A passion for excellence, Integrity, respect and responsibility, People – our greatest resource, Service-mindedness.
It was in the mid-1980s that the very first chapters of this intriguing gastronomic story were written. The backdrop was the quaint yet lively eastern waterfront of Male’ – the tiny island capital of Maldives. The youthful population of the city was experiencing a hitherto unprecedented economic boom and the subsequent steady influx of trendsetting global influences. Their lifestyle was being irreversibly transformed, and pioneering local entrepreneurs were quick to cater to their every need. Cinemas were screening box office hits of neighbouring Bollywood and far-away Hollywood, alike. Local fashion trends began mirroring those on MTV. Out went the trusted bicycle and in came the machismo of high CC motorbikes. Young couples craved for special experiences and new settings. In short, what was once a commercial hub of the city soon became a go-to environment for people wishing to relax and unwind after a hard day’s work! As soon as NEWPORT Restaurant opened its doors to diners in a single-story building located where the Bank of Ceylon tower stands today in the heart of the waterfront of Male’, it became synonymous with great taste, atmosphere and service. A father and son venture (Ali Haneef & Muhammad Haneef), NEWPORT was one of the first restaurants in the country. For the next decade, Newport served up main course meals and lighter refreshments at prices that were affordable for all. With the loss of its prime location in Marine Drive and the global financial meltdown, NEWPORT closed its doors in 1996. The restaurant’s first incarnation, in many ways, personified the economic fortunes of the country.
Nearly two decades and a generation later, the grandson (Zahid Rameez) of the founder of the original NEWPORT Restaurant began scripting the second half of his family’s food and beverage legacy! Driven by his childhood nostalgia, embedded genetic trait of corporate excellence and higher education in marketing and finance, he fulfilled his dream of resurrecting NEWPORT. While the earlier charm and homely ambience were retained – along with the original logo, NEWPORT was no longer an everyday, multi-
cuisine diner! NEWPORT version II boasted the very first Mediterranean fusion dining experience in the Maldives, with 100% signature dishes made with the freshest, authentic ingredients, by an award-winning multinational team of culinary professionals. NEWPORT Mediterranean Café & Restaurant is situated just three blocks from its original namesake, in the same eastern waterfront stretch of Male’.
NEWPORT Mediterranean Café and Restaurant opened on 15th May 2014. The Guest of Honour for Mr. Mohamed Naseer (Shiva), Managing Director of Lily Enterprises Pvt Ltd.
The NEWPORT team recently celebrated the venture’s second anniversary, and can already look back on a long journey of trials and tribulations.
The marquee enterprise of its parent company – Strada Private Limited, NEWPORT Mediterranean Café and Restaurant recently welcomed its sister venture – NEWPORT Kitchen. A sign of the growth of the brand, the new catering business of NEWPORT is founded on the same ethos of quality, professionalism and excellence. With an exclusive catering kitchen at Maafannu Kurigam, a dedicated multinational team of experts and fine European crockery and cutlery, NEWPORT Kitchen has, in its first year of service, undertaken some of the most demanding and highest profile events in the country, catering to the who’s who of both the Maldives and overseas clientele.
The NEWPORT team isn’t the type that sits on their laurels! In a country of unprecedented dynamism, the bold youthful energy of Newport is committed to stay abreast with the country’s socio economic fortunes, and continuing to carve its niche in the country’s hospitality industry.
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