Dubai loves Italian food, and one will be spoilt for choice when it comes to finding culinary delights from the ‘Bel Paese’, or ‘Beautiful Country’. This is underscored by the fact that three of the fourteen Michelin-starred restaurants in the city are Italian Among these venues, there are few that stand out in particular, due to their attention to detail, artisanal cooking techniques, and flavours that would make any Italian visitor feel right at home. Below are just a few of the best Italian restaurants in Dubai.
7 of Dubai’s Finest Italian Restaurants
1. Il Ristorante - Niko Romito
One of just four restaurants in Dubai to be awarded two Michelin stars, Il Ristorante is the brainchild of chef Niko Romito, who paired his culinary expertise with the world-renowned Bulgari brand to create one of the best Italian dining experiences in the Middle East. The acclaimed chef has already earned 3 Michelin stars for his restaurant Reale in southern Italy and ranks 15th in the World's 50 Best Restaurants List. The menu at Niko Romito’s Dubai outpost features simple dishes that hide behind complex transformation techniques to bring out the purest expression of taste and flavour from the ingredients, many of which are flown in from Italy. The interiors are sleek and stylish with an impressive cocktail bar, creating an intimate atmosphere while the terrace overlooks the picturesque Bulgari Marina.
Location: Bulgari Resort, Jumeirah Bay Island
Timing: 7 pm to 10:30 pm
Reservations are recommended
2. Armani/Ristorante
Combining the style of the legendary Armani fashion brand and the prestige of the tallest building in the world with an award-winning fine dining menu, Armani Ristorante is one of Dubai’s best choices for Italian cuisine. Another Michelin star holder, the restaurant greets diners with a voluminous space that has high ceilings, marble flooring, and muted tones with a large glass-fronted kitchen where the chefs can be viewed in action. Each dish packs deep flavours and textures and is crafted with traditional Italian ingredients.
Location: Armani Hotel, Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai
Timing: 6:30 pm to 11:30 pm
Reservations required
3. Torno Subito
Torno Subito is helmed by culinary superstar Massimo Bottura and is his first restaurant outside of Italy. Chef Bottura is no stranger to accolades and acclaim as his flagship Osteria Francescana has been at the top of the 50 Best Restaurants list multiple times and is widely considered to be the finest restaurant in the world. Set within the stylish and contemporary W The Palm, Torno Subito has a markedly different atmosphere, swapping out the elegant and understated interiors of Osteria for candy-hued and neon-lit decor that is inspired by the Italian Riviera of the 60’s. The venue is designed to resemble a retro ice-cream parlour by the sea, complete with giant beach balls on the terrace. Guests can choose from two 6-course tasting menus or the a la carte menu, both offering contemporary Italian dishes elevated with rich and colourful flavours. The octopus is a favourite among diners, and so are the excellent pizzas and pasta dishes.
Location: W Dubai – The Palm, Palm Jumeirah
Timing: 6:30 pm to 11 pm
Reservations required
4. Cipriani
A classic restaurant in the heart of Dubai's fine dining scene in DIFC, Cipriani is a reputed name in the realm of Italian cuisine. Hailing from Venice with a history dating back to 1931, Cipriani Dubai delivers on the high expectations of its legacy, offering guests an extraordinary dining experience. The atmosphere has an old-world sophistication to it, which is reflected in high-gloss wooden flooring, polished metallic accents, signature leather chairs, and a nautical aesthetic. As expected from such a reputed Italian fine dining institution, the menu features classic dishes that have been beautifully prepared, including some Cipriani signatures and dishes that were on the original menu of Cipriani’s forerunner, Harry’ Bar..
Location: Gate Village, Building 3, DIFC
Timing: 12 pm to 12 am
Reservations required
5. Chic Nonna
One of DIFC’s most stylish dining venues, Chic Nonna is the Dubai outpost of the acclaimed restaurant in Florence and reimagines traditional Italian flavours with a modern twist. Guests enter through a massive bright jade-coloured door with large brass handles, flanked with olive trees in massive planters. The stylish foyer leads diners to an expansive space with contemporary art deco interiors, double-height ceilings, and abundant seating options over the two storeys designed to mimic the grandeur of South Italy’s mansions. The kitchen is helmed by Vito Mollica of the Michelin-starred Il Palagio in Four Seasons Florence and brings guests mouth-melting dishes crafted with perfection. The Mazzancolla prawns are exquisite, as is the creamy Burrata and Tomato Carpaccio. All pasta is prepared fresh in-house and has a unique texture, while the chef’s signature ‘Calamarata 2.0’ is highly recommended.
Location: Gate Avenue Mall, Zone, DIFC
Timing: 12 pm to 11:30 pm
Reservations required
6. Il Borro Tuscan Bistro Dubai
Nestled on the banks of the Turtle Lagoon in Jumeirah’s Al Naseem resort, this chic and understated dining venue brings the rich flavours of Tuscany to Dubai. The Il Borro estate in Italy is owned by the Ferragamo family and is a testament to over 1,000 years of Italian heritage and the country’s most iconic resorts. Their Dubai bistro has captured that essence and has made a name for itself in the city’s eclectic dining scene. The restaurant has won numerous awards for hospitality and has garnered a stellar reputation among the city’s socialites. From the homemade Gnocchi with Crab and Pumpkin Ravioli to the truffle pizza and the perfectly grilled chicken and salmon, every dish served is a masterclass in its own right. Ingredients are sourced from the estate in Tuscany, and they even use their own branded olive oil. Service comes with an old-fashioned Italian charm, and the views of the turtles swimming up the lagoon just set this place apart.
Location: Jumeirah Al Naseem, Umm Suqueim 3
Timing: 12 pm to 3:30 pm (lunch) and 6:30 pm to 11:30 pm (dinner)
Reservations required
7. Pierchic
Pierchic is known as one of Dubai’s most romantic restaurants, offering some of the most beautiful sea views. The route to this venue is unlike any other and only adds to the anticipation of dining here. A buggy from the elegant Jumeirah Al Qasr hotel takes you through the winding pathways to a deck on the beach. Guests then walk over the water along a wooden pier with a full view of the Burj Al Arab on one side and Dubai’s majestic coastal skyline on the other as they make their way to this charming Italian venue. The restaurant sits right at the end of the walkway, with the gentle waters of the Arabian Gulf lapping just beneath you. This secluded spot has a cosy and intimate ambiance with dim mood lighting and spectacular views. The menu comprises mainly seafood dishes that combine modern and traditional Italian flavours.
Location: Jumeirah Al Qasr, Madinat Jumeirah
Timing: 6:30 pm to 10 pm; 1 pm to 2:45 pm (brunch Fri-Sun)
Reservations required
Final Take
Italian cuisine is a matter of national pride for its citizens - simple yet complex, flavourful yet subtle, and mastering the art to get it right is no easy objective. Dubai has most certainly done Italy proud with the calibre of cuisine on offer, as outlined in the restaurants on this list. This city understands contemporary Italian dining like few others do, and its Michelin-star standing bears testament to that.
