A holiday in Dubai is not just about its innumerable landmarks and attractions. In fact, you can have an amazing culinary journey in the city, thanks to the numerous restaurants belonging to the city. The thing that impresses food lovers on a Dubai vacation is that the city offers an array of cuisines from all over the world, including Italian cuisine. This cuisine from Italy has become one of the most prestigious international cuisines in the world. Dubai too celebrates Italian cuisine. In fact, the city is home to Italian restaurants opened by renowned chefs from Italy. The best part? You would find all types of Italian restaurants in Dubai, right from casual eateries and cafes to stylish, fine dining restaurants.
Why is Italian Cuisine Popular in Italy?
Apart from the fact that many popular Italian chefs have opened their restaurants in Dubai, there are several more reasons why Italian restaurants in the city are sought after by both residents and tourists alike. The restaurants here offer the most authentic Italian dishes. Apart from the regular pizzas and pastas, you can also try many other dishes like risotto, lasagna, and so much more here. Moreover, the food in the city is always made with the freshest of ingredients, thus enhancing its taste and quality. Italian restaurants in Dubai offer plenty of vegetarian and vegan options as well. Almost all the Italian restaurants offer a beautiful ambience along with delicious food. There are family-centric restaurants, perfect for those on holiday with Dubai family package.
Best Italian Restaurants in Dubai
Image Credit: https://www.bulgarihotels.com/
Il Ristorante – Niko Romito
It Ristorante by Niko Romito (Michelin-star chef) is where stylish luxury meets Italian flavors. A part of Bulgari Resort Dubai in Jumeirah, Il Ristorante is designed with minimalistic décor and wooden undertones. The large bay windows of the restaurant give you an incredible view of the Arabian Gulf as you savor the delicious dishes of this restaurant. The menu here brings a modern touch to the Italian classics, and you must try the pasta, seafood, and desserts served here. Spagheti al Pomodoro, Cotoletta all Milanese, Burrata-filled Pata, Cauliflower Pasta, Cioccoloato e Oro, etc., are some of the must-try dishes here.
Location: Bulgari Resort Dubai, Jumeirah Bay
Timings: 7 PM to 11 PM
Price for Two: Approx. AED 500 (without alcohol)
Gia
If you want to skip the formal setting of a fine dining restaurant but do not want to compromise on the ambience and the food, Gia is the place for you. Gia is a casual dining restaurant located in Dubai Mall, overlooking Dubai Fountain and the Burj Khalifa. The restaurant has casual and laidback ambience although the interiors are sleek and elegant. If you are visiting in the evening, you get to watch the Dubai Fountain Show while savoring the numerous delicacies of the restaurant like handmade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, signature seafood dishes, delectable risottos, and mouthwatering tiramisu.
Location: Ground Floor, Fashion Avenue, Dubai Mall
Timings: 10 AM to 12.30 AM
Price for Two: AED 400 to AED 500
Image Credit: https://www.armanihotels.com/
Armani Ristorante
Armani Ristorante gives you the opportunity for fine dining in Burj Khalifa. Armani Ristorante combines class and elegance, making it one of the favorite Italian restaurants for special occasions. The interiors of the restaurant are equipped with plush furnishings and minimalist designs with monochromatic colors juxtaposed with metallic accents. The menu here is filled with modern Italian dishes involving signature seafood dishes, homemade pasta, and so much more. Crab salad, short ribs, chef’s welcome bits, tortello, etc., are some of the dishes to try here.
Location: Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai
Timings: 6.30 PM to 11.30 PM
Price for Two: AED 700
Bussola
Contemporary, chic, and romantic, Bussola is another Italian restaurant in Dubai that offers comfort both in its ambience and food. The restaurant is a part of Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi and gives you the option of three restaurants. Here you will find a fine dining restaurant, a stylish lounge, and a pizzeria. The view from each of these restaurants is the stunning Dubai Marina, adding to its elegance. Bussola’s menu includes all the classic Italian flavors, including freshly-prepared pastas, wood-fired pizzas, seafood dishes, antipasti, and so much more.
Location: The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina
Timings: Lunch (weekdays: 12 PM to 3 PM and weekends: 12 PM to 4 PM) and Dinner (Monday to Saturday: 6 PM to 11 PM and Sunday: 7 PM to 11 PM)
Price for Two: AED 500 to AED 800
Pierchic
Perched on a private pier on the Arabian Gulf, Pierchic is one of the most unique restaurants in Dubai. The classy and sophisticated restaurant gives you uninterrupted views of the Arabian Gulf and the Burj Al Arab. The restaurant itself has a contemporary style, with plush furnishing, soft lighting, and muted colors. There is also an outdoor seating area, perfect for dinners on a cool winter night or a pleasant summer evening. The décor and the view make it one of the most romantic restaurants in Dubai. Apart from the décor, what attract people to this place is its food. Pierchic is a seafood-specialty Italian restaurant, where you will get to enjoy some of the most delicious Italian flavors. Italian-style lobsters, fresh oysters, sea bass, caviar, etc., are the celebrated dishes on Pierchic’s menu.
Location: Jumeirah Al Qasr
Timings: Lunch: 1 PM to 2.30 PM and Dinner: 6.30 PM to 10 PM (Sunday to Thursday) and 6.30 PM to 10.30 PM (Friday and Saturday)
Price for Two: AED 1200
Image Credit:https://alici.com/
Alici Dubai
Another restaurant that serves Italian flavors with panache is Alici Dubai. Located on Bluewaters Island, a meal at this restaurant will let you enjoy the gorgeous view of Ain Dubai and the Arabian Gulf. The restaurant here serves South Italian delicacies, especially from Amalfi Coast. Like the food, the décor of the restaurant is also inspired by the coast, complete with white walls with blue accents, natural textures, and large bay windows. The menu here focuses on seafood specialties like seafood starters, grilled fish, seafood pasta, Italian antipasti, etc.
Location: Marsa Dubai, Bluewaters Island
Timings: 12 PM to 11 PM
Price for Two: AED 600
Papas Dubai
Another casual dining Italian restaurant located within Dubai Mall is Papas Dubai. Just like Gia, Papas Dubai also has floor to ceiling windows with the view of Burj Lake and Burj Khalifa. The restaurant has a warm and welcoming vibe with modern furnishings and wooden décor. It is the perfect place to enjoy a lazy lunch with family and friends or grab a bite after shopping. The best time to visit is after sunset when you will get to see the Dubai Fountain Show. At Papas Dubai, you can enjoy all the classical dishes of the Italian cuisine include pastas, baked pizzas, antipasti platters, risotto, burrata, Italian-style cakes, and more.
Location: InterContinental Dubai Marina by IHG
Timings: 6 PM to 12 AM (Sunday to Thursday) and 6 PM to 1 AM (Friday and Saturday)
Image Credit:https://signorsassidubai.com/
Signor Sassi
Yet another Italian restaurant in Dubai that defines luxury, glamor, and class is Signor Sassi. What makes this restaurant stand out among its counterparts in Dubai is that the décor is inspired by the décor of the villas in Lake Como. Lavish seats, open layout, gold accents, painted vases, inspiring art décor, and greenery make up for the interiors of this restaurant. One of the highlights of Signor Sassi is that you get to taste traditional Italian dishes here, including wood-fired pizzas, handmade pastas, authentic Italian desserts, rich sauces, and many more.
Location: St. Regis Gardens the Palm, Palm Jumeirah
Timings: Lunch (12 PM to 3 PM) and Dinner (6 PM to 2 AM)
Price for Two: AED 500+
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Italian restaurants in Dubai halal-friendly?
What should I wear while visiting Italian restaurants in Dubai?
Is it necessary to do advance reservation while visiting the popular Dubai Italian restaurants?
Are the Italian restaurants in Dubai suitable for vegetarians and vegans?
Do Italian restaurants in Dubai offer takeaways and homemade deliveries?
Do Italian restaurants in Dubai serve alcohol?
Conclusion
Dubai is one of the best places outside Italy where you can taste the original or the real Italian cuisine. Do take time to explore at least a few of the Italian restaurants during your Dubai tour. The best part is that the city has numerous Italian restaurants, catering to every kind of tastes and budget.
