When it comes to destination dining, few places in the city offer the same appeal as Armani Hotel Dubai. A high-end fashion hotel situated inside the world’s tallest building is tough to compete with when it comes to atmosphere, location and food, but Italian restaurant Armani/Ristorante ticks all the boxes.
Located on the lobby level, Armani/Ristorante Dubai instils diners with a sense of sophistication and style from the moment they cross the threshold into the chic restaurant space. The dining room blends discrete amber lighting with ivory upholstery to create an environment that champions intimacy and discretion while exuding the expected sense of luxury associated with Italian fashion house Armani.
As appealing as the restaurant with its bar area and impressive private dining room appears to be, the external terrace is where most diners will choose to enjoy their Italian meal. Wrapping around the base of the world’s tallest building, the views are phenomenal. Whether it’s reacquainting yourself with the Downtown skyline, gazing up at the sound and light show projected upon the Burj Khalifa, or enjoying a front-row seat overlooking the Dubai Fountains. The terrace at Armani/Ristorante epitomises the notion of dinner and a show.
Service is proficient, albeit a little slow at times. Yet, we happily embrace the leisurely pacing of the meal, which allows us to appreciate the unique dining environment fully. The concise menu offers appealing dishes with a clear aim to capture the essence of Italy through premium ingredients, exquisite flavour combinations and contemporary presentation.
The Wagyu Arancini and Filetto Di Black Angus Tartare appear to be the most beloved dishes, judging by the sheer numbers ordered during the busy evening when we dine. We however, opt for the Golden Burrata (AED 129), effortlessly combining the creamy Italian cheese with heirloom tomatoes, peach tartare and basil pesto. It’s an impressive dish that’s given a unique Armani touch via a layer of gold leaf in a visual cue towards decadence. Similarly, the Gambero Rosso Di Sicilia (AED 179) presents marinated red prawns alongside passion fruit, mango, green tomato and quinoa leaf in a nuanced dish of delicate flavours.
While gourmet choices such as oysters, Caviar and lobster sit front and centre on the Armani/Ristorante menu, we opt for the San Pietro (AED 239). A seared John Dory filet accompanied by a robust parsnip puree, baby fennel, vegetable caponata and fragrant lobster bisque. We also order the Fettuccine Al Tartufo (AED 250). A simple dish executed with skill and precision that’s topped with generous shavings of black truffle.
Desserts are the definite high-point of our meal and we’re left in awe of Armani’s modern interpretation of a classic Tiramisu, encased in chocolate and offering a powerful hit of coffee to the palate. The Sfera is a lighter option, offering an Insta-worthy sphere topped with gold leaf and filled with vanilla foam, Violette crème brûlée., lemon crumble and cassis sorbet.
With a creative menu showcased through premium ingredients and striking presentation, a meal at Armani/Ristorante will likely leave diners with long-lasting memories. And as one of only two hotels in the world bearing the name of luxury Italian fashion house Armani, Armani Hotel Dubai offers a desirable dining experience inside the world’s tallest building.
For those looking to embrace the Italian dining at Armani/Ristorante fully, there is an appealing Degustation menu (AED 650) featuring seared foie gras, saffron risotto, poached halibut and braised beef cheek and a new Pronto Lunch, offering two-courses for AED 149 and three-courses for AED 199 from 12:30pm to 3pm daily.
GO: Email restaurant.reservations@armanihotels.com or call (0)4 888 3666 for reservations and more information.
