The internationally acclaimed Dubai-born concept known for redefining the modern handroll experience, Kokoro Handroll Bar, will open its first international location in Cannes on the French Riviera in July 2026.
The flagship will occupy a prime address on La Croisette and is being developed through a strategic partnership with DB Group, the hospitality company founded and led by David Barokas.
The opening marks a pivotal moment for Kokoro Handroll Bar as it enters the European market, placing the brand at the centre of one of the world’s most visible and culturally influential destinations.
Founded in Dubai by Tamer Elkhayat, CEO of FYTE Hospitality and Faisal Yabroudi, COO of FYTE Hospitality, in collaboration with chefs Daniel Lee and Patrick Pham, Kokoro Handroll Bar began as a focused, counter-driven concept rooted in precision and product integrity. What started as an intimate dining experience quickly became one of the region’s most talked-about restaurants, earning international recognition and a ranking among the World’s 50 Best Restaurants.
At its core, Kokoro Handroll Bar is defined by immediacy and discipline. Each handroll is prepared and served within seconds, preserving temperature, texture and balance. Seafood is sourced globally and flown multiple times weekly, paired with exclusive Japanese nori and proprietary rice techniques that ensure consistency at the highest level.
The Cannes location will translate this signature experience to the Riviera through a minimalist, chef-centred interior concept designed by Tzed, founded by Tarik Zaharna, the design studio responsible for shaping the visual identity across FYTE Hospitality’s portfolio. The space will emphasise material warmth, restraint and precision – reinforcing the intimacy and immediacy that define Kokoro Handroll Bar – while sitting prominently along one of the most prestigious stretches of La Croisette.
