Restaurants
In the bustling culinary scene of the UAE, Il Forno stands tall as a testament to two decades of passion for authentic Italian cuisine. Born and raised in Abu Dhabi in the year 2000, Il Forno has become a household name. From its humble beginnings in the capital, Il Forno’s culinary journey has spread far and wide. The journey began with Abu Dhabi, and now, with branches in Dubai, Al Ain, Sharjah, Ajman, and Ras Al Khaimah. Il Forno has become a true ambassador of Italian gastronomy across the Emirates. Now, bringing the taste of Italy closer to you is…
Celeb chef Jamie Oliver has brought his international Jamie’s Italian branded restaurant back to Dubai, this time on the ground floor of Dubai Mall. Expect all the usual casual Italian favourites Jamie is known for, from fresh pasta to homemade pizza. Unlicensed. Open Sun-Thu 11am-midnight; Fri-Sat 11am-1am. Lower Ground Floor, The Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai (04 362 7500).
Recently opened on Al Wasl Road, Monno aims to bring authentic Italian eats to Dubai’s foodie scene. With fresh ingredients imported directly from Italy, diners will drool over traditional pasta dishes, Italian pizzas, plates of antipasti and a selection of traditional Italian desserts (of course, you know that tiramisu is most definitely on the menu). Greenery is complemented with dark wooden pieces of furniture, and the ambiance is inspired by the classic trattorias in small Italian towns. Unlicensed. Al Wasl Road, Jumeirah 1. Open daily, from 12pm-midnight. monno.ae (04 332 22550).
We expect you’ll be shouting mamma mia as the venue is claiming to have the largest grape cellar in the city filled with premium Italian and international brands of grape. That is something to saluti to. The two-storey spot is serving hungry diners on the first floor and the second level features a cigar lounge where live jazz performances can take place on an elevated stage behind the bar. The swanky new eatery is sure to attract Dubai’s trendy set with its stunning interiors all packaged inside a large building designed to look like a residential mansion.
Occupying a prime spot in the shiny new Dubai Harbour development, swanky Italian Riviera-inspired restaurant L’Amo Bistro Del Mare brings the charms of southern Italy to Dubai. Guests can dine in the bright indoor dining room clad in soothing neutral and earthy tones or the show-stopping terrace with views of the harbour and skyline. Terrazzo style tiles, reminiscent of local trattorias, and a fish counter displaying the freshest catch of the day are all interior highlights, while the menu focuses on fresh seafood: L’Amo Bistro Del Mare meaning “love for the sea”. Dubai Harbour; +971 4 278 4800, @lamobistrodelmare, lamorestaurant.com
With its impressive exterior and hosting some of the best performances to come to the region, Dubai Opera is the perfect location for a superlative dining destination. Just as well, then, that Belcanto has opened its doors – a sophisticated new Italian dine dining restaurant with a scenic rooftop. Immersing guests in the drama of opera, interiors are bold and theatrical – think striking crystal chandeliers, dramatic pillars and heavy velvets – while the menu features Italian classics like pizza created by world champion of the Neapolitan Pizza Chef Vincenzo Palermo and creamy primavera alla fragola. Cocktail highlights include the…
Love focaccia? You’ll love this. La Fabbrica Italiana, the UAE’s very first focacceria, has opened in Dubai’s trendy Wasl 51 and the menu at the homegrown, family-run restaurant features just three main items: artisan focaccia, burrata, and tiramisu. With focaccia being the shining star, La Fabbrica Italiana uses a 72-hour fermentation process that leaves the Italian bread airy and light. There are more than 15 focaccia variations to choose from including Italian favourites like Barese (the OG of focaccia recipes) and Ligurian focaccia, plus a za’atar manakish-style focaccia that pays homage to Dubai and the local flavours. For Time Out’s…
Despite having been on the scene for a while, Jumeirah Islands Clubhouse has recently been reimagined by Sunset Hospitality Group, the brand behind destinations including DRIFT Beach, Ammos Greek and Luigia, into a new dining, lifestyle and leisure hub. It now houses two casual dining outlets: a homegrown Italian, Isola (pictured), and a new outpost of gastropub Joe’s Backyard. Taking its culinary inspiration from the iconic Mediterranean islands of Sardinia, Capri and Sicily, Isola Ristorante will present a menu of modern Italian classics in a charming and inviting atmosphere, while Joe’s Backyard Gastropub will serve diners with a menu of…
Celebrating 90-years in the world of hospitality, Cipriani launched the highly anticipated Cipriani Dolci, located at the gates of Fashion Avenue at The Dubai Mall in April 2021. Diners will discover a menu featuring an Cipriani classics, including Baked Tagliolini, Scampi alla Carlina “Seppioline in Tecia”, Carpaccio and more. Signature Dolci classics will be available, from the Torta Di Cioccolato, Vanilla Meringue Cake, Ice Cream freshly whipped to order, Lemon Tart, Tiramisu and more. In addition to the signature Italian dishes, the venue will also offer take-away services, gift baskets and will retail the full range of fine Cipriani food products…
