Dubai’s dining scene has transformed into a global culinary destination, and nowhere is this more evident than in its exceptional Italian restaurants. From authentic trattorias serving regional specialties to modern establishments reimagining classic dishes, the city offers an impressive array of options for lovers of Italian food. Whether you’re craving handmade pasta, wood-fired pizza, or sophisticated seafood preparations, these eight outstanding venues represent the pinnacle of Italian cuisine in the emirate.
1. IL Forno Italian Restaurant
When discussing the best Italian Dubai restaurant options, IL Forno consistently earns its place at the top. This beloved establishment has become synonymous with authentic Italian cuisine in Dubai, maintaining unwavering standards since opening its doors. What sets IL Forno apart is their commitment to traditional Italian cooking methods combined with the finest imported ingredients.
The wood-fired oven is the heart of their operation, producing pizzas with that coveted crispy-yet-chewy crust that defines Neapolitan-style pizza. Their Margherita pizza is a masterpiece of simplicity San Marzano tomatoes, creamy buffalo mozzarella, fresh basil, and premium Italian flour create harmony in every bite. The Diavola, with its perfectly spiced salami, appeals to those seeking bolder flavors.
Beyond pizza, IL Forno’s pasta dishes showcase the depth of Italian food traditions. The handmade ravioli filled with ricotta and spinach, served in a delicate sage butter sauce, exemplifies their attention to detail. Their risotto al tartufo, featuring aromatic truffle shavings, is a seasonal favorite that draws regulars back repeatedly.
The warm, rustic ambiance evokes traditional Italian trattorias, with exposed brick, warm lighting, and the inviting aroma of fresh-baked bread. Whether dining in or using their convenient pizza online Dubai service, IL Forno delivers consistent excellence. Their online pizza order Dubai platform is user-friendly and efficient, with packaging designed to maintain the pizza’s temperature and texture during delivery a detail that makes all the difference.
2. Armani/Ristorante
Located in the iconic Burj Khalifa, Armani/Ristorante epitomizes sophisticated Italian dining. This Italian restaurant combines Giorgio Armani’s signature minimalist aesthetic with exceptional culinary craftsmanship. Chef Giovanni creates dishes that honor traditional Italian techniques while incorporating premium ingredients sourced from across Italy.
The tasting menu is a journey through Italy’s diverse regions, featuring everything from delicate Piedmontese agnolotti to robust Tuscan bistecca. The wine cellar houses over 750 labels, carefully curated to complement the menu. While the fine dining experience is unmatched, what truly impresses is the restaurant’s ability to make you feel transported to Italy despite being 122 floors above Dubai.
The impeccable service and breathtaking views make this an ideal choice for special occasions. Their commitment to quality extends to their takeaway offerings, ensuring that even when dining at home, you experience the same attention to detail that defines this exceptional venue.
3. Tomo
Tomo has quickly established itself as one of Dubai’s most exciting Italian restaurants, thanks to Chef Salvatore’s innovative approach to Italian cuisine. This isn’t your grandmother’s Italian cooking it’s a bold reinterpretation that respects tradition while embracing modern techniques and presentations.
The menu changes seasonally, but standout dishes include the black truffle risotto with gold leaf, the melt-in-your-mouth osso buco, and their signature tiramisu deconstructed into an artistic masterpiece. The open kitchen allows diners to witness the precision and passion that goes into each plate.
Located in DIFC, Tomo attracts a sophisticated crowd of business professionals and food enthusiasts. Their online pizza order Dubai platform has become popular among corporate clients for office lunches, offering gourmet pizzas that far exceed typical delivery options. The restaurant’s commitment to quality remains unwavering whether you’re dining in their sleek space or ordering for delivery.
4. Il Borro Tuscan Bistro
For authentic Tuscan Italian food, Il Borro Tuscan Bistro in Jumeirah Al Naseem delivers an experience that feels genuinely transported from the rolling hills of Tuscany. The restaurant’s philosophy centers on simplicity and quality letting exceptional ingredients speak for themselves.
Their handmade pappardelle with wild boar ragù exemplifies everything great about Italian cuisine: patience, quality ingredients, and traditional techniques. The wood-fired pizzas feature sourdough bases topped with imported Italian products, and their ribollita soup is comfort in a bowl. The wine selection focuses exclusively on labels from the Il Borro estate in Tuscany, creating a cohesive dining narrative.
The rustic-chic décor, featuring exposed brick and warm lighting, creates an intimate atmosphere perfect for romantic dinners or family gatherings. This Italian Dubai restaurant has mastered the art of making guests feel like they’ve discovered a secret hideaway despite being in a bustling hotel.
5. Roberto’s Dubai
When celebrity chef Roberto Petza brought his acclaimed restaurant to Dubai, it instantly became a destination for serious food lovers. Roberto’s approach to Italian cuisine draws from his Sardinian heritage while incorporating influences from his global experiences.
The tasting menu is mandatory for first-time visitors it’s a masterclass in balance, flavor, and technique. Each course demonstrates why Roberto has earned international acclaim, from the delicate crudo preparations to the perfectly executed pasta dishes. The homemade bread service alone is worth the visit, with warm focaccia and crispy breadsticks served with house-made flavored butters.
Located at EDITION hotel, Roberto’s combines sophisticated ambiance with genuine hospitality. While they don’t currently offer delivery services, the restaurant’s reservation system has been enhanced for 2026, making it easier to secure a table at this highly sought-after venue.
6. Bella Napoli
Sometimes the best Italian restaurants are those that focus on doing one thing exceptionally well. Bella Napoli has built its reputation on authentic Neapolitan pizza, and they’ve perfected the craft. Their pizzaiolo trained in Naples for five years, and it shows in every pizza that emerges from their custom-built oven imported directly from Italy.
The Margherita here is textbook perfect San Marzano tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella, fresh basil, and that signature leopard-spotted crust that’s simultaneously crispy and chewy. Beyond pizza, their pasta offerings showcase southern Italian Italian food traditions with dishes like pasta alla Genovese and spaghetti alle vongole.
With locations in JBR and Dubai Marina, Bella Napoli offers convenient access to exceptional Italian cuisine. Their pizza online Dubai ordering system is remarkably efficient, with pizzas arriving hot and fresh. The special packaging ensures the crust maintains its texture during delivery a detail that pizza purists truly appreciate.
7. Cipriani
Cipriani needs little introduction to those familiar with fine Italian food. The Dubai outpost at DIFC maintains the same standards that have made the brand legendary since 1931. Their signature dishes the Bellini cocktail, carpaccio, and baked tagliolini are executed with the precision you’d expect from this storied establishment.
What makes Cipriani special is its consistency. Whether you’re in Venice, New York, or Dubai, the experience remains reliably excellent. The classic Italian recipes are never altered or “improved,” respecting the wisdom of generations. The elegant setting and professional service create an atmosphere of understated luxury.
8. Scalini
Scalini has been serving Dubai for over two decades, evolving from a single location to multiple venues across the city. This longevity speaks to their consistent delivery of quality Italian cuisine and warm hospitality. The menu is extensive, covering all regions of Italy with equal competence.
Their truffle pasta has achieved almost mythical status among Dubai residents, while their veal Milanese and seafood risotto remain perpetual favorites. The portions are generous, the flavors are bold, and the prices are reasonable a combination that keeps families returning week after week.
