Alici
Photo: Courtesy of Alici
An epic panoramic views of the Dubai Marina makes this stylish Italian spot a covetable dinner restaurant choice against the city’s glittering skyline and night tide of the Arabia Gulf waters. Made for those cooler nights, the open-air terrace at Bluewaters eatery Alici is ideal for snatching those last few evenings of outdoors dining, with sunset views launching your night out. Inside, the chic Italian-inspired styling takes its cues from Mediterranean blues and crisp white linens. Highlighted on the menu is the chef’s selection of fresh seafood, with Alici’s signature crudo tower a beautiful raw seafood display of hand-dived scallops, sweet langoustine, tartares, mazara prawns, oysters, bluefin tuna, and Oscietra caviar – a luxurious start to your dinner date. While known for its fresh seafood-heavy menu, Alici’s southern Italian menu also has carbs a-plenty – lush pasta dishes are served traditionally al dente, with a luxe black truffle pizza perfect for sharing with friends or a beau. A salt-crusted sea bass, presented to be served tableside, makes for a striking main event. With a close relationship with curated Italian suppliers, Alici’s house specials are dictated by the country’s best seasonal produce, with fresh market finds flown in straight from Italy’s farms, fields, and water. Dessert – if you care to share – stars a luscious tiramisu, a strong contender for one of the best in Dubai, and a decadent dark chocolate and Nutella fondant.
alici.com, 04 275 2577
Armani/Hashi
Photo: Courtesy of Armani/Hashi
With the return of the alfresco dining season, what better way to enjoy authentic Japanese cuisine than under the Burj Khalifa and with the view of the Dubai Fountains? The restaurant is known for being mentioned in Dubai’s first ever Michelin guide, alongside its menu that brings together flavors from across Japan, and features highlights like caviar and blue fin tuna tartare with truffle ponzu, eggplant denkaku with brioche, and M9 wagyu sukiyaki with enoki mushrooms.
Restaurant.reservations@armanihotels.com, 04 888 3666
Scalini
Photo: Courtesy of Scalini
Tucked in the Four Seasons Resort on Jumeirah Beach Road, Scalini brings the ambiance of a bustling and welcoming Italian restaurant to Dubai. The restaurant features a courtyard-style dining area where guests can sit under a lemon tree, surrounded by colorful artwork, and charming decor reminiscent of the southern Italian coast. Its menu honors traditional Italian cuisine and mealtimes, with comforting dishes in generous portions made to be shared between friends and family. With white truffle season currently being celebrated at Scalini, the pasta, mixed in the restaurant’s signature sauce in a cheese wheel and topped with abundant truffle is a must-try.
Scalini-dubai.com, 04 349 0068
Gonpachi
A hidden gem in the middle of Dubai, Gonpachi is the UAE culinary outpost of the famed Japanese restaurant seen in iconic Hollywood film Kill Bill: Vol 1 (2004), best known for serving up authentic flavors that never fail to hit the spot. Drop by to indulge in melt-in-the-mouth wagyu, fresh sashimi and sushi rolls, and crispy crunchy tempura packed with flavor. The Kushi-style grilled skewers are another absolute must-try. Head over on a Saturday night for a hearty meal with friends, or save this spot for your next family brunch.
The Artisan
Known for its authentic Tuscan cuisine and intimate setting, The Artisan will tempt truffle lovers this season. The Artisan’s new limited-edition menu celebrate the white truffle, an exquisite delicacy prized for its delicate flavor and limited availability. With more than 2kg of white truffle procured by head chef Francesco Magro, the DIFC restaurant will be unveiling specialty dishes for this special menu. The restaurant’s famed pizza al tartufo – touted as Dubai’s best by some the city’s most respected food critics – is a highlight, with decadent white truffle paste and fresh white truffle shavings adding to the indulgence. The limited-edition menu also includes beef tartare with topinambur and white truffle, white truffle risotto, and a rustic Italian classic enhanced with white truffle, a guinea fowl breast with stuffed morels mushrooms. The white linen and low lighting create a vibe that’s both warmly intimate and elegant, with the centerpiece bar in swirling black and white marble making for a chic meeting spot for pre-drinks. The Waldorf Astoria DIFC location suits both a romantic date night, or an impressive evening with visiting friends, while lunchtime service is smartly executed to account for on the move business diners.
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