pieces are easy to stack and clean, and they can handle the demands of daily restaurant service.
Restaurants trust our pottery commissions because we understand how important practicality is in a working kitchen. You get ceramic pieces that feel refined but are strong enough to last.
Why Choose Abu Dhabi Pottery
We are proud to be recognized as one of the UAE’s official Urban Treasures by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi. This honor reflects not just our history, but our dedication to craftsmanship and creativity.
Working with us means more than just placing an order. You’re collaborating with a studio that understands hospitality. We take time with each commission to ensure it reflects the story you want to tell.
Let’s Create Together
If you want to bring more character and meaning to your table settings, we’re here to help. Our team at Abu Dhabi Pottery would be glad to explore ideas with you and create custom ceramics that match your restaurant’s personality.
Reach out to us and let’s bring your vision to life, one 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.
