text Martina Olivieri
The best Italian restaurants in Dubai
Where to savour the best of ‘Made in Italy’ gastronomy surrounded by wonderful views
Italian cooking fascinates and enthrals food lovers from all over the world. Its homely, authentic and genuine flavours make it one of the most loved and lauded national cuisines well beyond its own borders. Dubai is no exception. Indeed, many top Italian chefs have flown to Dubai to bring it some of their philosophy, knowledge and gastronomic culture.
From contemporary restaurants, inspired by the cities of art and culture of the north, to the freshest ingredients that you will find in restaurants on the southern coast, that bring the food and beverages culture and typical atmospheres of the restaurants of southern Italian seaside resorts right into the heart of Dubai, with food and beverage offerings that are authentic yet modern and lively at the same time - here, we have collected together some of the best Italian restaurants in town. Let’s delve into them together, and keep your phone handy to book your unforgettable dining experience in Dubai.
Looking for restaurants with a view? Click here! Here you will find the best restaurants in hotels, and if you don't know how to order, we will help you by recommending the best pasta dishes!
Cipriani
On 13 May 1931, Giuseppe Cipriani opened Harry’s Bar, on the first floor of an abandoned warehouse, in a dead-end alley off of St. Mark’s Square, Venice. Declared a national landmark by the Italian Ministry of Cultural Affairs in 2001, it has remained pretty much unchanged, and has become a point of reference well beyond national borders, managing to export its relaxed atmosphere, great food and warm service all over the world. It is a flagship venue that has always served an eclectic clientèle, including Hollywood legends, royalty and artists from around the world. Unmissable is the famous Carpaccio alla Cipriani, fresh raw meat cut into thin slices, and accompanied by a delicate sauce, as well as the famous Bellini invented by Giuseppe Cipriani in Venice, in 1948.
Carpaccio alla Cipriani at CiprianiArmani/ristorante
The essence of Italy comes to life at Armani/Ristorante, where a natural passion for the finest ingredients, exquisite combinations of flavours and contemporary presentation come together in an exclusive setting that excites the palate and captivates lovers of gourmet cuisine. A tasting experience for all the senses, Italian culinary excellence with a personalized service, accompanying customers on a unforgettable journey, from a classic aperitif to the subtle nuances of the tasting-style menu.
Armani restaurant L’Olivo at Al Mahara
Take a seat at your table among coral-filled aquariums and sample the fish dishes masterfully prepared by chef Andrea Migliaccio of Ristorante L’Olivo at the spectacular Al Mahara in Burj Al Arab. The seafaring atmosphere is the perfect setting for a memorable culinary adventure.
L’Olivo at Al MaharaMamaBella
Amid Dubai’s glittering skyline, MamaBella stands out like a charming Italian village, where Southern cuisine meets contemporary elegance. Here, the authentic flavors of the Mediterranean — fragrant herbs, fresh seafood, and golden olive oil — are served in their purest and most heartfelt form. At the heart of the concept is “Cucina Mamma”, an experience that pays tribute to the genuine value of home cooking. In an intimate setting with a twelve-seat table, mothers from different cultures cook, share their stories, and bring to life recipes passed down through generations. A journey through tradition and conviviality, where every dish is an act of love and every encounter celebrates memory, culture, and the universal power of food made with heart.
MamaBella Carna
After taking over the family business from his father in 1976, award-winning butcher Dario Cecchini wanted to protect and elevate the art of butchery with his belief that all cuts of meat can be used when cooked correctly, eliminating waste and promoting sustainability. Located on the 74th floor of the SLS Dubai Hotel, Carna by Dario Cecchini fully honours this tradition, at both lunch and dinner. All those who participate in the preparation of his extraordinary dishes also share his ideology of ‘nose to tail’ cuisine. Simply unmissable is the gluttonous Carna Burger and the famous Florentine Steak.
CarnaIl ristorante Niko Romito
Il Ristorante – Niko Romito at the Bvlgari Resort Dubai echoes the elegant and original design of the Bvulgari Hotel Milan, and pays homage to the rich heritage of Italy. For Bulgari Hotels & Resorts, chef Romito has devised a new concept that, while maintaining the philosophy of simplicity and research that has made his restaurants famous all over the world, introduces some elements of great originality. The goal was to establish a canon of contemporary Italian cuisine that best expresses ‘Made in Italy’ culture, elegance and vitality.
Il ristorante da Niko Romito Roberto's ristorante
Ever since its opening in 2012, Roberto’s has created a cosmopolitan culinary experience designed for the most exacting palates. The chef’s world-class team combines a Roman passion for food with Venetian hospitality and Milanese elegance, resulting in a wholly original reinterpretation of Italian cooking. Completing an already delicious offer, the Business Lunch at Roberto’s was conceived to enhance midday business meetings. There are two lunchtime options: the Executive Lunch, perfect for high-level professional meetings, and the Social Lunch, for more relaxed and informal business gatherings.
Roberto's ristorante Pierchic
Situated at the end of a private wooden pier of the Jumeirah Al Qasr, Pierchic is a sparkling gem on the coast of the Dubai. A truly distinctive dining destination, offering a refined and exclusive cuisine, which immediately transports its guests to Italy, at the hand of one of the most celebrated chefs from the Le Marche region, Beatrice Segoni. The chef brings to Dubai the power of simplicity and an essential combination of flavours that, through Pierchic’s menu, leads diners on an exhilarating journey of the senses.
PierchicIl Borro Tuscan Bistro Dubai
Il Borro brings the flavours of Tuscany to the Middle East, with a modern interpretation of centuries-old gastronomic tradition. The restaurant is located inside the hotel Jumeirah Al Naseem, and fully reflects the rich heritage of the historic Tenuta Il Borro of the Ferragamo family. The authentic concept of farm to table gastronomy sees seasonal ingredients coming directly from the Orto del Borro organic farm, which promotes biodiversity and organic farming in the beautiful valley of Valdarno. The warm and inviting atmosphere of Italian tradition is reflected in every corner of the venue.
Il BorroAmunì
Located on the 50th floor of the Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Amuni takes diners on a trip to Portofino. The restaurant is modern in style, but anchored in tradition and faithful to flavours and seasonality ingredients. Fresh fish, excellent meat and more, in a refined, elegant atmosphere redolent of summer holidays by the sea.
AmunìScalini Cucina
Located on the first floor and overlooking the stunning waterfall at Dubai Mall, Scalini Cucina is the vibrant and dynamic evolution of the Scalini brand, long synonymous with unparalleled Italian cuisine and timeless elegance. Scalini Cucina is guaranteed to impress, combining the special magic of a trattoria, a pizzeria and a patisserie in a single culinary wonderland. Every meal is a celebration of life and togetherness, in a setting reminiscent of family lunches at granny’s house, steeped in laughter, love and the irresistible aromas of home-cooked food. Scalini is already present in Dubai, at the Four Seasons Resort on Jumeirah Beach Road.
ScaliniRistorante Loren
Located on West Palm Beach at Palm Jumeirah, Ristorante Loren takes visitors on an extraordinary culinary journey. If you’re looking to escape the daily grind, there’s a meticulously curated business lunch menu. The sophisticated interior design and the laid-back seaside atmosphere make this the perfect place for intimate dinners or celebrations. What to choose? The home-made pasta, the fresh seafood and the innovative reinterpretations of Italian classics.
Ristorante LorenSal
Its contemporary mirrored pop-up architecture, on the beautiful terrace of the legendary Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, reflects both the beauty of the iconic hotel and the blue of the sky and infinity pool. Sal offers a holistic experience, where simplicity flirts with luxury, in an atmosphere that recalls evenings on the island of Capri. The menu is mainly inspired by the sea, designed for sharing, and full of authentic flavours.
SalAlici
Walking inside Alici will transport you to the warm, chic atmosphere of the most renowned restaurants of the Italian coastline. The cream-coloured interiors are tastefully punctuated with art and hand-painted ceramics. The menu boasts specialities from the Amalfi Coast and southern Italy. Whether indoors or on the terrace, guests are invited to mingle with colourful cocktails, or simply bask in an environment that can’t be found anywhere else but in the Bel Paese itself.
Alici Cetara
Inspired by the timeless charm of Italy and the aromas of the Amalfi Coast, Cetara celebrates contemporary coastal cuisine. Its menu is an homage to the authentic flavors of Southern Italy, where fresh pasta, catch-of-the-day seafood, and grilled specialties are crafted with balance and finesse—allowing the quality of each ingredient to speak for itself. An expertly curated wine list and a selection of signature cocktails are designed to complement every dish in perfect harmony. The atmosphere exudes relaxed sophistication, with bright interiors, Mediterranean details, and a stunning panoramic terrace offering breathtaking views of the city and the Burj Khalifa—turning every dinner into an experience suspended between sea and sky.
Cetara
