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COVER STORY

ROBERTO’S RISTORANTE

Since its opening in 2012, Roberto’s has established itself one of the best restaurants for Italian cuisine in Dubai’s International Financial Centre. Its partnership with Enrico Bartolini began in 2014, and has given life to a truly cosmopolitan experience for the most demanding of gourmet palates. Roberto’s European luxury ambiance, cuisine that lights up the palate, refined service and world-renowned beverage list culminate in a modern Italian dining experience unlike any other. A team of world-class chefs blends an admirably Roman devotion to food with Venetian hospitality and a Milanese atmosphere, resulting in a unique and completely home-made reinterpretation of Italian cuisine. Executive chef Francesco Guarracino loves experimenting with even the most daring flavour pairings, such as beetroot and Gorgonzola in risotto, to Wagyu beef and Matcha tea. Yes, you read that right, beef and tea! Guarracino’s intention is to respect traditions, while introducing decidedly modern techniques and unexpected taste alliances. Don’t miss his Cacio Cheese and Pepper Octopus, or his Pistachio Ice-cream. (Dubai International Financial Centre, Gate Village 1, DIFC, Dubai, Tel. +971 4 386 0066) ROBERTO’S, A EUROPEANLUXURY SETTING, CUISINE THAT LIGHTS UP THE PALATEAND A WORLDRENOWNED BEVERAGE LIST

ITALIAN CULINARY EXCELLENCE PAIRED WITH PERSONALIZED SERVICE, ACCOMPANY CUSTOMERS ON AN UNFORGETTABLE JOURNEY

ARMANI/RISTORANTE

The essence of Italy comes to life at Armani/Ristorante, where a natural passion for the finest ingredients, exquisite combinations of flavours and contemporary presentation come together in an exclusive setting that excites the palate and captivates lovers of gourmet cuisine. A tasting experience for all the senses, Italian culinary excellence with a personalized service, accompanying customers on a unforgettable journey, from a classic aperitif to the subtle nuances of the tasting-style menu, and a suggestion or two from the restaurant’s expert sommeliers. The restaurant’s philosophy is fresh and seasonal ingredients. One example is its Piccione Viaggiatore, an authentic autumn trip to Italy, with pumpkin used in all its forms as the main ingredient of the dish, fresh endives, figs, and roast pigeon breast paired with foie gras. Among flavours not to miss out on are the Golden Bur-

rata, Heirloom Tomatoes, Peach Tartare, Basil Pesto

and Gold Leaf, Acquerello Rice, Scampi, Stracchino and Amalfi Lemon. Want to make your dinner a truly unforgettable experience? Choose the tables overlooking the spectacular Dubai Fountain, and you won’t regret it! (1 Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai, Dubai, UAE)

COVER STORY

CARNA

After taking over the family business from his father in 1976, award-winning butcher Dario Cecchini wanted to protect and elevate the art of butchery with his belief that all cuts of meat can be used when cooked correctly, eliminating waste and promoting sustainability. His is an ancient art, rich in skills and rituals handed down from master to apprentice. Located on the 74th floor of the SLS Dubai Hotel, Carna by Dario Cecchini fully honours this tradition, at both lunch and dinner. The restaurant has a dedicated seating, private dining rooms, basement, an open kitchen, stunning chandeliers, and a menu that fully embraces Dario’s philosophy. All those who participate in the preparation of his extraordinary dishes also share his ideology of ‘nose to tail’ cuisine. Simply unmissable is the gluttonous Carna Burger, with Wagyu beef topped with onion jam and beef bacon, rocket leaves, foie gras and raclette, a true masterpiece for the hungry and gourmands alike. Plenty of other dishes are available à la carte, including the famous Florentine Steak, a king crab salad, a creamy smoked Burrata served with heirloom tomatoes and rocket pesto. (Level 74, SLS Dubai Hotel & Residences, Marasi Dr, Business Bay, Dubai, Tel. +971 4 607 0761) A CONTEMPORARY CONCEPT OF THE STEAK HOUSE, LED BY LEGENDARY TUSCAN BUTCHER DARIO CECCHINI

COURTEOUSNESS, EMPATHY, AND A TRUE LOVE OF FOOD ARE WHAT MAKE BELLA THE PLACE TO BE TO ENJOY THE BEST OF ITALY IN DUBAI

BELLA

As the sunset blushes over Dubai’s sparkling waters, and the last rays of light are reflected in the bluish windows of the tall skyscrapers, step inside the Grand Millennium Hotel Business Bay, and then take the lift to the top floor for an extraordinary dining experience at Bella. The venue spreads over two distinct spaces, a loft-like lounge, with a private table in front of the DJ booth, and a restaurant bar overlooking the mesmerizing Dubai skyline and the iconic Burj Khalifa, providing guests with an elegant setting to spend the evening in the bosom of authentic Italian hospitality. Bella is glamorous, bold and self-confident. This personality is reflected in every aspect of the restaurant and lounge, in the casual yet refined setting, and in the genuine Italian cuisine by award-winning chef Alessandro Miceli, who offers culinary masterpieces of Italian tradition, with a flourish of modernity, accompanied by flawless and timeless service. Bella’s sommeliers have curated a wide beverage selection, from entry-level beverages right up to exceptional Grand Crus for those euphoric moments of celebration. In the lounge, the entertainment is world-class, with showcases of international singers, dancers and aerial acrobats, making Bella the ultimate place to be to enjoy an Italian evening in Dubai. (Rooftop - 20th Floor, Grand Millennium Hotel, Marasi Drive Street, Business Bay, Dubai)

COVER STORY

IL RISTORANTE – NIKO ROMITO/ BVLGARI HOTEL

Il Ristorante – Niko Romito at the Bvlgari Resort Dubai

echoes the elegant and original design of the Bvulgari Hotel Milan, and pays homage to the rich heritage of Italy. For Bulgari Hotels & Resorts, chef Romito has devised a new concept that, while maintaining the philosophy of simplicity and research that has made his restaurants famous all over the world, introduces some elements of great originality. The goal was to establish a canon of contemporary Italian cuisine that best expresses ‘Made in Italy’ culture, elegance and vitality. Working from his restaurant in Italy, Niko Romito is in constant contact with the hotel’s resident chef, who is a graduate of his own chef’s school, thus managing to bring the essence of his Italian cuisine right into the dining hall of the Dubai restaurant. There’s a refined broth to begin with, an original appetizer that represents a grand tour of all the regions of Italy, accompanied by reinterpreted versions of Tagliatelle al

Ragù, Milanese Veal, Octopus and Potato Pasta, and Ti-

ramisù, just to name a few. Bread is always a protagonist, at the centre of the table, a key element in Romito’s philosophy and the pillar of food culture in Italy. (Jumeirah St, Jumeirah 2, Duba, Tel. +971 4 777 5622)

LOOKING FOR AN AUTHENTIC ITALIAN FINE DINING EXPERIENCE? LOOK NO FURTHER, IL RISTORANTE NIKO ROMITO IS THE PLACE TO BE

AN UNBEATABLE SENSORY EXPERIENCE AT THE FOUR SEASONS RESORT ALONG JUMEIRAH BEACH ROAD

SCALINI

First opened in London in 1988, Scalini has become the home of many celebrities, thanks to its authentic setting enhanced by its renowned cuisine. Scalini Dubai is the natural evolution of the brand, which has maintained the original charm of the venue, but added to it with innovation. In front of the Four Seasons Resort, along Jumeirah Beach Road, Scalini Dubai brings a taste of its Londonian and Italian gastronomic heritage to the United Arab Emirates. Delivering an authentic sensory experience, the intimate restaurant features contemporary interiors, a lounge area completely dedicated to the very best in mixology, an open kitchen with charismatic chefs, and an outdoor terrace for those preferring to eat outside. With extreme attention to the selection of quality ingredients, the chefs prepare the majority of their main dishes right in front of the customers, creating a truly unique atmosphere. To celebrate the long-awaited white truffle season, Scalini invites its guests on a gastronomic adventure pairing the truffles with exquisite Italian dishes. From midday, every day, for an unbeatable experience, you can taste White Truffle Pizza, Veal Knot, Grilled Veal Chop, Pappardelle with Veal Ragù and White Truffle Flakes, White Truffle Burrata, White Asparagus Alla Contessa” with Hollandaise sauce, and more! (Restaurant Village, Near Four Seasons Hotel, Jumeirah Road, Dubai)

COVER STORY

SAL

Its contemporary mirrored pop-up architecture, on the beautiful terrace of the legendary Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, reflects both the beauty of the iconic hotel and the blue of the sky and infinity pool. It’s a work of art that delights its guests with stunning views over the Arabian Gulf, and sunsets that you just cannot help but immortalize in a photo posted on the web. Led by chef Paolo Manis, Sal offers a holistic experience, where simplicity flirts with luxury, in an atmosphere that recalls evenings on the island of Capri. The menu is mainly inspired by the sea, designed for sharing, and full of authentic flavours. Guests can start their culinary journey with shrimp in a roasted tomato sauce, or wild crab, before moving on to signature dishes such as homemade Trenette pasta with king crab, Isolana sea bream, or sea-salt encrusted sea bass. To top it off, choose from a wide variety of desserts served from the Dessert Trolley, with a selection of delicacies handcrafted by the Burj Al Arab master pastry chefs. In the fully air-conditioned indoor space, guests can soak up the eclectic yet chic, refined yet fun atmosphere of the Sal, while admiring the stunning views of the beach and pool. A holistic experience, where simplicity flirts with luxury, in an atmosphere that recalls evenings on the island of Capri. (Ground Mezzanine Floor, Burj Al Arab, Jumeirah St, Dubai, Tel. +971 4 432 3232)

A NEW CHIC LIFESTYLE THAT COMBINES LUXURY WITH THE CULINARY EXCELLENCE OF SOUTHERN EUROPE

LOCATED NEXT TO JUMEIRAH AL NASEEM’S TURTLE LAGOON, IL BORRO IS A PERFECT PIECE OF TUSCAN PARADISE IN DUBAI

IL BORRO TUSCAN BISTRO DUBAI

Il Borro brings the flavours of Tuscany to the Middle East, with a modern interpretation of centuries-old gastronomic tradition. Inaugurated in Dubai by Ferruccio Ferragamo, son of the famous Salvatore, the restaurant is located inside the luxurious hotel Jumeirah Al Naseem, and fully reflects the rich heritage of the historic Tenuta Il Borro of the Ferragamo family. The authentic concept of farm to table gastronomy sees seasonal ingredients coming directly from the Orto del Borro organic farm, which promotes biodiversity and organic farming in the beautiful valley of Valdarno. Head chef, Fulvio Opalio, has created an extensive menu of Italian cuisine, with fresh products, and delights his guests with the very best dishes of the Tuscan tradition, from the thick tomato and bread soup, Pappa al Pomodoro, to chicken liver crostini toasts, Cacciucco alla Livornese fish stew, and, of course, the famous Florentine steak. With sustainability a central pillar of its philosophy, Il Borro Tuscan Bistro Dubai also offers organic beverages from the Il Borro estate in Tuscany. The warm and inviting atmosphere of Italian tradition is reflected in every corner of the venue, which has been recognized, among other accolades, as the best restaurant in the Time Out Dubai Restaurant Awards 2021, for the third time, as well as the best Italian restaurant, for four consecutive years. (906 Jumeirah St, Umm Suqeim 3, Dubai, Tel. +971 4 275 2555)

COVER STORY

PIERCHIC

Situated at the end of a private wooden pier jutting out into the waters of the Arabian Gulf, Pierchic is a sparkling gem on the coast of the Dubai. A truly distinctive dining destination, offering a refined and exclusive cuisine, which immediately transports its guests to Italy, at the hand of one of the most celebrated chefs from the Le Marche region, Beatrice Segoni. After a prolonged stay in Florence, where she learned her craft as a pupil of the great chef Gianfranco Vissani, chef Segoni brings to Dubai the power of simplicity and an essential combination of flavours that, through Pierchic’s menu, leads diners on an exhilarating journey of the senses. You can indulge in artisanal pasta specialities and hearty seafood inspired by the various seas around the world, all the while enjoying stunning views of Dubai’s iconic Burj Al Arab Jumeirah and the beautiful skyline of the city. Chef Segoni’s goal has always been to communicate emotions through her dishes, and we can confirm that her mission has been successful in Pierchic, where, together with her team, she delivers an elegant taste experience that has no equal. A dish not to be missed? Agnolotti del Plin! Try it to believe it! (Madinat Jumeriah, Dubai, Tel. +971 4 432 3232)

SAVOUR THE ITALIAN FLAVOURS OF TOP CHEF BEATRICE SEGONI, IN A ROMANTIC DUBAI WATERSIDE SETTING

A TASTE OF THE AMALFI COAST AGAINST THE BREATHTAKING BACKDROP OF THE JUMEIRAH BEACH RESIDENCE AND THE SPARKLING ARABIAN GULF

ALICI

Walking inside Alici will transport you to the warm, chic atmosphere of the most renowned restaurants of the Italian coastline. The cream-coloured interiors are tastefully punctuated with art and ceramics, hand-painted by ‘The Anchovy Man’, an Italian artist particularly famous for his paintings of fish. The menu boasts specialities from the Amalfi Coast and southern Italy, in particular, that vary according to the seas and the seasons. Every Wednesday, from 5pm to 8pm, it presents one of the very finest raw food selections in Dubai. Chef Domenico guides his guests on a gastronomic journey with a five-course tasting menu, which includes

fresh oysters, bluefin tuna, hand-picked sea bass and

caviar, as well as an unforgettable selection of prawns, all served in a vibrant yet relaxed atmosphere. Awarded as best seafood restaurant in 2020 for it Southern Italian specialities, Alici has also launched a brunch formula on Fridays and Saturdays, with a specially selected à la carte menu, but also unlimited raw fish, meat and crudités, appetizers, grilled meats, main courses, desserts, and Italian beverages. Whether indoors or on the relaxed terrace, guests are invited to mingle with colourful Italian cocktails, or simply bask in an environment that can’t be found anywhere else but in the Bel Paese itself. (Bluewaters Island, Dubai)

Dubai

ITALIAN RESTAURANT Map

COVER STORY

Burj Al Arab Jumeirah

HOSPITALITY ITINERARIES

DREAM EXPERIENCES

THE MOST INCREDIBLE HOTELS AND RESORTS FOR AN UNFORGETTABLE STAY IN DUBAI text Virginia Mammoli

HOSPITALITY ITINERARIES

Dubai is a city fit for dreams, capable of offering much more than you are able to wish for or even imagine. It is here that, record after record, the new bounds of the extraordinary are set. All this can only be associated with one of the most incredible offers in terms of haute hôtellerie. We accompany you on a journey to discover some of the very best hotels and resorts in the city, each with their own qualities, from those touching the soft beaches of the Gulf, on which you can experience Dubai all year round in the name of sun and relaxation, to those in Downtown Dubai, its most futuristic facet, made of glittering towers that touch the sky and shopping to die for.

BURJ AL ARAB JUMEIRAH

Overlooking the ocean? Yes, but 360 degrees in the round, because this super-luxury hotel stands on an artificial island connected to the mainland by a 340-metre bridge. With its iconic sail shape - designed by Tom Wright to resemble a typical Arabian dhow, or sailboat - it has become a true symbol of the city. Higher than the Eiffel Tower, it is taller than 320 metres, and is composed, among other things, of 24,000 square metres of Statuary marble, approximately 1,790 square metres of 24-karat gold, and 10 million mosaic tiles, in shades of blue and gold, as well as the largest Swarovski crystal studded ceiling in the world. It is a hotel made up of suites only - of this type, it is the tallest hotel in the world - 199, to be precise, ranging from a minimum size of 170 to a maximum of 780 square metres. Inside, there is an awe-inspiring waterfall, three aquariums, one of which goes from floor to ceiling, an art gallery, recently inaugurated in collaboration with the Galleria Continua, and eight temples of taste, including the Al Mahara, with its Michelin starred chef and fish-based specialities, and Sal, with its stunning panoramic terrace, from which you can easily access the equally scenic Talise Spa. At a height of 212 metres is its heliport, a stage for numerous grand events, such as David Guetta’s spectacular live performance in February 2021, and sports feats such as the challenge between Andre Agassi and Roger Federer on a tennis court set up for the occasion in 2005. Though the list of incredible features of this hotel is endless, above all, it is the hospitality experience that makes it unique, that is, the famous Marhaba Welcome, the quintessence of Arab hospitality. To experience all the magic of this

A JOURNEY TO world first-hand, we recommend

DISCOVER SOME OF THE VERY BEST HOTELS the Inside Burj Al Arab guided tour of the hotel, lasting 90 minutes, during which, in addition to exploring the famous atrium and the

AND RESORTS IN Royal Suite, the pinnacle of luxury,

THE CITY, EACH visitors will be able to relive the full WITH THEIR OWN QUALITIES, FROM THOSE TOUCHING history of the hotel in the “Experience Suite”. FOUR SEASONS RESORT DUBAI AT JUMEIRAH BEACH THE SOFT BEACHES An exclusive beach resort with

OF THE GULF Arabian accented Spanish-MediTO THOSE IN DOWNTOWN DUBAI terranean architecture, where your gaze gets lost in the Gulf, on one side, and in the vastness of urban skyline of the city, on the other, which is best appreciated from the Mercury Lounge, on the roof-top of the hotel. Guests can enjoy the luxurious service complete with a private butler in private cabanas. However, it is the total experience that leaves them with unforgettable memories, thanks to the tailor-made and extremely personalized philosophy typical of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. There are 237 rooms and suites, of which The Royal is the epitome of class and exclusivity, a large 600 square-metre loft suite, accessed by a private lift. At the heart of the hotel is stunning hall, with marble floors, Venetian chandeliers and a baby grand piano,