You’ve had the desert sunset, the Burj Khalifa views, the luxury shopping - but have you had real Italian food in Dubai? Not the kind that comes with a side of overpriced garlic bread and lukewarm marinara. We’re talking about wood-fired pizzas that crackle when you bite into them, handmade pasta tossed in ragù that simmers for 12 hours, and tiramisu that tastes like nonna made it in Naples - not a hotel buffet. If you’re hungry for true Italian flavor in Dubai, you’re not alone. Locals, expats, and tourists alike are lining up for these 10 spots that actually get it right.
1. La Petite Maison - The Parisian-Italian Gem in DIFC
Don’t let the name fool you. La Petite Maison isn’t small, and it’s not just French. It’s a vibrant, colorful spot where Italian and French flavors dance together - and it’s been a Dubai staple since 2012. Their truffle tagliatelle is legendary, and the octopus salad? Perfectly charred, tender, and dressed in lemon and olive oil that tastes like it came straight from Sicily. The terrace seating overlooking DIFC’s skyline makes it ideal for date nights or celebratory dinners. Book ahead - this place fills up fast, even on a Tuesday.
2. Da Vittorio - Michelin-Starred Luxury in Jumeirah
If you’ve ever wondered what a Michelin-starred Italian meal feels like, Da Vittorio is your answer. This isn’t just a restaurant; it’s an experience. The menu changes daily based on what’s freshest from Italy - think hand-rolled agnolotti stuffed with duck and truffle, or sea bass cooked in salt crust. The wine list? Over 1,200 bottles, mostly from small, family-run vineyards. You’ll pay for it - dinner here starts at around AED 800 per person - but if you’re celebrating something big, this is where you do it. The staff remembers your name, your wine preference, and even your kid’s favorite dessert.
3. Osteria Mozza - Where Los Angeles Meets Rome
Opened in 2023, Osteria Mozza brought Nancy Silverton’s legendary LA-style Italian to Dubai. Think artisanal breads baked in-house every three hours, burrata so fresh it’s still dripping, and handmade pastas like pappardelle with wild boar ragù. The open kitchen lets you watch chefs stretch dough by hand - no machines, no shortcuts. The mozzarella bar is a must-try: three kinds of fresh cheese, served with heirloom tomatoes and basil oil. It’s casual but elevated, perfect for a relaxed yet memorable night out.
4. Il Ristorante - The Original Italian in Dubai Marina
Opened in 2005, Il Ristorante is one of the oldest dedicated Italian spots in Dubai. And it’s still the best. Why? Because they’ve never chased trends. Their carbonara is made with guanciale imported from Rome, eggs from free-range hens, and Pecorino Romano aged 18 months. Their tiramisu? No espresso powder, no whipped cream - just espresso-soaked ladyfingers, mascarpone, and a dusting of cocoa. It’s simple. It’s honest. It’s the kind of place where you’ll find Italian expats eating here every Sunday with their families.
5. Bice Ristorante - Classic Elegance in Downtown
Bice has been around since the 90s, and it still feels like stepping into a Milanese dining room. Think crisp white tablecloths, chandeliers, and waiters who know when to appear and when to vanish. The menu is traditional - osso buco, risotto alla Milanese, and their signature lobster ravioli in saffron cream. The portions are generous, the service impeccable, and the atmosphere screams “special occasion.” It’s not cheap, but if you want old-school Italian luxury in Dubai, this is it.
6. Sottovento - Hidden Gem in Al Quoz
Don’t let the industrial vibe of Al Quoz fool you. Sottovento is where the foodies go when they want to escape the glitz. This tiny, 30-seat spot is run by a husband-and-wife team from Tuscany. Their menu is short - only 12 dishes - but every one is perfect. Try the pappardelle with wild boar and red wine sauce, or the grilled octopus with fennel and orange. The wine list is curated from small Italian producers you’ve never heard of - and you’ll leave wanting to know more. Reservations are essential. Walk-ins rarely get a table.
7. Mio - The Modern Italian in The Dubai Mall
Mio is the kind of place you’d find in a luxury hotel lobby - but it’s actually better than most. It’s sleek, modern, and full of natural light. The pasta here is made fresh daily, and their seafood risotto is a standout: squid ink rice, tiger prawns, scallops, and a hint of saffron. They also have a great cocktail list - the Aperol Spritz here is the best in the city. It’s perfect if you’re shopping in The Dubai Mall and want a quick, high-quality bite without leaving the mall.
8. Da Marco - The Family-Run Favorite in JLT
Da Marco feels like a home kitchen with tables. The owner, Marco, is from Sicily and comes out every night to greet guests. The menu is handwritten on a chalkboard and changes weekly. Their gnocchi? Soft as clouds, bathed in sage butter and Parmesan. Their arancini? Crispy outside, molten inside, stuffed with risotto and mozzarella. The portions are huge, the prices are fair (main courses from AED 85), and the vibe is warm. Locals love it. Tourists who find it? They come back.
9. Gusto - The Casual Italian in Al Wasl
If you’re looking for great Italian without the fuss, Gusto is your spot. No reservations needed, no dress code, just good food. Their pizzas are baked in a wood-fired oven, and their meatballs are made with beef, pork, and a secret blend of herbs. The tiramisu here is the best value in town - AED 35 for a slice that could feed two. It’s the kind of place you’d go to after a long day at work, or with your kids on a weekend. Reliable, tasty, and always busy.
10. Il Forno - The Best Pizza in Dubai
Let’s be clear: if you only eat one thing on this list, make it the pizza at Il Forno. Located in Alserkal Avenue, this tiny pizzeria uses flour imported from Naples, San Marzano tomatoes, and buffalo mozzarella from Campania. Their Margherita is the gold standard - thin, charred crust, fresh basil, and just enough cheese. They also do a killer Funghi pizza with wild mushrooms and truffle oil. They don’t take reservations, so arrive early or be ready to wait. But trust me - the 20-minute wait is worth it. You’ll leave with flour on your shirt and a smile on your face.
What Makes These Restaurants Stand Out?
Not all Italian restaurants in Dubai are created equal. Many rely on frozen pasta, pre-made sauces, and imported cheeses that have been sitting in a warehouse for months. The ones on this list? They source directly from Italy. They train their chefs in Bologna or Sicily. They make their own bread, cheese, and pasta. They don’t cut corners. That’s why they’re still here - and why people keep coming back.
How to Pick the Right One for You
Want a romantic dinner? Go to Da Vittorio or Bice. Craving pizza? Head straight to Il Forno. Looking for a casual bite after work? Gusto or Osteria Mozza. Planning a big celebration? La Petite Maison or Il Ristorante. If you’re on a budget but still want quality, Da Marco and Sottovento deliver big flavor without the big price tag.
What to Order When You’re Unsure
Stuck? Here’s the cheat sheet:
- Pasta: Tagliatelle al ragù or pappardelle with wild boar
- Pizza: Margherita or Funghi
- Appetizer: Burrata with tomatoes
- Dessert: Tiramisu or cannoli
- Drink: Aperol Spritz or Prosecco
Booking Tips for 2025
Reservations are non-negotiable at most of these places - especially on weekends. Book at least 3-5 days ahead via their websites or apps like OpenTable or TheFork. For walk-in spots like Il Forno, arrive before 7 PM to avoid a 45-minute wait. Some restaurants offer lunch deals - you can get a full pasta dish and wine for under AED 120, which is a steal.
Final Thought: It’s Not Just About Food
Italian restaurants in Dubai aren’t just about eating. They’re about community. About tradition. About the smell of garlic and basil in the air, the clink of glasses, the laughter that lasts past midnight. These 10 spots don’t just serve meals - they serve memories. So next time you’re wondering where to go for Italian, skip the hotel buffet. Go somewhere that feels like home - even if you’re 4,000 miles from it.
Are these Italian restaurants in Dubai expensive?
It depends. Places like Da Vittorio and Bice are high-end, with meals starting at AED 800 per person. But others like Gusto, Da Marco, and Il Forno offer excellent food for AED 80-150 per person. You can enjoy authentic Italian without breaking the bank - you just need to know where to look.
Do these restaurants accept walk-ins?
Some do, some don’t. La Petite Maison, Da Vittorio, and Bice require reservations. But Il Forno, Gusto, and Sottovento welcome walk-ins - though you may wait during peak hours. Always check their website or call ahead.
Is the pasta really handmade in Dubai?
Yes - at the top 7 spots on this list, pasta is made fresh daily by hand. No machines. No frozen dough. Chefs roll, cut, and shape each piece. You can often see them working in open kitchens. That’s what makes the texture so perfect - tender but with a slight bite.
Which restaurant has the best tiramisu?
Il Ristorante and Da Marco both make tiramisu the old-school way - no whipped cream, no artificial flavors. Il Ristorante’s version is richer and more coffee-forward, while Da Marco’s is lighter and creamier. Try both. You won’t regret it.
Are there vegetarian options?
Absolutely. Most of these restaurants offer at least 3-5 vegetarian dishes. Try the eggplant parmigiana at La Petite Maison, the mushroom risotto at Mio, or the spinach and ricotta ravioli at Osteria Mozza. Even the pizza places have excellent veggie options.
Can I bring kids to these restaurants?
Yes - but some are better than others. Gusto, Il Forno, and Da Marco are very family-friendly. Da Vittorio and Bice are more formal, so they’re better for older kids. Most places offer high chairs and simple pasta dishes for children.
What’s the best time to visit to avoid crowds?
Go for lunch (1-3 PM) or dinner before 7 PM. Most places get packed between 7:30 and 9:30 PM. Lunch menus are often cheaper too - you can get a full pasta and wine for under AED 100 at most spots.
Matthew Lukas
December 2, 2025 AT 10:04Real Italian food isn't about the ambiance or the price tag-it's about the soul in the sauce. These places get it because they treat ingredients like sacred texts. That ragù simmering for 12 hours? That’s patience. That hand-rolled pasta? That’s respect. Most restaurants in Dubai are selling Italian-themed decor. These ten? They’re serving heritage. And honestly, if you’ve never tasted pasta made by someone who learned from their nonna, you haven’t tasted pasta at all.
It’s not just food. It’s a rebellion against the industrialization of culture. You can’t mass-produce love. And these chefs? They’re not cooking for tourists. They’re cooking for memory.
Next time you’re tempted by a hotel buffet with ‘Italian’ in the name, just walk away. Go somewhere that smells like garlic and grief and grace.
Also, Il Forno’s crust? That’s the sound of a thousand Roman nonnas nodding in approval.