Set on the 51st floor of ICD Brookfield Place, Il Gattopardo Dubai captured the city’s attention for its sweeping views and elegant art deco design, creating an inviting space for a refined dining experience. The space features floor-to-ceiling windows stretching to the level above, bathing the restaurant in natural light during the day and offering twinkling city views at night. With a rich colour palette of deep reds and blues and geometric art adorning the walls, the open layout manages to retain an intimate vibe thanks to cosy table arrangements.
Exploring Italy’s finest flavours
Our evening began at Bar des Pres, located on the same floor, where we enjoyed a short but delightful stop for coffee-infused cocktails. Moving to the main restaurant, we started with three exceptional appetisers. The carpaccio, possibly the best we’ve had in Dubai, stood out for its delicate cut and perfect pairing with balsamic vinegar. The pear salad with spinach and gorgonzola was enjoyable, though not a standout, while the truffle pizza impressed with its bold flavour and ideal starter size.
For the mains, we opted for the merluzzo, a roasted cod dish paired with wild mushrooms, chestnuts, butternut squash, and thyme-sage brown butter. The dish offered winter comfort food with warming and hearty flavours without feeling overly heavy. The cod was cooked to perfection and featured a satisfyingly crispy skin. Two pasta dishes followed: the agnolotti, featuring stracciatella-filled pasta pillows in a roasted tomato cream, and the roasted pumpkin ravioli. The latter stole the show with its creamy pumpkin filling that burst in the mouth, complemented by a light parmesan cream and the crunch of toasted macadamia and pumpkin seeds.
Il Gattopardo Dubai stands out
To end the meal on a sweet note, the restaurant presented two beautifully crafted desserts. The classic tiramisu arrived in a generously sized portion, layered with velvety mascarpone and delicately soaked sponge, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and richness. The crème brûlée was elegantly paired with pistachio ice cream, its smooth, caramelised top giving way to a creamy custard beneath. The ice cream added a nutty, refreshing contrast to the dessert, creating a memorable finale to our dining experience.
Il Gattopardo: A High-Rise Oasis of Art Deco Sophistication
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Il Gattopardo Dubai combines elegance, flavour, and a vibrant atmosphere to elevate fine dining in DIFC. The art deco interiors, vibrant yet cosy atmosphere, and expertly crafted Italian dishes make it a welcome addition to DIFC’s competitive dining scene. Whether for a special occasion or an indulgent evening out, this high-rise haven is sure to leave a lasting impression.
