Dubai: Italian Elegance at the Armani/Ristorante

At the Heart of the World's Most Dizzying Skyscraper

Nestled within the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, the Armani Hotel Dubai enjoys an exceptional location in Dubai. This luxury hotel, designed by Giorgio Armani himself, provides a sophisticated and elegant setting for travelers with refined taste. Ideally located in the heart of Downtown Dubai, it is just a few steps away from the Dubai Mall, a paradise for shopping enthusiasts.

An Elegant Design

Located at the heart of the hotel, Armani/Ristorante stands out with its ultra-elegant design. The spacious area, with high ceilings and generously spaced tables, provides unparalleled privacy for guests. Some tables, positioned near the windows, allow for admiring the spectacular fountains of Dubai, an unforgettable experience for those visiting the city for the first time. With its marble floor and a large central kitchen with a glass front where guests can watch the chefs, the restaurant's design is exceptionally romantic.

Chef Giovanni Papi

In the kitchen, it's Chef Giovanni Papi who holds the reins. His culinary philosophy is based on the use of Italian ingredients but also those from the United Arab Emirates. The "Green Planet" risotto, emblematic of his menu, is the perfect example, with its delicious ten-herb pesto, Sicilian red shrimp marinated in olive oil, lemon zest, and flowers from local Dubai farms.

My dinner

Having received a Michelin star and three toques in the 2022 Gault & Millau, Armani/Ristorante is a must-visit gastronomic destination in Dubai. We had the pleasure of discovering their brand-new spring menu during our dinner last March. It is a true culinary journey that is offered to guests, highlighting fresh ingredients, seasonal products, and traditional Italian flavors, all in homage to the beautiful spring season.

After enjoying an aperitif on the terrace to admire the view, we sat down to discover the tasting menu. We started with "Uovo in Primavera": fried egg, peas in different textures, fennel, apple, caviar, and goose crumble, a true symphony of flavors to start the meal. We then tasted the "tortelli": blue lobster tortelli, broad bean, bisque, chervil, followed by the "triglia": red mullet, asparagus, cacciucco sauce.

The meat was then showcased with the "guancia wagyu": braised wagyu beef cheek, turnip leaves, apple compote, polenta, and juniper berry juice. For dessert, we tasted the "exotica": coconut panna cotta, exotic fruits, and passion fruit sorbet. The only slight drawback was the sweet part of the meal, which seemed less creative than the rest, leaving me somewhat unsatisfied. We concluded this delicious dinner with some petit fours.

The presentation of the dishes is impeccable, a true feast for the eyes, with a profusion of colors, all served in modern and elegant dishware. The service, professional and attentive, meets the expectations one would have from a Michelin-starred restaurant.

The Verdict

Armani/Ristorante is a Michelin-starred gourmet restaurant in Dubai that is ideal for a romantic evening. Its romantic ambiance and elegance make it a perfect table to share with your significant other. The chef transports us straight to Italy with his creative and refined dishes. Certainly a beautiful place to dine!

Practical Information

• Open from 6.30pm to 11.30pm