Nowadays you needn’t head to Apennine Peninsula in order to try the iconic taste of Italian cuisine, because it can be done in many destinations throughout the world. Though, the bad point about tasting Italian dishes not in the country of their origin is that sometimes you can be served only a pitiful semblance of them. But this drawback has nothing to do with Dubai, since according to the opinion of many gourmets, its Italian restaurants are among the best. While sitting comfortably in some Italian restaurant of Dubai late at night, you can unravel the secrets of the fascinating taste of tiramisu, or to appreciate a new kind of pasta. The renowned chefs of the restaurants will offer you traditional Italian dishes and amazing culinary improvisations of the highest quality. So, if you also adore Italian food, grab this short list of Dubai’s restaurants, a visit to which promises a true pleasure.
Ossigeno Restaurant
Ossigeno can be found on Jumeirah Beach, in the major building of the Le Royal Meridian Beach Resort & Spa, within just 20 minutes from the airport and the center of Dubai.
The Ossigeno is a luxurious Italian restaurant featuring a picturesque view of the sea, an exotic garden and a stylish sunny interior. The establishment offers delicious classic and modern Italian cuisine and a vast collection of famous Italian wines.
Those who have been lucky to visit the Ossigeno recommend trying meat specialties made according to the recipes from Tuscany – guitar string pasta, served with seafood and tomatoes; braised veal legs with lemon sauce, fresh herbs and risotto with herbs and grated parmesan cheese.
Ossigeno restaurant is open from 7 PM till 12 AM.
Rococo Restaurant
Small but cozy Italian restaurant Rococo is open to the guests at the Sofitel Beach Hotel. The place is surrounded by fashionable stores of international brands and luxurious hotels and cafes.
The Rococo offers fine Italian cuisine including homemade pasta, salads and traditional pizza cooked in a wood-fired oven, some specialties of innovative Italian cuisine and a great selection of Italian wines and grappa. This is an excellent place for family or romantic dinner.
The Rococo features a traditional classical style interior; private dining booths favour private communication, and the dark red decor creates a special relaxing atmosphere. You can also sit in a cozy outdoor terrace, admiring The Walk Boulevard and the waters of the Persian Gulf.
The restaurant is open daily from 6:30 PM till 11 PM.
Bussola Restaurant
This restaurant in the upscale Dubai Marina district is the perfect place for romantic evenings, meeting with friends, enjoying spectacular views of the Persian Gulf, well-kept beaches, beautiful sunsets and, of course, delicious Italian cuisine.
The menu of the Bussola mainly includes typical dishes of the Mediterranean – beef tartar, scallops with orange and Martini, exquisite dishes of cuttlefish, homemade pizza and incomparable tiramisu. The restaurant features a big selection of fresh juices, wines and cocktails. This pleasant atmosphere is complemented by friendly and attentive waiters.
The Bussola Restaurant occupies two floors. The ground floor features an unobtrusive classical style lounge and a terrace with a stunning sea view. The upper floor is a noisy pizzeria with a casual atmosphere.
The restaurant is open between 12 PM and 2:45 PM, and from 7 PM till 10:45 PM.
Cucina Bar & Restaurant
This Italian restaurant placed at the JW Marriott Hotel is popular among tourists and residents of Dubai. It is decorated in traditional Italian style. The interior features brick walls, old-style wooden furniture, wrought iron candle holders and lots of antique accessories.
The ground floor of Cucina features a real oven and a bar. While having a pleasant conversation with your friends, you can watch a cook preparing pizza, carpaccio, pasta, taggliatelle, spaghetti, lasagna, etc. There are many vegetarian dishes in the menu.
The Cucina Restaurant serves both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. It’s recommended to try Coppa della Amicizia (“Friendship Goblet”). This extraordinary drink is made of hot coffee, grappa, sambuca, lemon and orange zest and spices. Before served the drink is set on fire.
The restaurant often hosts a variety of events. For example, on Mondays from 7 PM till 11:30 PM after paying around $30 you get an unrestricted access to fish buffet and drinks, and on Fridays your children can try to cook their own pizza.
Medzo Restaurant
This popular Italian restaurant is located in Dubai Wafi City, i.e. at the intersection of Sheikh Rashid Road and Oud Metha Road. The Medzo offers a unique peaceful atmosphere and exquisite Italian cuisine. These advantages have made the restaurant one of the most popular ones in Dubai. This is the best place for a romantic evening. You can book a table in a spacious lounge zone or in a terrace with an astonishing view of Wafi City gardens.
In the comfortable and pleasant environment of the Medzo Restaurant you will be able to enjoy piquant Italian dishes and impressive wine list, which will appeal to the most sophisticated wine lovers.
The Medzo is open daily from 12:30 PM till 3 PM, and from 7:30 PM till 11:30 PM.
The aforementioned establishments are easy to get to by public transportation or a taxi. If you are going to rent a car in Dubai, then you can quickly reach them by using GPS unit.
Summing it up, you can appreciate the taste of genuine Italian cuisine not only in its homeland, but also while visiting Dubai. The most important point here is to choose the right place for this. But there’s nothing for you to worry about, since you already know about the city’s best establishments in this regard. Undoubtedly, Dubai will satisfy all Italian food addicts!