TOTÓ Dubai Review: An ode to Italian cinema in the heart of Downtown Dubai

Last week, while Ronaldo was breaking YouTube records, FACT took a seat at his new Dubai restaurant. 

Cristiano Ronaldo is famous for playing football, but he’s also causing a stir off the pitch. He and fellow sports stars Rafael Nadal and Pau Gasol are behind the restaurant concept, TOTÓ, which can be found around the world from Abu Dhabi to Madrid. Now, the Italian eatery has opened at Hotel Boulevard, Autograph Collection in Downtown Dubai. Last week, while Ronaldo was breaking YouTube records, FACT took a seat at the 

Established in 2020 in Madrid, Spain, TOTÓ whisks diners back to the golden era of Italian cinema with its homage to the legendary Cinema Paradiso. The décor includes artwork and accessories that reflect the nostalgia and magic of Italian cinema mixed with a chic Dubai sensibility. Plus, there is an open kitchen and buzzing bar whipping up creative cocktails.

TOTÓ Dubai offers a rustic yet luxurious experience. It’s a sophisticated spot with black and white photography, olive trees in pretty pots, pressed white table linens, glistening glassware and staff dressed in cream dinner jackets offering prompt and proficient service. Fresh pasta lines the pass, which is bathed in warm lighting and flanked by oversized salt and pepper mills. These touches add Italian charm to the restaurant space which is broken into an open dining room backed by more intimate settings.

TOTÓ Dubai serves fine-dining Italian food. The menu combines traditional and creative dishes, so expect plenty of pasta, pizza, and proteins prepared in the wood-fired oven. Signatures include the Parmigiano Reggiano Croquettes topped with cured tuna belly and the ever-popular Vitello Tonnato (thin slices of veal with tuna cream). If you’ve dined at TOTÓ Abu Dhabi, prepare to be surprised as the menu deviates greatly from the outpost in the capital.

We begin with the Burrata (AED 95), a bulbous ball of creamy cheese from Puglia served on tomato carpaccio and garnished with basil pesto. The result: a light and luscious dish that perfectly balances the creamy texture of the cheese with the acidity of the tomatoes and the herbaceous flavour of the pesto. Elsewhere, the Tartare di manzo (AED 125) is a terrific take on the traditional beef tartare. Smoked in a bell jar, the finely chopped Black Angus steak takes on a subtle smokiness before being topped with a mild Parmesan cream.

The signature Bresaola Pizza (AED 125) offers an intriguing interplay of textures, with the crisp and blistered crust contrasting with the cured beef bresaola, shavings of Parmigiano Reggiano, Neapolitan mozzarella and a drizzle of rocket and parsley sauce. Aside from pizza, the Ravioli TOTÓ (AED 95) is made with fresh tomato sauce and topped with Grana Padano cheese and basil, while La Carbonara (AED 110) features tubes of mezze maniche pasta alongside smoked duck breast, pasteurised egg yolk, grated Pecorino Romano and Grana Padano cheese and a generous dusting of freshly ground black pepper.

Desserts steal the show. A literal slab of Creamy Burrata Cheesecake (AED 70) boasts a light, silky texture and muted sweetness, which is lifted by the accompaniment of honey-infused ice cream topped with honey sauce and honeycomb. The Tiramisù TOTÓ (AED 65) is another popular preference, serving coffee-soaked savoiardi biscuits layered with mascarpone cream inside a chocolate nest.

Paired with an extensive drinks menu featuring wonderful wines and meticulously crafted cocktails, TOTÓ has been designed to transport diners to Italy. Enlivened by Mediterranean-inspired entertainment, superb singers, and a resident DJ, this homage to 1950s Italian cinema brings together tradition and creative excellence. 

Located on top of TOTÓ restaurant, the soon-to-open La Camera by TOTÓ looks set to be a fun experience. It will complement the restaurant’s Italian and Mediterranean flavours, offering. a bar with top mixologists, plus entertainment, jazz, and Italian finesse. 

Don’t let the sports star hype deter you. When Ronaldo and Rafa open a restaurant, you visit.

GO: Visit www.totorestaurants.com for more information.