What’s On and The Black Hat Guide bring you the complete rundown of the best Italian restaurants in Dubai. Read snappy reviews, find out how book, and get a real insight with the help of our handy rating system. For a full explanation of how the Black Hat Guide works, click here.

Certo
Dhs230 for two

A casual Italian affair, Certo’s chef produces the classics and some surprises, plus business lunches and a popular Friday brunch.

Radisson Blu, Media City, Dubai, daily noon to 3.30pm and 7pm to 11.30pm. Tel: (04) 3669111. Metro: Dubai Internet City. radissonblu.com

Pizzaro
Dhs100 for two

A contemporary pizzeria offering a menu of simple Italian starters, salad, pizza,  pasta, sandwiches and desserts.

Emaar Boulevard, Old Town Burj Khalifa, Burj Res Tower 9, Sat to Wed noon to 12.30am, Thur to Fri noon to 1.30am. Tel: (04) 422 5666. Metro: Burj Khalifa/ Dubai Mall. pizzaro.me
ALSO: Mirdiff Dubai

Bussola
Dhs500 for two

The ground floor dining arm of this Dubai Marina institution serves up a range of well- prepared, fine Italian cuisine. It’s a semi-alfresco restaurant, always packed with people who queue for the pizzas and beach views. The menu is simple, but superbly done.

The Westin Mina Seyahi, Al Sufouh Road, Dubai Marina, Dubai, Fri and Sat noon to 3pm. Tel: (04) 5117391. Taxi: Westin Mina Seyahi. westinminaseyahi.com

Roberto’s
Dhs600 for two

Roberto’s is always busy, thanks to its simple menu of Italian classics created with fresh, quality ingredients. Book a table on the terrace during the cooler months, do not miss out on the raw bar and enjoy a drink on the bar post-dinner.

What’s On Awards: 2012

DIFC, Gate Village 1, Dubai, daily noon to 3pm and 7pm to midnight, bar daily noon to 2am. Tel: (04) 3860066. Metro: Financial Centre. robertos.ae 

Rococo
Dhs500 for two

With some truly wonderful and creative dishes to go in the bold but exciting purple interior, it is a mystery why Rococo’s books are not constantly full.

Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach, Dubai Marina, Dubai, daily 7pm to 11.30pm. Tel: (04) 3165550. Taxi: Sofitel Jumeirah. sofitel.com

Ronda Locatelli
Dhs700 for two

This vast restaurant with a central wood-fired pizza oven is the Dubai outpost of celebrity Michelin-starred Italian chef Giorgio Locatelli, but it serves modest, rustic cuisine with an emphasis on high- quality ingredients.

Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai, daily noon to 6pm, Sat to Wed 6pm to 10.30pm, Thur and Fri 6pm to 11.30pm. Tel: (04) 426 2626. Taxi: Atlantis The Palm. atlantisthepalm.com 

Positano
Dhs360 for two

Big, hearty Italian food, informal decor, a buzzing open kitchen and an energetic manager from Sicily named Claudio all add up to a lovely restaurant

JW Marriott Marquis, Business Bay, Dubai, 6pm to midnight. Tel: (04) 4143000. Metro: Business Bay. jwmarriottmarquisdubailife.com 

Freedom Pizza (Formally NKD Pizza)

Dhs100 for two

Billed as nutritious pizza, NKD is certainly less greasy than your average fast-food vendor. Not much space to sit – just a few stools – but it’s very good pizza.

Dubai Marina, Marina View Towers, Dubai, Sat to Wed 10am to 2.30am, Thur and Fri 24-hours. Tel: (04) 4534313. Metro: Dubai Marina. freedompizza.ae
ALSO: Mirdif, Al Murooj Rotana, Studio City, Dubai 

800 Pizza
Dhs100 for two 

With pizzas cooked in a wood-fired stone oven, this takeaway-cum-intimate café-style pizzeria offers some of the best pizzas in town.

Marina Hotel Apartments, Marina Walk, Dubai, daily 11.30am to 11.30pm. Tel: (800) 74992. Metro: Dubai Marina. 800pizza.ae
ALSO: Al Barsha, Downtown and Motor City

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