From fine dining at Cipriani to a water-front evening at Alici, Bazaar Arabia shares the top spots around town
Searching for the best Italian restaurants in Dubai? Look no further as Bazaar Arabia shares a list of our editor approved picks. Buon Appetito!
Have a weakness for fresh pasta? Us too. Here at Bazaar Arabia we’re foodies at heart and, sometimes, nothing can satisfy our cravings more than a good old dose of carbohydrates – alla Italiano. From the best pizzas and focaccias in town, to seafood dishes and risottos, we’ve rounded up our go-to’s eateries when we’re craving a taste of the Amalfi coast, Sicilian flavours or, even, Florentine-style steak. From date night spots to causal dining, Bazaar Arabia shares 18 of the best Italian restaurants in Dubai.
Best Italian Restaurants in Dubai: 18 Bazaar-Approved Favourites
Duomo
Duomo is where you go when you want to impress guests, an Italian restaurant in Dubai where the ambiance is just as good as the food it serves. The restaurant sits under a 15 metre high-vaulted arch ceiling, which is used as a blank canvas to teleport guests into a multi-sensory realm of digital art.
Image Courtesy of Instagram/@duomodubai
The decor embodies the same energy as an Italian duomo (i.e. cathederal, in English) while the menu boasts distinctively southern Italian cuisine.
Image Courtesy of Instagram/@duomodubai
Location: The Dubai EDITION, Downtown Dubai. For reservations visit duomo-restaurants.com
Il Borro Tuscan Bistro
For those on the hunt for perfect date night spot, look no further than Il Borro Tuscan Bistro.
Image Courtesy of Instagram/@tuscanbistrodubai
Bringing fresh flavour of Tuscany to the UAE, this particular restaurant routinely wins awards for the best Italian in town and has been featured in the prestigious Gault & Millau guide. Not in the mood for pasta? Try the Ossobuco alla Maneira del Burro.
Location: Jumeirah Al Naseem Hotel, Umm Suqeim 3. For reservations visit ilborrotuscanbistro.ae
Loren
If it’s good enough for His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, it’s good enough for us. Even before the UAE royal started paying a visit to this Italian restaurant, located on Palm Jumeirah’s newly developed West Beach strip, it had already made the top of our lists as one of our favourite eateries in town.
Image Courtesy of Instagram/@ristorante.loren
Boasting breathtaking views of Dubai Marina Loren mixes a health dose of 1960s and 70s Italian Riviera nostalgia with modern day dining. A must-try dish? Ravioli Del Plin Alla Genovese, made with slow cooked wagu beef cheek and a sage, butter sauce.
Location: Palm West Beach, Palm Jumeirah. For reservations visit lorenristorantedubai.com
Alici
Offering up some of the best seafood in town, Alici takes inspiration from the spirit of Southern Italy and the Amalfi coast.
Image from Instagram/@alicidubai
The restaurant itself is bright and open, boasting stunning views of the water, making it the ideal lunchtime spot for those craving a taste of the sea. From freshly shucked oysters to a variety of fruit de mer and fish dishes, along with a healthy selection of pastas and risottos, there’s no way we couldn’t have it on our best Italian restaurants in Dubai list.
Location: Bluewaters Island. For reservations visit alici.com
Scalini
Originally founded in 1988 in London, this Italian restaurant’s Dubai location boasts classic dishes like the homemade ravioli stuffed with ricotta and porcini mushrooms. But the true start of the show?
Image Courtesy of Instagram/@scalinidubai
Scalini’s famous interactive cooking experience, which invites guests to watch the food preparation process while gaining insight into the authenticity of Italian cuisine.
Location: Four Seasons Jumeirah Restaurant Village. For reservations visit scalini-dubai.com
Cipriani
World renowned Cipriani transports diners back to the 1950s with its white-clothed tables, glossy wooden interiors and signature brown leather chairs.
With an enclosed terrace and intimate bar, its the perfect spot to savour the world famous Italian restaurant’s signature specialties in a cosy atmosphere.
Image Courtesy of Instagram/@ciprianidxb
Locations: Gate Village, Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). For reservations visit opentable.ae
The Artisan
Featured in Gault&Millau UAE, this restaurant brings a slice of la dolce vita to Dubai, paying homage to the Italian spirit of staying true to tradition. Our favourite dishes? The Risotto Al Tartufo Nero and Gnocchi Alla Gricia.
Image Courtesy of Instagram/@theartisandubai
Location: Waldorf Astoria, Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). For reservations, visit theartisan.ae
Roberto’s
Enjoy an evening of contemporary Italian fine dining at Roberto’s. Known for their popular Sorrento brunch, where you can immerse yourself in a culinary journey of indulgence with their wide offering of Mediterranean foods, this particular DIFC Italian restaurant boasts some of the best views of Dubai’s skyline.
Image Courtesy of Instagram/@robertosdubai
Location: Gate Village 1, Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). For reservations visit robertosdubai.com
Signor Sassi
This particular upscale eatery, located on the Palm Jumeirah, will transport you on a lavish gastronomic voyage throughout the different regions of Italy.
Image Courtesy of Instagram/@signorsassidubai
Signor Sassi serves authentic cuisine foods with a playful twist – but it’s the décor that truly steals the spotlight. Boasting indoor fountains and a distinctively indoor-outdoor feel, its ideal for a birthday party or celebratory outing with friends.
Location: St. Regis Gardens, Palm Jumeirah. For reservations visit signorsassidubai.com
Lucia’s
Step into a transportation portal to Italy at Lucia’s where you can indulge with their well-crafted menu and recipes that offer a quintessential Italian flair.
Image Courtesy of Instagram/@luciasdubai
Some of their popular menu items include, the famous Sicilian-founded arancini ai funghi e tartufo, along with their summer classic dish linguine alle vongole.
Location: Address Sky View, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd. For reservations visit luciasdubai.com
Monno
This homegrown hero dishes up classic Italian eats in a relaxed environment. Best known for their Fiorentina steak and tiramisu, Monno is a casual eatery that combines good vibes with delectacle Italian classics. Come hungry!
Image Courtesy of Instagram/@monnodubai
Location: Jumeirah 1. For reservations visit monno.ae
Cucina, The Palm
Best described as your neighborhood Italian kitchen, don’t think for a second that Cucina’s casual atmosphere will result in a lack of flavour (quite the opposite, actually!) While there are a variety of must-try dishes on the menu, we recommend the ravioli cozze e patate (filled with mussels and potato) in a bisque with chili, garlic, and squid ink. Have a sweet tooth? Cucina’s in-house gelataria will quell any post-supper cravings.
Location: Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah, Palm West Beach. For reservations visit cucinathepalm.com
Cinque
Located in the FIVE Palm Jumeirah, this modern Italian restaurant is the perfect spot for a pre-night out dinner, providing a selection of carefully curated dishes with rich authentic flavours. Offering up a range of seafood, meat and pasta dishes come hunger to Cinque before partying the night away
Image Courtesy of Instagram/@cinquedubai
Location: FIVE Palm Jumeirah, No 1 Palm Jumeirah. For reservations visit cinque.com
Il Ristorante Niko Romito
Experience the epitome of luxury at Il Ristorante Niko Romito, located in the Bvlgari Resort Dubai. The specially curated menu by globally renowned chef Niko Romito blends Italian tradition and contemporary flair. To add to the experience, the chic interiors embodies the elegance of Milan with sleek furniture, glossy wooden floors, and a raised black ceiling.
Location: Bvlgari Resort Dubai, Jumeirah 2. For reservations visit bulgarihotels.com.
Torno Subito
Internationally acclaimed chef Massimo Bottura brought the vibrant 1960s Italian flair to life with Torno Subito, an award-winning restaurant on Palm Jumeirah. Its the perfect destination for a sunny afternoon by the shore; a visit to this colourful spot would make for a great ladies day out.
Location: W, The Palm. For reservations visit tornosubitodubai.com.
Pierchic
Pierchic is a luxe Italian waterfront dining destination. This is perfect for guests who want to enjoy an intimate experience, with the restaurant nestled on a private pier. Diners can enjoy dishes from their inviting curated menu with a stellar view of the Burj Al Arab and Arabian Gulf.
Location: Jumeirah Al Qasr, Madinat Jumeirah. For reservations visit jumeirah.com.
Fi’lia
If you’re looking for a place to enjoy breath-taking views and freshly made Italian cuisine, Fi’lia is the ideal spot. With beloved mouth-watering classics and contemporary spins on traditional dishes, their menu caters to an array of tastes. Their outdoor dining area makes it a spectacular place to watch the city’s glittering skyline at night or take Instagrammable photos during the day.
Location: SLS Dubai Hotel & Residences. For reservations visit slshotels.com.
Italian Restaurants in Dubai: Coming Soon…
Carbone Dubai
World-famous, New York-based, Italian eatery Carbone is coming to Dubai soon. There is still no official opening date; however it is expected to open in the first quarter of 2025 and will call the iconic Atlantis The Royal homel.
Image Courtesy of Instagram/@carbone.riyadh
Carbone already has two established locations in the GCC region, having opened branches in Riyadh and Doha.
Location: Atlantis the Royal, The Palm Jumeirah. For updates visit carbone
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Lead image courtesy of Instagram/@pierchic
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