A city that prides itself on its gastronomic diversity, Dubai has significant Italian residents, immigrants, and tourists. This makes it obvious why Italian cuisine is rather popular in Dubai. Italian food is well known because of its somewhat basic yet robust flavours. With a lot of restaurants available, the best Italian restaurant in Dubai serves the most original cuisines from the boot-shaped country right into the sand dunes of the UAE.
If Italian delicacies are on your mind while going out for dinner, you must not forget to read this article as it throws light on the few dishes that the Italian cuisine in Dubai loves to offer.
What Makes Italian Cuisine Unique
Shockingly for some, Italian cuisine has turned out to be one of the most renowned foods across borders, which is not surprising as it is appealing due to its focus on great quality fresh and rich ingredients. It is no surprise regarding the magnitude of people who love Italian food with options of pasta, tilapia, onion soup and cake to start with.
The Italian cuisine consists of essential aspects such as:
- Minimalism: Italian food focuses on its quality ingredients to provide optimal nourishment while minimising the need for over cooking it.
- Variety: There is a wide range of diversity as well, northern Europeans are more well versed with sour creams while the southerners prefer spicy sauces.
- Widely Adored: Pizza and pasta are seen everywhere in the world which is why most people are fond of Italian food.
The Italian restaurants in Dubai that we have mentioned above capture the essence of its culture and provide a one of a kind experience to its patrons.
Must-Try Dishes at the Best Italian Restaurants in Dubai
When exploring the best Italian cuisine in Dubai, the following dishes should not be missed:
- Pizza Margherita
There is no way to indulge in Italian gastronomy without having a classic margherita pizza as it is an absolute prerequisite, so originating from Naples, it features a thin crust baked in wood, tomato sauce, mozzarella and fresh basil on top. Italian gastronomy is pure.
- Spaghetti alla Carbonara
When it comes to Roman traditional food, spaghetti alla carbonara is the iconic pasta that everyone should taste. It incorporates ingredients including al dente spaghetti, eggs and additional pepper with crispy pancetta, a special blend of Pecorino Romano and spices. The end product is a creamy and rich dish that is truly the representation of Italian.
- Risotto alla Milanese
This northern Italian dish is a treat. The risotto served is enhanced with saffron giving it its characteristic yellow colour. This dish is a perfect example together with osso buco (braised veal shank) of the refinement of Italian cuisine, unsurprisingly, called risotto alla Milanese.
- Burrata Salad
Or if one is looking for the lighter option, burrata salad will get the job done as this one can be focused primarily on the burrata and is served with heirloom tomatoes, rocket, olive oil and a little bit of balsamic glaze. This is a nutrilicious way to start your meal and is also a good prelude to the Italian fare.
- Lasagna al Forno
Of all the three locations featured in this article, anchovy was the least popular in the Alpine restaurants, lasagna al forno dominates the social’s list of best dishes because it has all the goat cheese from its sub-region and other delights from Northern Italy. For people who enjoy the combination of a bit of everything herb optima.
- Osso Buco
Osso buco, a prestigious dish in dry-accent, a reference to the calibre which takes its roots from Milan, and surely consuming it is difficult. This appetising treat will definitely delight anyone who respects meat dishes, as it is fragrant and very tasty, and the sauce that is spread over this dish is the gremolata sauce (lemon zest, garlic, and parsley).
- Tagliatelle al Tartufo
For truffle lovers, this dish known as Tagliatelle al Tartufo is definitely worth recommending not to miss. This type of pasta, having gone through all stages of manual labour, is dressed in a light, fine sauce with truffle oil of various types.
- Seafood Pasta
Among many others, this pasta has been given love by the Italians – a cuisine dedicated to all creations of the ocean, namely penne or linguine with fine crust. These dishes made from the southern ingredients would be ideal for anyone who is fond of seafood cuisine.
- Tiramisu
Tiramisu is probably the best choice if you are looking for a dessert. These delicacies of Italian cuisine contain in their composition: “sponge fingers, absurdly dipped in coffee”, or Akjol Mascarpone, with the flavour of seasonal goodness. This delicacy has a rich yet balanced taste which would be perfect as a conclusion to an Italian lunch.
- Cannoli
Generally, Cannoli are referred to as Italian desserts that consist of creamy and sweet filling of ricotta cheese, which is sometimes combined with candied fruits, wrapped in a crispy cylindrical pastry shell. This dish beloved by Sicilians is made up of a wonderful variety of textures and flavours.
Top Italian Restaurants in Dubai
If you want to savour these historic culinary delights, then head to these top-rated Italian restaurants in Dubai:
- Il Borro Tuscan Bistro
In an elegant setting that evokes the wonder of Tuscany, Il Borro features an exclusive menu comprising dishes made from fresh ingredients. This fine dining establishment has a variety of seafood specialities along with their famous risottos rich with flavours.
- Cipriani Dubai
Cipriani boasts of grace and high-end Italian authenticity and is situated in DIFC. Be sure to taste their remarkable carpaccio, signature homemade pasta, and lavish desserts to have a delightful time.
- Mamma Sicilia
Mamma Sicilia is an Italian restaurant in Dubai, where the atmosphere is casual and the recipes are classic enough to make one fall in love with soul food such as lasagna or pizzas made from wood-burning fireplaces.
- Sicilia – Mövenpick Hotel Ibn Battuta Gate
Sicilia offers Sicilian style food which comprises two distinct features, the arancini and cassata, as well as the more common Italian dishes.
Tips for a Memorable Italian Dining Experience
An Italian restaurant in Dubai works particularly well for large groups. When you do visit an Italian restaurant in Dubai, keep the following tips in your mind:
- Begin with Antipasti: To set the mood, why not take a couple of bites from outstanding shareables such as bruschetta, burrata or arancini.
- Complement with Italian Wine: Or better yet – buy a bottle of Chianti or a glass of Pinot Grigio while you eat.
- Leave Space for Dessert: Italian desserts are essential, hence, don’t skip these fabulous dishes.
- Seek Advice: Allow the staff to show you around and tempt your taste buds with exquisite Italian food delicacies that the hip and stylish venue offers.
Closing Remarks
A mix of Italian cuisine in Dubai is rich, favours authenticity, and is satisfying. Singaporeans indulging in creamy risotto, excellent pizza, or sweet tiramisu would be best served in one of the Emirate’s Italian restaurants as it truly does come with an unforgettable experience.
Don’t forget to immerse yourself in these gastronomic delights and spoil your taste buds with the magnificence of Italian cuisine. Surely with all those signature dishes and great restaurants, an Italian food escapade in Dubai would be one that is not forgotten.