Can a Mayfair import match up to what Dubai’s wealth of Italian restaurants already offer?

We like Italian food. Which is a good thing, considering a new spot promising “the most authentic taste of Italy” opens its doors on an almost weekly basis.

The latest is Scalini, an import from the swanky district of Mayfair in London, UK, that’s just opened in the Restaurant Village at the Four Seasons Resort Jumeirah.

Described as a “quintessential fine-dining Italian that serves up a Dubai-twist to its traditional trattoria menu”, Scalini Dubai has a lot of features similar to the London branch, which opened 30 years ago.

The space itself is a contemporary mix of colourful artworks, dim lights, white tablecloths and navy leathers. The venue also has an outdoor terrace offering a more lounge-style vibe.

Foodwise, you can expect a typical Italian trattoria menu, led by ‘antipasti’ and ‘zuppe’ into an extensive pasta section, which moves to a final page of ‘padella’ and sides. You’ll even get signature spaghetti dishes served in a pasta wheel and tossed with truffle. The burrata con datterini (Dhs125) is light, simple and full of flavour. We’d go as far as to say that it’s probably one of Dubai’s finest, which is a big statement for a city that feels like it was built almost entirely on burrata. The spaghetti all’Astice (Dhs160) is one of the restaurant’s signature dishes, and the rich chunks of lobster is served swirled in a creamy sauce and handmade spaghetti to give it a thick, indulgent texture.

Many of the team has come over from the UK to assist in the opening of the Dubai branch, which means the service is pretty much impeccable. Go now, before they jet off. Dishes are silver served, the traditional breadbasket is complimented by condiments such as olives, Parmesan and tomato and basil, and you can expect a drink order to be taken by your dedicated sommelier.

It’s fine dining at it’s finest.

Four Seasons Resort Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai, daily noon to midnight. Tel: (04) 3490068. Taxi: Jumeirah Four Seasons. facebook.com/Scalini-Dubai

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Images: Supplied