Where to eat in Dubai, all the best italian restaurants

Exotic charm. The UAE capital, with its sub-tropical and desert climate, is becoming an increasingly popular destination for westerners. With massive investments in infrastructure and urban development, not unlike other major metropolises, but also thanks to the global dimension gained through the 2020 Expo, Dubai's tourism has grown exponentially over the years. To accommodate these foreign arrivals, various hospitality services, including the food and wine area, have consequently been implemented. Channeling culinary attention, paradoxical as it may be, is not local or middle eastern cuisine. Instead, there are many international restaurants that are more easily booked. In addition to those of famous professionals like the french cook Yannick Alléno, italian establishments also  have become numerous in this middle-eastern paradise. Some of  remarkable standard run by star chefs such as Massimo Bottura and Niko Romito.

The best italian restaurants in Dubai

Alici

The maritime theme and the blue and white colours dominate the scene in this new opening on Bluewaters Island. Lots of light and a cuisine that plays a lot on the daily catch and classic Italian recipes. We tried a fine octopus and lentils to start, as well as fried anchovies. Among pasta dishes the spaghetti with sardines are definitely better than spaghetti with sea urchin, where bitter notes prevailed over the typical iodine ones. Very extensive wine list, lots of southern Italians, in addition to the great classics. Very good and very professional service.

Bluewaters Island - +97142752577 - alici.com

Torno Subito

The Dolce Vita in Dubai. There is all the whimsical, cheerful and festive spirit of Massimo Bottura––the most celebrated Italian chef in Italy thanks to his Osteria Francescana––behind this restaurant on the ground floor of the W Dubai - The Palm Hotel. As Bernardo Paladini is currently leaving for the opening of the second venue of Torno Subito, the keys have been passed to another trusted chef: the talented Alessio Pirozzi. The themes are inspired by the maritime Italy of the Sixties, pastel colours, there is the beach, the gelato cart, vintage postcards hanging from the ceiling. This year  we warmly recommend Duo di Fassona to start; then continue with the classic and delicious tagliatelle al ragù, the quality of the meat (cheek, tail and beef tongue cut and slow-cooked separately) make the difference. As far as mains, go for the Pollo alla Mantovana: roasted chicken breast, served with pumpkin cake and chicken mustard sauce. In closing, the excellent Tiramisubito! greatly lightened in the flavours. Young and cheerful service. There is also space for gourmet pizza. Very limited wine list, go with the cocktails. A truly fun dining experience.

Palm West Crescent, Palm Jumeirah - +97142455555 -  tornosubito.com

Il Ristorante - Niko Romito

Autentico sapore italiano a Dubai. A beautiful location, with well-finished wooden furnishings, a nice view of the sea outside, and well-spaced tables. Firstly, the raw materials are excellent, from the intensity of the extra virgin olive oil to the flavor of the tomato, the pasta as well as the meats and fish. The work team is led by the skilled hands of Giacomo Amicucci, with a long experience in Italy and abroad. The welcome of the chef alone is an example of the cleanliness of flavours, and is representative of the house. We recommend the Spaghetti with extra-virgin olive oil, garlic, chilli and sea urchins or the juicy and tasty turbot with caviar but above all, we definitely recommend the impeccable risotto, made with great technique, true to its Italian identity, but with a contemporary touch that resonates in modernity. The wine list offers an overall satisfying experience, be curious and try some wines from Abruzzo. A big plus? The super refined cocktails are prepared by a super talented bartender, such as Dario Schiavoni, in the adjacent café.

Jumeira Bay Island, Jumeira 2 - +97147775433 - il ristorante-bulgarinikoromito.com