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Limited-edition menus, truffle nights, and wine-led dinners – it’s all happening in Dubai this summer
For those who relish Italian cuisine, the essence of comfort and conviviality often comes to mind. This summer, Dubai elevates that experience with creative Italian summer menus that showcase regional flavors, delectable truffles, and exquisite wine pairings. Whether you’re in the mood for hand-rolled pasta or an authentic dining adventure, here are five Italian summer menus you need to try in Dubai right now to make the most of the season.
Scalini
Patrons can explore an array of truffle-infused delights, including honey, olive oil, specialty salts, and whole black summer truffles—a true treat sourced from Italy. Kicking off the experience, Carlo Caporicci of San Pietro Pettine will perform a live pasta-making demonstration alongside a curated tasting menu focused entirely on truffles. Expect traditional dishes like hand-rolled tagliolini and sumptuous ravioli, all generously adorned with summer truffles.
Location: Scalini Dubai, Restaurant Village, Four Seasons Resort, Jumeirah Beach
Cost: Summer Truffle Market with live demo and tasting menu
Times: Running daily until July 14
Contact: (0)4 439 0068. @scalinidubai
Fi’lia
Diners can indulge in delightful offerings such as Sicilian citrus salads, seafood specialties from Sardinia, Puglian polpette in marinara sauce, Piedmontese agnolotti del plin, and traditional dishes from Trentino—all while enjoying magnificent cityscape views from the 70th floor.
Location: 70th Floor, Fi’lia, SLS Dubai, Business Bay
Cost: Five weekly regional tasting menus, rotating June 30 to August 3
Times: Weekly dinners per region: Sicily from June 30 to July 6, Sardinia from July 7 to 13, Puglia from July 14 to 20, Piemonte from July 21 to 27, and Trentino from July 28 to August 3
Contact: (0)56 508 0655. @filiadubai
Jou Jou Brasserie
Chef Gioia creates handmade egg pasta, featuring decadent options like oxtail ravioli, seafood linguine with sweet datterino tomatoes, aromatic vongole, and a vegetarian fregola alla norma adorned with fried aubergine and salted ricotta. Seasonal starters also make an appearance, including hamachi with basil vinaigrette, citrusy seabass crudo, and a refreshing vichyssoise. Main choices extend from Mediterranean sea bass and Provençale sea bream to succulent black Angus beef steaks. Mornings are brightened with the Bubbly Breakfast, featuring two glasses of prosecco or mimosa alongside pastries from Chef Nicolas Lambert and a lavish buffet.
Location: Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach
Cost: Summer menu with handmade pasta; Bubbly Breakfast including two drinks for Dhs195
Times: Breakfast from 7am to 11am, lunch from 12:30pm to 5:30pm, dinner from 5:30pm to 10:30pm; Bubbly Breakfast daily from 7am to 11am (July 1 – August 31)
Contact: (0)4 270 7950. @joujoudubai
Bussola
Add a twist to your Sunday at Bussola with their classic Italian brunch, affectionately termed Brunchissimo. Indulge in a sharing-style feast, starting with an antipasti spread featuring creamy burrata, fresh oysters, cured meats, and crispy fritti, before diving into a savory selection of pizzas, pastas, and mains. The affair concludes sweetly with an array of traditional desserts, including tiramisu and rich chocolate cake.
Location: Bussola, Clubhouse Golf & Country Club, Jumeirah Golf Estates
Cost: Dhs520 with bubbly; Dhs495 with house or soft drinks; Dhs150 for kids aged 5–11
Times: Sundays from 1pm to 4pm
Contact: (0)4 586 7760. @bussola.jge
Viaggio di Vino at Cala Vista, Mina Al Salam
Cala Vista presents a unique experience with its five-course tasting menu paired with Italian wines, aptly named Viaggio di Vino. Created by sommelier Pasquale Sommella and Chef Luca Crostelli, this curated dining experience features tuna tartare, vitello tonnato, Caprese-style ravioli, and a tender filet adorned with mushrooms and potatoes. The evening concludes with a refreshing lemon dessert, Il Limone, and each course is artfully matched with fine wines, making it feel more like a personal evening with a sommelier than a standard dining experience.
Location: Cala Vista, Jumeirah Mina Al Salam, Jumeira St.
Cost: Dhs550 per person
Times: Available daily from 5pm
Contact: 800 323232. @calavistadubai
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