The Best Italian Restaurants in Dubai

Il Ristorante – Niko Romito is a modern Italian restaurant in Dubai that holds two Michelin stars. The sleek, minimalist interior pairs smoothly with a private harbor view, offering a calm and inviting setting. It’s known for combining traditional influences with a fresh, creative approach to Italian cuisine.

Recommended by

Mika Ihamuotila

Foodie

Dubai’s best restaurant? 2-star Italian cool heaven. Niko Romito’s restaurant in Abruzzo has 3 Michelin stars and his Dubai institution has two, well earned. Wonderful creative cuisine that respects Italian traditions. Super cool Italian-minimalistic decor. Incredible wine cellar. If you want to avoid the Dubai prices on wines, you may want to have their own red blend (Montepulciano), which is a truly great value.

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Alici sits on Bluewaters Island with sweeping views of the sea and the Dubai Marina skyline. It offers a relaxed yet refined setting, focusing on fresh seafood and a bright, open atmosphere. Guests can enjoy both indoor seating and a sunny terrace, making it a welcoming spot for lunch or dinner.

Recommended by

Liam Collens

Writer @itsliamcollens

I recommend Alici as it is one of the better Italian restaurants in Dubai with a beautiful location overlooking the Arabian Sea and the Dubai Marina skyline. It is a picturesque lunch spot (dinner also available) serving good food in a sophisticated atmosphere. The wine menu is also strong. The sunny terrace is replete with trees and cobalt pots making for excellent al fresco dining in the more forgiving winter months. I recommend sitting upstairs in front of the large windows or on the terrace to enjoy the best views. The menu is primarily seafood but there are a few options in case you’re with people who do not like seafood. I recommend the grilled octopus with beluga lentils with a saffron red pepper romanesco sauce (85 dhs), oven baked Atlantic halibut with clams, razor clams, mussels and a seafood broth (135 dhs), raw gambero rosso prawns (85dhs), black truffle risotto (175dhs), cannoli (45dhs).

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Cipriani Dubai is an iconic spot in the city’s financial district, known for its long-standing Italian heritage and shared dining style. For more than a decade, it’s been a welcoming place for both local sheikhs and ex-pats. The atmosphere feels lively yet refined, making it a fixture in Dubai’s dining scene.

Recommended by

Mika Ihamuotila

Foodie

Iconic Dubai’s timeless Italian Dubai’s coolest iconic restaurant in the financial district. This has been a joy for 10+ years. The Italian share-the-food-institution familiar from New York and London. Wonderful to watch local sheikhs and ex-pats. Zero tourists which is a plus. Expensive.

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Monno is a homegrown Italian restaurant in Dubai that specializes in fresh, handmade pasta at approachable prices. They focus on simple, wholesome cooking using carefully chosen ingredients to bring out genuine Italian flavors. The welcoming setting and honest approach to food make it an appealing place for anyone craving a true taste of Italy.

Recommended by

Liam Collens

Writer @itsliamcollens

A rare Dubai offering: a homegrown Italian restaurant serving affordable handmade pasta. From ravioli al tartufo in veal jus to homemade spaghetti with bottarga butter and smoked tuna belly to a confemporary crunchy riff on lasagna, Monno’s strength lies in its pasta courses that are also admirably low priced.

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Pitfire Pizza is an independently-owned spot in Jumeirah Lake Towers that’s known for its slow-fermented dough and crispy, puffed crust. The friendly and award-winning neighborhood atmosphere has made it a favorite among many in Dubai. Its inviting setting and dedication to quality ingredients make it a reliable choice for a laid-back meal.

Recommended by

Liam Collens

Writer @itsliamcollens

Put simply: it’s the best pizza I’ve ever had in Dubai. The dough is fermented and sits 72 hours before being baked slowly to a crispy, puffed crust. Located in Jumeirah Lake Towers, Pitfire is an independently-owned, award-winning, neighbourhood pizza institution run by the original founders. Classic toppings a plenty with pepperoni, margehritas and more. However the star is The Palm with bresaola, rosemary, dates, Gorgonzola and a slick swirl of balsamic glaze. The gooey, buttery garlic knots are a must order.

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