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16 of the top Italian restaurants in Dubai
Mon, August 12, 2024
There are plenty of restaurants in Dubai delivering world-class Italian cuisine, but we've selected the ones that consistently come out on top.
There are plenty of restaurants in Dubai delivering world-class Italian cuisine, but we've selected the ones that consistently come out on top.
Il Ristorante - Niko Romito
Fine Italian cuisine is at the heart of Il Ristorante - Niko Romito – one of the proud two Michelin-star eateries in Dubai. The restaurant, located at Bulgari Hotel & Resorts, showcases traditional culture through its cooking. From Parmigiano Reggiano soup to roasted langoustines salad and spaghetti with sea urchins, this hotspot serves up favourites that will transport you to the scenic Italian countryside. Seafood fans will not be disappointed with the variety on offer, with the oven-baked black cod being a showstopper.
Essential info:
Opening hours: 7pm to 11pm (Monday to Sunday)
Contact: +971 4 777 5622
Il Borro
Taste the best of Tuscany in Dubai, only at Il Borro. The award-winning restaurant is the brainchild of Salvatore Ferragamo's son, Ferruccio Ferragamo, who opened the restaurant in Dubai and instantly attracted the city's gourmands. While the menu elevates Italian fine dining to levels that impress, you can still notice authenticity in every bite thanks to homemade recipes that celebrate organic produce. Book a table at the restaurant's airy terrace in winter and let the staff recommend their favourites, or simply choose the classic ossobuco that features a slow-braised veal shank served with creamy mash.
Essential info:
Opening hours: 12pm to 3:30pm and 6:30pm to 11:30pm (Monday to Friday), 12pm to 4pm and 6:30pm to 11:30pm (Saturday and Sunday)
Contact: +971 4 275 2555
Alici
Forget about making your way to Italy’s Amalfi Coast – simply make your way to Alici instead. From fresh seafood to handmade pasta, a trip across the bridge to Bluewaters Island is all you need for a true taste of southern Italy. The name, Italian for anchovies, gives a hint as to what the spot focuses on. With a super setting overlooking the sea and sparkling shores of the lively Jumeirah Beach Residence, this chic restaurant puts the spotlight on fruits de mer and is perfect for a lazy lunch or date night. The brunch is a must-try and courses come out in waves, including a raw selection that features local Dibba Bay oysters, tuna tartare and fresh seabass.
Essential info:
Opening hours: 12pm to 4pm and 5pm to 11pm (Monday to Friday), 12pm to 11pm (Saturday and Sunday)
Contact: +971 4 275 2577
Bussola
A favourite during the cooler winter months, Bussola features three restaurant concepts in one – the ground floor restaurant for a traditional fine dining experience, an upstairs rooftop that showcases the tastiest wood-fired pizzas in town and Bussola Mare for a luxury beachside treat. From here, you can also enjoy prime sunset views of Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah in the distance. The menu is an ode to Sicilian-influenced fare with plenty to savour for diners of all ages – try the handmade ravioli filled with mushroom and truffle cream, or the signature Bussola pizza, which ranks high up on the list of the best Italian pizzas in Dubai.
Essential info:
Opening hours: 12pm to 3pm and 6pm to 11pm (Monday to Friday), 12pm to 4pm and 6pm to 11pm (Saturday and Sunday)
Contact: +971 4 511 7373
Scalini
If you're looking to impress, Scalini in Four Seasons Resort at Jumeirah Beach is an excellent dining choice. The restaurant is proud to offer a menu filled with time-honoured recipes, many of which can be traced back to old culinary books from Italy – the picattina al limone (escalopes of veal in lemon sauce) and the spaghetti all'Astice (signature spaghetti with lobster) are both spectacular. The food here is exceptional, but so is the service. Whether you take a seat inside or on the outdoor terrace, you'll appreciate the finer details that have gone into the airy space.
Essential info:
Opening hours: 12pm to 12am daily
Contact: +971 4 349 0068
Papas Dubai
Papas is a vibrant Italian eatery in Intercontinental Hotel Dubai Marina, offering a slice of Italy's social and culinary traditions in Dubai. The venue is found in a prime location, overlooking Dubai Marina from its alfresco terrace. Reflecting a classic Italian trattoria, Papas features red brick arches, vibrant patterned plates and floor tiles, glowing chandeliers and an open kitchen for guests to see the pasta-making in action.
Gia
It may be located in Dubai Mall, but Gia is a far cry from food court dining. Sitting next to the Burberry store in the mall’s high-end Fashion Avenue section (with a terrace overlooking The Dubai Fountain), Gia’s food is as prestigious as its position suggests. Focusing on Tuscan cuisine, highlights from the menu include the tagliolini cacio e pepe (pasta with parmesan and pecorino) as well as the lasagne made with fresh black truffle. Gia’s chefs are not afraid to experiment, also offering regular special menus, such as Emirati-Italian fusion food such as rigatoni biryani, camel lasagna and more.
Essential info:
Opening hours: 10am to 12am (Monday to Friday), 10am to 1am (Saturday and Sunday)
Contact: +971 4 234 9986
Cipriani
This longstanding Downtown Dubai restaurant is popular for post-work dinners and lunchtime meetings, and it has a prime location in the financial district. Expect crisp white tablecloths, a subtle nautical theme and the top-notch service you’d expect from a world-famous chain. The space is always buzzing and staff ensure every meal feels like a special occasion – if you want to impress, this Dubai outpost of the Venetian celebrity hotspot should be your top pick. The menu ticks off all the Italian favourites, with portions made for sharing. Regulars return for the signature baked veal tagliolini gnocchi, beef carpaccio and spaghetti lobster.
Essential info:
Opening hours: 12pm to 12am daily
Contact: +971 4 347 0003
Roberto's Ristorante
Located among some of Dubai’s hottest dining spots in DIFC, this is an ideal venue for either a lively or romantic dinner. Walk through the doors into a warm and earthy dining room to find the tables gently lit with candles, and draped with white linen. The restaurant brings authentic Italian into Dubai’s diverse dining scene, with a strong focus on using only the freshest and highest quality produce. Check out the well-executed menu, featuring antipasti, salads, pizza, pasta and seafood. The housemade tortelli stuffed with spinach and ricotta, drizzled with a light cream sauce and black truffle brunoise, is a perfectly rich option.
Essential info:
Opening hours: 12pm to 3am daily
Contact: +971 4 386 0066
Signor Sassi
Signor Sassi is a top Italian restaurant at St. Regis Gardens, Palm Jumeirah. Originating in London in 1984, the venue aims to define its experience with 'Sassi style’, a blend of tradition and modern innovation. The interior, inspired by Lake Como's villas, showcases intricate Italian detailing, hand-painted vases and an open layout with atmospheric greenery. A lush olive tree flown in from Puglia adds a unique touch. When it comes to top rooftop restaurants in Dubai, Signor Sassi is up there with the best.
Essential info:
Opening hours: 12pm to 3pm and 6pm to 2am daily
Contact: +971 4 278 4848
Cala Vista
Set against the stunning backdrop of Burj Al Arab, Cala Vista, located in Jumeirah Mina A Salam Hotel, is an Italian-inspired restaurant where you can spend long lunches and relaxing alfresco evenings. Towering olive trees, lemon-decorated plates and pretty floor tiles give the space a distinctly Mediterranean feel, while a private pool and endless ocean views complete the venue’s picturesque design. The kitchen, led by head chef Luca Crostelli, offers signature dishes including dentice alla griglia, polpette della nonna and orecchio di elefante.
Essential info:
Opening hours: 4pm to 1am (Monday to Friday), 12:30pm to 1am (Saturday and Sunday)
Contact: +971 800 323 232
Monno Ristorante
This homegrown eatery, located in the heart of Jumeirah, is a passion project for its Emirati owners who joined forces with Italian head chef Federico Bartoli to launch Monno. An air of nostalgia permeates the menu with authentic recipes, carefully-sourced ingredients and attention-to-detail ensuring this cosy trattoria already has a legion of fans. Whether you're looking to graze on antipasti, moreish starters, meaty mains or large bowlfuls of pasta, diners of all ages will find something that is sure to tantalise their tastebuds.
Essential info:
Opening hours: 12pm to 12am (Sunday to Thursday) 12pm to 1am (Friday and Saturday)
Contact: +971 4 332 2255
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The Artisan
Housed on the ground floor of the upmarket Waldorf Astoria Dubai International Financial Centre, this stylish restaurant has secured a name for itself by serving up some of the most authentic Italian food in town. Florentine-trained chef Luca is at the helm here, and with links to the three-Michelin starred Enoteca Pinchiorri in Florence, you can taste the pedigree of this exceptional eatery. Luca's Tuscan take on Bolognese paccheri is thyme-infused, while pumpkin-stuffed agnolotti offers up delicate sweet and savoury flavours. The grilled octopus is a highlight when it comes to starters, and his honey-inspired multi-layered dessert has become an Instagram sensation.
Essential info:
Opening hours: 12pm to 10:30pm (Sunday to Thursday) 12pm to 11:30pm (Friday and Saturday)
Contact: +971 4 338 8133
Cucina
This homegrown Italian spot combines a homely, rustic atmosphere with authentic fare and has established itself as a Palm Jumeirah neighbourhood favourite. Sip an espresso teamed with a flakey pastry at the Sbarra coffee bar, or take your seat in the main dining room before tucking into well-priced, generous mains like an exceptional veal Milanese. Peek into the dedicated pasta-making room where the chef conjures up ever-changing weekly specials, and don't miss the fresh artisanal pizza. Finish on a sweet note by heading into the retro gelateria – the gorgonzola with balsamic is a surprise hit.
Essential info:
Opening hours: 7am to 1am (Monday to Sunday)
Contact: +971 4 666 1408
Chic Nonna
There's something irresistible about Chic Nonna's spectacular setting, along with head chef Francesco Torcasio and group executive chef Giuseppe Pezzella's delicious Italian cuisine. Located in Dubai International Financial Centre, expect a blend of tradition combined with innovation at this popular two-floor osteria with prime Burj Khalifa views. The space resembles a sophisticated mansion filled with curated collectibles, artwork and fireplaces. It features a lounge and main dining area, with the spotlight firmly on the theatrical open kitchen. Foodies should ensure they book the chef's table for the most immersive dining experience.
Essential info:
Opening hours: 12pm to 11:30pm (Monday and Sunday)
Contact: +971 4 605 2000
L'Amo Bistro del Mare
Perched by the waterfront of Dubai Harbour Yacht Club, this sleek eatery offers a taste of fresh Italian seafood in a stunning setting. Dive into a sea of flavours as chef Lorenzo Buccarini showcases his expertise with dishes like spaghetti cacio pepe e ricci di mare — a serving of spaghetti with a dash of black pepper, pecorino cheese and buttery sea urchin – and zafferano scampi e caviale (lobster risotto). With its upscale ambience, panoramic vistas of the skyline and authentic fare, L'Amo Bistro del Mare is a great choice for a romantic dinner or an all-out celebratory feast.
Essential info:
Opening hours: 12pm to 3pm and 6pm to 11:30pm (Monday to Thursday), 12pm to 11:30pm (Friday to Sunday)
Contact: +971 4 278 4800
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