Sometimes, nothing but a bowl of pasta will do.
From rich and hearty ragus to delicate raviolis and more, a simple flour and egg dough can be tailored to every mood – and Dubai’s most celebrated Italian eateries certainly know how to pack their plates with flavour.
Of course, a basic pomodoro done well will always be a thing of beauty. Nonetheless, these eight elevated offerings take pasta to the next level.
Al Muntaha
This iconic eatery sitting right at the top of the Burj Al Arab is as celebrated for its food as for its stellar views. The Gault&Millau three-toque rated kitchen’s signature ravioli del ‘Plin’, stuffed with guinea fowl and served with Parmesan cream, is a truly luxurious plate.
Alici
Bluewaters favourite Alici might well specialise in seafood, but that doesn’t mean pasta is any less of a passion. In fact, the two combine in the restaurant’s signature ‘spaghetti alla ‘Chitarra’ con ricci e ricciola’, a decidedly decadent bowl of spaghetti with sea urchin and fresh amberjack that’s sure to please.
Armani/Ristorante
A truly high-end Italian eatery, three-toque rated Armani/Ristorante offers an ever-changing variety of pasta dishes designed to make the most of seasonal produce. Made fresh every day, the ‘bottoni ripieni’ ravioli are currently stuffed with wagyu beef and served with an aromatic jus and vegetable brunoise.
Il Borro
No list of Italian eateries in Dubai would be complete without Il Borro Tuscan Bistro, a restaurant that’s continually packed thanks to its menu of crowd-pleasing favourites. While pasta fans are spoilt for choice, there’s little need to look past the signature ‘tagliatelle al tartufo’ – a simple but luxurious plate of homemade pasta with Umbrian black truffle and Parmesan.
Il Ristorante – Niko Romito
Situated in the upmarket Bvlgari Hotel, Il Ristorante – Niko Romito takes inspiration from classic Italian flavours but gives them a modern upgrade. The approach pays dividends on the interesting pasta menu, featuring homemade turbot tortelli enlivened with capers, lemon and marinated tomato.
L’Amo Bistro Del Mare
Seafood specialist L’Amo Bistro Del Mare prides itself on the quality of its daily catch, putting fresh fish and shellfish to inventive use across the whole menu. The kitchen’s signature Mediterranean style ‘tagliolino allo scoglio’ combines fresh, homemade tagliolino pasta ribbons with mussels, clams and razor clam.
Roberto’s
DIFC stalwart Roberto’s understands classic flavours but that doesn’t mean the kitchen isn’t afraid to push the boat out. Chef Francesco Guarracino’s ‘calamarata gamberi e pistacchi’ marries red shrimps and burrata with calamarata from his hometown of Naples and pistachio from his wife’s Sicilian roots.
The Artisan Il Ristorante
The Artisan aims to tell the story of Italian culinary tradition via deceptively simple, ingredients-led plates. Nowhere is this clearer than in the restaurant’s ‘tortelli cacio e pepe ai carciofi’, homemade cacio pepe tortelli served with artichokes and fresh marjoram.