Dubai’s culinary scene plays host to many greats—and chief among them is its offering of the best Italian restaurants that offer authentic Italian dining in UAE. From the top pizzerias to Dubai’s best trattorias, there is something for everyone’s tastebuds and palate with contemporary, flavor-laden fare that will find a fan in gourmands everywhere.
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And while Italian cuisine has blessed the world with gems like risotto and the inimitable pizza, there is no denying the traditional white tablecloth hospitality of the region. From the first bite of an aperitivo to delectable desserts for a dolce end to the meal, the heart of Italian cuisine envelopes the senses with a warm welcome that instantly makes you feel at home. It is a tradition that some of the finest Italian restaurants in Dubai pride themselves on carrying forward, from exclusive fine-dining establishments to cozier friends-and-family haunts.
If every weekend night concludes with a hasty search for ‘what are the best Italian restaurants near me?’ take heart in the knowledge that the search ends here. For those in the quest of the finest Italian cuisine in Dubai, there are the only places to visit for a night out in Italy:
II Ristorante – Niko Romito
If you are in pursuit of the best 5-star Italian restaurants in Dubai, II Ristorante – Niko Romito is guaranteed to turn you into a regular. Nestled in the Bvlgari Resort Dubai, its claim to two Michelin stars is manifested in chef’s Niko Romito’s savoir-faire over famous Italian food—your palate will be spoiled for choice with individual degustazione, vegetarian, truffle and à la carte menus. From the antipasto all’italiana and the Milanese-style cotoletta to the torta caprese soaked in cocoa sorbet and chocolate sauce, these are classics redefined for a modern age.
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Armani / Ristorante
If your weekend leads you to the iconic Burj Khalifa, the quest for the ‘best-rated Italian restaurants near me’ can only lead you to this haven for modern Italian fare. Standing head and shoulders above other contemporary restaurants, step within for signature tasting experiences with guest chefs to be enjoyed in private dining spaces for every occasion. Pair your degustation-style menu with expert recommendations from the dedicated sommelier for a new definition of culinary bliss.
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Il Borro
Tuscan Tuesdays have never looked quite as good as they do at Il Borro that offers a slice of the quaint traditions of its namesake hamlet in Italy. The ristorante’s contemporary interpretation of Tuscan classics is further underscored by their commitment to organic farm-to-table dining—manifested in the tagliatelle al tartufo with Umbrian black truffles and the crostini ai fegatini di pollo with chicken liver pâté.
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L’Amo Bistrò del Mare
Any ranking of high-end Italian restaurants in Dubai can never conclude without this upscale seafood ristorante that pays an ode to the Italian coast with mouth-watering catches from the Sicily and Adriatic Sea—Italian red prawns, clams, squid, sea urchins as well as mullet roe from a small farm in Cagliari—and alfresco dining options that offer access to some of the most scenic sunsets you have ever captured on your ‘gram.
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The Artisan
What are the best Italian restaurants in DIFC? Why, all roads can only lead to this Michelin-approved eatery in Waldorf Astoria. Against the backdrop of vibrant artworks, it will easily become your go-to spot for finger food with friends or a more leisurely meal with fresh antipasti and decadent desserts. Expect the pizza salame with spicy beef salami, homemade tortellini and roasted asparagus dipped in smoked butter sauce to become your new favorites.
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Cipriani
Straight from the shores of Venice, Cipriani’s elevated take on famous Italian cuisine is fit for a countess. Prepare to be whisked away to the 1950s with classic white tablecloths and vintage interiors that play host to a lip-smacking roster of pastas, risottos and sorbets.
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Novikov Café Dubai
If surrounding yourself with delectable Italian fare, while being mesmerized by the dancing lights of the Dubai Fountain and Burj Khalifa sounds like your idea of the perfect dinner, Novikov Café will become an instant main-stay on your list of best Italian restaurants in Dubai with a view. The menu is anchored in the signature flavors of the region—highlights include the Novikov caviar with sour cream, saffron risotto, sea bass fillet Mediterranean style, as well as the vanilla crème brûlée for ending the meal on sweet note.
Strozzapreti pasta. Photo: Courtesy Novikov Café
Scalini Dubai
You may not be able to dine by the southern Italian coast every night but Scalini Dubai offers the next best thing as one of the best Italian restaurants in Dubai. The signature landmarks of Italian gastronomy—both new and old—find expression in a menu that champions generational recipes for hand-filled pasta and made-before-your-eyes cocktails.
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Alici
For family-friendly Italian eateries in Dubai, look no further than the breezy confines of Alici, named after the humble anchovy. Feast your eyes on ceramicist Lucio Liguori’s vases, plates and ceramic anchovies that earned him the title of ‘The Anchovy Man’, before you feast on the menu itself—a delectable array of fresh catches that will transport you to the shores of Amalfi.
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Chic Nonna
What’s the best Italian food? At this Michelin-approved eatery, there is no one answer. Perhaps you will lose your heart to the duck ragout-stuffed ravioli del plin or maybe the variazione di Galletto with corn-fed chicken will keep you coming back for more. Either way, there is no doubt that the focaccia di recco is taking the crown for the best Italian pizza in Dubai.
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Read next: 12 Top Fine Dining Restaurants In Dubai That Have Redefined Haute Cuisine
