Restaurants

Recently opened on Al Wasl Road, Monno aims to bring authentic Italian eats to Dubai’s foodie scene. With fresh ingredients imported directly from Italy, diners will drool over traditional pasta dishes, Italian pizzas, plates of antipasti and a selection of traditional Italian desserts (of course, you know that tiramisu is most definitely on the menu). Greenery is complemented with dark wooden pieces of furniture, and the ambiance is inspired by the classic trattorias in small Italian towns. Unlicensed. Al Wasl Road, Jumeirah 1. Open daily, from 12pm-midnight. monno.ae (04 332 22550).

This new pizzeria is the brainchild of Emirati restaurateur Mahmood Al Khamis (the guy behind other homegrown concepts: Drop Coffee and Origami Sushi) and is promising pizza lovers an “out of this world” experience. Moon Slice’s pride and joy is its Naples-style pizza base and instead of just water, milk is added to the dough, which is then left to ferment for 48 hours before being shaped, topped, and fired in the custom Italian oven at 380°C. The result? A thin, crispy, flavoursome base. Menu highlights include the diavola: a spice-packed pizza featuring wagyu carpaccio, spicy meatballs and olive aioli;…

Love focaccia? You’ll love this. La Fabbrica Italiana, the UAE’s very first focacceria, has opened in Dubai’s trendy Wasl 51 and the menu at the homegrown, family-run restaurant features just three main items: artisan focaccia, burrata, and tiramisu. With focaccia being the shining star, La Fabbrica Italiana uses a 72-hour fermentation process that leaves the Italian bread airy and light. There are more than 15 focaccia variations to choose from including Italian favourites like Barese (the OG of focaccia recipes) and Ligurian focaccia, plus a za’atar manakish-style focaccia that pays homage to Dubai and the local flavours. For Time Out’s…

This cool new restaurant promises authentic Japanese flavours and has a casual setting at its home at The Galleria Mall on Al Wasl Road. Expect plenty of super-fresh sushi and tasty grills, with interesting ingredients sourced from Japan. Goldfish Sushi & Yakitori comes from White Rice Consultancy’s Akmal Anuar and partner Inez Tantyanna along with Sunset Hospitality Group. Foodies in the city will know Anuar well, as the chef founded Time Out award-winning restaurant 3 Fils at Jumeirah Fishing Harbour. For Time Out’s review click here. Open daily noon-midnight. The Galleria, Al Wasl Road (04 886 4966).

Located in Jumeirah’s upscale mall, The Galleria, this neighbourhood eatery is bright, airy and welcoming – all the ingredients for a memorable breakfast setting. Every inch of this beautiful space is carefully thought out and the attention to detail spills over to the dishes served here. Aside from classic poached eggs and croissants, there are a number of healthy surprises in store each morning, such as the buckwheat flapjacks topped with roasted butternut and pumpkin seeds. Also worth trying are the hummus toastie and quinoa breakfast tart for a novel superfood twist.

This chic restaurant takes pride of place at City Walk, impressing visitors with its avant-garde decor complete with statement furniture and bright floral motifs. This is a place to see and be seen, and the plush interiors set the tone for its main attraction – quality French cuisine. Nibble on honey madeleines and buttery croissants from the boulangerie and patisserie counter before trying the signature oeuf Bénédicte or the pain perdu with blueberry compote and banana. There’s also a carefully-curated coffee selection and healthy drinks to savour.

A modern eatery in Boxpark, Logma is a winner for those who love contemporary twists to the meaning of local food. From khameer sandwiches to healthy salads using quinoa as base, this eatery promises all foodies a delightful introduction to the world of contemporary Emirati cuisine.