Dubai’s culinary landscape has become a haven for food enthusiasts, with Italian cuisine taking centre stage. This guide explores the best Italian restaurants in Dubai, offering a diverse array of dining experiences. From cosy trattorias serving traditional fare to Michelin-starred restaurants pushing culinary boundaries, Dubai’s Italian restaurant scene caters to every palate and occasion. Whether you’re craving a perfect pizza, handmade pasta, or innovative Italian-inspired creations, these top eateries showcase the finest Italian flavours in the heart of the UAE.
Carbone
Carbone brings New York’s mid-century Italian-American flair to Dubai’s culinary landscape. Known for theatrical service and signature dishes like spicy rigatoni vodka and veal parmesan, it balances nostalgia with a modern edge. The lively, design-led interiors echo its Manhattan roots, attracting a crowd that values both dining and atmosphere in equal measure.
Quick Summary:
- 📍 Location: DIFC, Dubai
- 🍝 Signature dish: Spicy rigatoni vodka
- ✨ Atmosphere: Vibrant, retro-inspired interiors
Il Gattopardo
Set within DIFC, Il Gattopardo brings Sicilian tradition into a contemporary Dubai setting. The menu celebrates classic Italian recipes with a modern interpretation, spotlighting seafood and seasonal produce sourced with care. Signature dishes like the handmade pasta and wood-fired specialities capture the restaurant’s refined yet approachable style, making it a favourite for intimate dinners.
Quick Summary:
- 📍 Location: DIFC, Dubai
- 🐟 Focus: Sicilian-inspired seafood and pasta
- 🍷 Style: Modern yet elegant Italian dining
gattopardo.restaurant, @gattopardodubai
Rialto
Rialto draws inspiration from the Venetian lagoon, delivering a menu that combines northern Italian flavours with a Dubai flair. The interiors echo understated sophistication, creating a space that balances convivial dining with elegance. Known for its carefully crafted risottos and fresh seafood, Rialto offers a sense of Italian artistry brought to life through each plate.
Quick Summary:
- 📍 Location: Jumeirah, Dubai
- 🍚 Signature: Risottos and fresh seafood
- 🎭 Ambience: Elegant Venetian-inspired setting
La Baia
Overlooking Bluewaters’ waterfront, La Baia captures the coastal spirit of southern Italy. The open-air setting is paired with a menu focused on Amalfi-inspired seafood and vibrant Mediterranean plates. Guests often highlight the crudo bar and hand-tossed pizzas as standouts, alongside a wine list that celebrates Italian vineyards from north to south.
Quick Summary:
- 📍 Location: Bluewaters Island
- 🍕 Speciality: Crudo bar and wood-fired pizza
- 🌊 Vibe: Coastal Italian with sea views
Gigi Rigolatto
Imported from Saint-Tropez, Gigi channels Riviera glamour through its Dubai outpost at Jumeirah. The menu blends Tuscan staples with lighter, sun-drenched coastal fare, all served in a chic yet relaxed setting. Signature plates like linguine with lobster reflect the restaurant’s Mediterranean roots while maintaining a Dubai-ready polish.
Quick Summary:
- 📍 Location: Jumeirah, Dubai
- 🦞 Signature dish: Linguine with lobster
- ☀️ Style: Riviera-inspired, alfresco elegance
gigi-restaurant.com.com, @gigi_beach_dubai
Pierchic
Pierchic is set dramatically above the waters off Al Qasr, offering one of the city’s most atmospheric Italian dining experiences. Its focus on seafood is central, from delicate carpaccio to robust pasta dishes enriched with shellfish. The panoramic views of the Gulf and Burj Al Arab enhance the sense of occasion, making Pierchic an enduring destination for special evenings.
Quick Summary:
- 📍 Location: Overwater pier at Al Qasr
- 🐚 Speciality: Italian seafood dishes
- 🌅 Highlight: Panoramic Gulf and Burj Al Arab views
Chic Nonna
Nestled in DIFC, Chic Nonna offers an exquisite dining experience that transcends the ordinary. This sanctuary of elegance meticulously evokes the essence of Italian sophistication, making it a perfect spot for those seeking a refined night out. The restaurant’s highlight dish, Cavatelli cacio & pepe, features fresh Cavatelli pasta with pecorino cheese and crispy capsicum, perfectly encapsulating the blend of tradition and innovation. Chic Nonna’s attention to detail and commitment to authenticity make it a standout in Dubai’s Italian dining scene.
Quick Summary:
- 📍 Location: DIFC, Dubai
- 🍝 Signature dish: Cavatelli cacio & pepe
- ✨ Atmosphere: Refined and contemporary Italian dining
chicnonna.com, @chicnonnadubai
Il Ristorante – Niko Romito
Located in the Bvlgari Resort Dubai, Il Ristorante – Niko Romito echoes the elegant design of the original Bvlgari Hotel Milano. The restaurant’s ambience is carefully curated, with raised banquettes offering views of the Arabian Gulf and a dramatic black ceiling creating an intimate atmosphere. Michelin-starred chef Niko Romito has crafted a menu that interprets Italian flavours with modern simplicity. The restaurant has been awarded two Michelin stars for three consecutive years, testament to its culinary excellence. Don’t miss their signature tagliata di controfiletto wagyu alle erbe – it’s sublime.
Quick Summary:
- 📍 Location: Bvlgari Resort, Dubai
- ⭐ Recognition: Two Michelin stars
- 🥩 Highlight: Tagliata di wagyu with herbs
bulgarihotels.com, @bvlgarinikoromitodubai
Roberto’s
Since opening in 2012, Roberto’s has established itself as an award-winning Italian stalwart in the Dubai International Financial Centre. Under the direction of Group Executive Chef Francesco Guarracino, the restaurant offers a cosmopolitan experience for discerning diners seeking authentic, thoughtful, and contemporary Italian fine dining. Roberto’s combines culinary expertise with a vibrant atmosphere, making it a popular choice for both business lunches and romantic dinners. The menu showcases a perfect balance of traditional Italian flavours and modern culinary techniques.
Quick Summary:
- 📍 Location: DIFC, Dubai
- 👨🍳 Chef: Francesco Guarracino
- 🍷 Vibe: Modern Italian dining with cosmopolitan energy
robertosrestaurants.com/dubai, @robertosdubai
Il Borro Tuscan Bistro
Il Borro Tuscan Bistro brings the flavours of Tuscany to Dubai with a modern interpretation of classic dishes. The restaurant sources quality ingredients, including organic extra-virgin olive oil, honey, and selected vegetables from Il Borro’s organic farm in Italy. Owned by the Ferragamo family, the Il Borro estate dates back over 1000 years and follows eco-sustainable principles. Don’t miss their filetto di manzo con millefoglie di patata e funghi porcini, a perfect representation of Tuscan cuisine.
Quick Summary:
- 📍 Location: Jumeirah Al Naseem
- 🌿 Ethos: Organic produce from Il Borro estate
- 🥩 Highlight: Filetto di manzo with porcini
ilborrotuscanbistro.ae, @tuscanbistrodubai
The Artisan
The Artisan aims to bring an authentic Italian experience to Dubai, featuring the finest ingredients and a commitment to culinary craftsmanship. Opened in 2020, the restaurant breathes an elegant yet modern atmosphere, serving exquisite food, international wines, and classic cocktails. From refreshing antipasti to handmade pastas and pizzas, all menu items are created with utmost care. Their standout dish, bottoni ai gamberi, features homemade bottoni, prawn, burrata cream, and Calvisius Prestige caviar.
Quick Summary:
- 📍 Location: DIFC, Dubai
- 🍝 Speciality: Handmade pastas and pizzas
- 🍷 Ambience: Modern, elegant Italian dining
theartisan.ae, @theartisandubai
Cala Vista
Set against the stunning backdrop of Burj Al Arab in Jumeirah Mina A Salam Hotel, Cala Vista offers a true taste of Italy. The restaurant’s Mediterranean-inspired decor, complete with olive trees and lemon-decorated plates, creates a distinctly Italian ambiance. Head chef Luca Crostelli leads the kitchen, offering a hearty mix of traditional Italian dishes. The sharing-style menu features classics such as carpaccio di manzo, burrata, and wood-fired pizza. For a truly memorable experience, book your table just before sunset and soak up the unmissable views.
Quick Summary:
- 📍 Location: Jumeirah Mina A’Salam
- 🌅 Highlight: Burj Al Arab sunset views
- 🍋 Style: Mediterranean-inspired coastal dining
Scalini
Located in the Four Seasons Resort on Jumeirah Beach Road, Scalini Dubai brings a taste of its diverse heritage from London and Italy to the UAE. The restaurant’s traditional Italian-style interior, featuring soft neutral tones and contemporary artwork, evokes a southern Italian coastal vibe. Scalini’s menu showcases the culinary team’s interpretation of traditional Italian cuisine, with comforting and generous dishes designed to be shared. Don’t miss their risotto astice, a luxurious lobster risotto with lemon and fresh basil.
Quick Summary:
- 📍 Location: Four Seasons Resort, Jumeirah
- 🦞 Highlight: Lobster risotto
- 👨👩👧 Dining style: Generous portions, sharing plates
scalini-dubai.com, @scalinidubai
Cipriani
Set in the heart of Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), Cipriani Dubai features an elegant blue and white nautical aesthetic. The restaurant’s concept is simple: Italian food done to perfection. Chefs from all over Italy use a combination of local ingredients and products imported directly from Italy, with everything made fresh daily. Their braised beef short ribs with mashed potato is a must-try, exemplifying Cipriani’s commitment to quality and flavour.
Quick Summary:
- 📍 Location: DIFC, Dubai
- 🥩 Signature: Braised beef short ribs
- ⚓ Design: Classic blue-and-white nautical style
ciprianidubai.com, @ciprianidxb
Signor Sassi
Step into Il Giardino di Sassi and be transported to the magical gardens surrounding Lake Como’s palatial villas. The restaurant’s centrepiece is a magnificent fountain surrounded by lush greenery. Guests can enjoy cocktails at the splendid island bar before dining beneath an inviting pergola canopy. Their beef meatballs with tomato sauce is a crowd-pleaser, embodying the restaurant’s approach to classic Italian comfort food.
Quick Summary:
- 📍 Location: St. Regis Gardens, Palm Jumeirah
- 🥘 Signature: Beef meatballs in tomato sauce
- 🌳 Design: Garden-inspired interiors with fountain centrepiece
signorsassidubai.com, @signorsassidubai
Alici
Alici brings the taste of southern Italy to Dubai’s Bluewaters Island. With a stunning setting overlooking the sea and Jumeirah Beach Residences, this chic restaurant focuses on seafood delights. Their menu features a range of seafood centred dishes from pizzas and pastas to grills. Don’t miss their spaghetti alla ‘chitarra’ con ricci e ricciola, a dish that showcases the restaurant’s commitment to fresh, high-quality seafood.
Quick Summary:
- 📍 Location: Bluewaters Island
- 🐟 Speciality: Fresh southern Italian seafood
- 🌊 Views: Overlooking the Arabian Gulf and JBR
Bice Mare
Nestled in Dubai’s Burj Khalifa, BiCE Mare offers a contemporary fine dining experience with Italian and seafood-inspired cuisine. The restaurant’s terrace provides breathtaking views of the iconic Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall fountain show. Their signature dish, spaghetti ai frutti di mare leggermente piccanti, features spaghetti with a fresh seafood selection in a mildly spicy Mediterranean cherry tomato sauce, epitomising their blend of Italian tradition and local flavours.
Quick Summary:
- 📍 Location: Downtown Dubai
- 🍝 Signature: Spaghetti ai frutti di mare
- 🌆 Highlight: Burj Khalifa and fountain terrace views
Ristorante Loren
Nestled in The Club West Beach on Palm Jumeirah, Ristorante Loren evokes the glamour of a bygone era on the Italian Riviera. The menu offers well-executed Italian fare, from raw starters to shareable antipasti and generous mains. Their ravioli del plin alla genovese, filled with slow-cooked wagyu beef cheek in a butter sage sauce with Grana Padano fondue, is a standout dish that embodies the restaurant’s commitment to traditional flavours with a modern twist.
Quick Summary:
- 📍 Location: The Club, Palm Jumeirah
- 🍝 Highlight: Ravioli del plin with wagyu
- 🌟 Style: Riviera-inspired design and menu
lorenristorantedubai.com, @ristorante.loren
BASTA
BASTA! brings a refreshing twist to Italian dining in Dubai, expertly fusing the ambience of a Florentine steakhouse with the charm of a Neapolitan pizzeria. Located along the Dubai Water Canal, this vibrant eatery offers stunning views of the sparkling waterway and Marasi Drive. The restaurant serves traditional Italian cuisine with a modern twist, featuring an extended menu full of life and flavour. With both indoor and outdoor dining options, BASTA! caters to various preferences, whether you’re in the mood for a cosy interior meal or an alfresco experience under the Dubai sky. From perfectly crafted pizzas to succulent steaks, BASTA! offers a true taste of Italy in the heart of Dubai.
Quick Summary:
- 📍 Location: Dubai Water Canal
- 🥩 Cuisine: Steaks and Neapolitan-style pizzas
- 🌆 Feature: Indoor and alfresco dining with canal views
