Bussola — Restaurant in Dubai

It is really difficult in this day and age to have a bad experience in a fine dining restaurant in Dubai. I guess I was the unlucky one.

We had ordered Filetto Rossini and description on the menu sounded tasty and delicious until we got the steaks on the table. To our surprise, the knives were not sharp to cut any steak, and after requests to change the knives and 7 knives later, they could not find us a knife that could cut the steak, and we ended up with eating shredded and destroyed steak, and ate pulled beef instead!! The waiters could not do much or say much except reassuring us that the management has been looking into this matter for some time now and will change the knives in the coming days. Clearly, they were not really bothered or concerned about our experience!

The waiters constantly came and asked how was the food, avoiding to attend to the real issue at hand. I told them we are here for the experience and not just the food. The manager failed to come forward to handle the situation at this stage.

Long story short, and at the end where everything was over and we were waiting for our desserts, I asked for the manager, and he finally came to our table. When I shared my experience with him, he apologised and once more reassured us that they will look into the matter and change the knives soon so other customers won't have our experience. Again, like the waiters, he did not seem too concerned nor bothered about our experience, and worried about future customer.

Later, and when we asked for the bill, he had removed the dessert from the bill and took it on the house. He also offered tea or coffee, and it would be on the house! At this stage, we just wanted to leave the restaurant, and did not want to spend more time there.

What I do not understand is the following:

Why should the restaurant not be concerned about our experience, and only think about future customers?

Why did he remove the desserts from the bill, where he should have removed the steaks? After all, we did not have any issue with the desert. Yes, we had finished the steak, or should I say pulled beef, with an unforgettable and...

TL;DR: Refined yet welcoming. Excellent food, attentive service, fair pricing for a fine-dining setting. The seabass is a standout. Cool, comfortable indoors even at 40°C. Second visit and consistently impressed.

⸻

This was my second lunch at Bussola, and once again, it delivered in every way. Despite the heat outside, the indoor seating was calm, cool, and comfortable—ideal for enjoying a slower-paced midday meal.

I returned to the Filetto di Branzino—pan-seared seabass with cannellini beans and grilled baby vegetables—and it was every bit as good as the first time. The skin was crisp, the fish cooked perfectly, and the vegetables were fresh and delicately dressed. A small surcharge applies to the dish, but it’s well worth it.

The bread basket was another highlight: focaccia, rustic brown slices, and crisp flatbread, served with what seemed to be a smooth hummus and a tangy tomato dip. It’s generous, varied, and a welcome contrast to the paltry offering at El Sur last night.

The mojito was ideal for lunch—light on alcohol, heavy on fresh mint, and incredibly refreshing.

Where Bussola really shines is in its service. From start to finish, the staff were professional, friendly, and impressively coordinated. Several waiters seemed to know where I was in the meal at any moment without needing reminders. The manager made some thoughtful suggestions based on my preferences—but I couldn’t resist going back for the seabass.

Dessert was a familiar favourite: a scoop each of hazelnut and pistachio gelato, both as rich and creamy as I remembered. Nothing extravagant—just high-quality, well-executed flavour.

Pricing here is very reasonable given the standard. I noticed the business lunch menu at the next table—generous, beautifully presented, and clearly well-received. It’s something I’d strongly consider on a return visit.

My only regret? Not trying Mare by Bussola or the Bussola Pizzeria this time around. Based on my experience here, I expect they’ll be...

The service is so bad. The food is tasty, but the portions are small for the price. It's not worth coming back. (P.S. didn't try the pizza, which is only available on the second floor)

*After the F&B Guest Relations Manager responded to my review, I’m updating my post so I can respond to her directly. However, my original review still stands.

I’d like to thank Ms. Makki for taking the time to respond to my review. Since several of us had expressed concerns after our initial visit (we were 5pp), one of our group members was contacted by her and was offered a complimentary Sunday buffet experience, including food and two drinks. Three of us attended. We were seated at the far end of the venue and were told the buffet would be set up nearby, but this didn’t happen. Instead, the buffet was placed on a more distant table. A waiter eventually passed by, and we requested three drinks—one for each of us. The first drinks were not good (gin basil) but the next ones were much better, i guess a different bartender prepared them. We also asked if we could move to a closer table, and he agreed, so we relocated to a more central spot.

We stayed from around 9 p.m. until 11 p.m. because the music was really nice, yet not once during that time did any staff member, Ms. Makki, or a manager check in on us to see if we needed anything or if everything was satisfactory. Considering we were invited back to give the place a second chance after a disappointing first visit, we expected a better experience. Unfortunately, the service was even more underwhelming this time.

The buffet itself wasn’t bad, and we did get to try the pizza this time—it was cold but not terrible.

(P.S. The toilet was sadly dirty.)

I’m not writing this to get more free invites; my only aim is to share an honest review in the hope that the service might improve for future guests.

Hoping your team can turn...