Top 8 Italian Restaurants In the UAE

Italian cuisine is one of the most sought out delicacies in the culinary world. However, there’s a fine line between good Italian food and an average experience.

That’s where our roundup of the best Italian restaurants in UAE comes in.

It’s more of a high-level overview of the best spots to grab a bite the next time you are in Dubai or any other part of the United Arab Emirates.

The Top 8 Italian Restaurants In UAE & Dubai For You To Visit

1. Winner: Il Forno: Abu Dhabi Mall, Abu Dhabi

Il Forno tops our list as one of the best Italian restaurants in the UAE.

The Italian food chain boasts 15 branches across Dubai and Abu Dhabi due to its popularity. For the record, we’re reviewing the one in Abu Dhabi Mall. If you visit Il Forno elsewhere, we can assure you that the signature Italian cuisine experience will be the same.

Il Forno is best known for its White Sauce Pasta, Risottos, and Pizza variations. Besides that, the super creamy Ravioli Al Pepperoncino Pasta, stuffed with Pink Sauce and Grilled chicken, is a living, breathing embodiment of the ‘oh so fine’ culinary experience. It’s worth trying; that’s all we’re going to say for now.

The restaurant is one of the oldest Italian establishments (over two decades and counting!).

Depending on the time of the month, the place might appear crammed. Therefore, getting a reservation could be an issue. The good news is that you can order food online through Il Forno’s mobile food ordering app.

You can pair your orders with a variety of desserts. Our recommendation leans towards Blueberry Mojito, but you can take your pick on impulse if you feel like it.

If you cannot decide what to order, consult the staff. Il Forno’s team is known for its super-nice attitude and hospitality to make you and your loved ones feel right at home.

Download the iOS app and start ordering now: Download Now

Download the Android App and start ordering now: Download Now

2.Runner Up: Mura – The Pointe (Jumeirah)

Imagine backpacking across the outskirts of Amalfi Coast on a  motorcycle, as good memories build that last a lifetime; that’s what Mura is all about.

If you have never been to this Italian restaurant in Dubai, we can assure you that your visit will be a magical experience. Located at The Pointe in Palm Jumeirah, Mura greets you with an iconic lemon-adorned archway for setting up your expectations straight to the heavens!

Once you’re past the leafy entrance, the Italian vibes of the place set in through the overall ambiance of the area, the restaurant’s theme features royal blues, creams, Mediterranean-inspired hues of yellow, and orchard-like colors that set the mood.

Starters:

Starter-level dishes include Burrata, Wagyu Beef Carpaccio, and the signature Napoli sauce.

The Burrata and Wagyu Beef Carpaccio cost the same – i.e. DHS 105. If you order the latter, you will also get a side of melted truffle and Three Cheese Arancini.

Mains: 

We like to think that the sneaky combination of Mushroom Truffle Risotto (DHS 105) and rice are intentionally cooked to implore an underwhelming impression on the first bite. As soon as you sink in, your palate will adjust to the unique taste that the dish has to offer. But then again, that’s our opinion.

If you aren’t into Risotto and Rice, you can go for the Salmon served with Zucchini Spaghetti and Lemon Cream (DHS 160). The unique combination of the food and the texture is more than enough to sway you off your feet.

Mura’s other notable dishes and add-ons include:

• Pizzas
• Pasta
• Salads
• Tiramisus
• Mascarpone
• Espresso

You will forget about the ‘just one bite’ policy while you’re at Mura. By the way, the Tiramisu is served in theatrically tall glasses, which is an experience on its own.

Mura is one of the best Italian restaurants in the UAE. Impressing a dinner date is over-achievable at Mura; it’s just the overall atmosphere with a trance-inducing effect. If you have a family or parents to take out somewhere, Mura is the kind of place you’d want to visit.

3. Borro Tuscan Bistro

Up next on our best Italian restaurants in UAE list, we’ve got Borro Tuscan Bistro.

The restaurant is near the Jumeirah Al Naseem’s Turtle Lagoon. The restaurant is usually crammed owing to its popularity, but if you do get a chance, don’t forget to try the truffle pizzas, Al Dente Spaghetti, and the delicate octopus.

Technically, the number of dishes you can taste depends on how much room you have in your stomach. But then again, when it comes to dining at Borro Tuscan Bistro, perhaps starving for a day or two in advance isn’t such a bad idea. In the end, it’ll be worth it.

4. Highly Recommended: Scalini

Located at Four Seasons Resort: Dubai, Scalini’s sunken terrace is a marvel on its own. That is, if the food doesn’t impress you.

The restaurant boasts of lush outdoor foliage, a friendly staff, and many dishes to go along. While you’re there with your loved ones, don’t forget to order Lobster Linguine, Burrata, Grills, or any of the staff’s recommendations.

5. The Artisan: Burj Daman

The Artisan reopened a while ago. Perhaps owing to a now well-crafted business plan.

Despite a bit of a bad stretch during COVID days, Artisan is still going popular for its low-key vibe and the signature Italian dishes. Housed on the ground floor, this is one of the top Italian restaurants in UAE these days. The first time it shut off, a lot of Italian food fans in the UAE for dismayed.

Despite a bit of a bad stretch during COVID days, Artisan is still going popular for its low-key vibe and the signature Italian dishes.

The blistering pizzas are a must-have if you look to check this place out on any given day.

6. Alici

Alici is a chic seafood restaurant with a classy setup for anyone looking to stretch his legs on a lazy afternoon. The ambiance has a thick air of the Amalfi Coast to it. Alici’s main takeaway is the near seaside setting.

As far as the food menu is concerned, Alici is best known for serving pasta, grills, pizzas, and vice versa. You will feel like you’re on a cruise ship holiday when you visit this establishment shortly.

7. Cinque: Palm Jumeirah

The next restaurant on our ‘Italian restaurants in UAE’ list is none other than the infamous Cinque. This Italian restaurant serves up super dishes. The folks welcome you with a warm and open heart and pamper you with pasta, pizzas, and many signature Italian dishes that are worth a shot.

8. Cipriani

Lastly, we have Cipriani, another one of the best Italian restaurants in UAE, to await you on your next visit. This longstanding DIFC restaurant is famous for post-work dinners and after-hours cuisine. Nothing is better than basking in the ambiance of good ol’ Italian vibes at this restaurant.

Cipriani’s dishes take inspiration from classic Italian menus that you would typically expect from a high-class Italian restaurant in Italy. Cipriani’s main takeaway is Ravioli and Gnocchi. The place is well-kempt, thanks to clean, crisp tablecloths and spick n’ span utensils to impress you with the place’s unparalleled standard for hygiene.

There’s More

Although our roundup of the best Italian restaurants in UAE ends at eight handpicked establishments, we will be updating this post in the next few weeks. Keep an eye out for the latest addition of Italian restaurants next week.

That said, if you don’t see your favorite Italian restaurant on the list yet, be sure to mention it in the comments section below. We look forward to hearing from you.

Get a Demo to Experience fine Italian Cuisine in UAE via Blink