Carluccio’s in Dubai Marina left me with mixed feelings, but I’m giving it a chance to improve because the food itself was good. Here’s why my experience wasn’t quite five-star worthy:
The Experience Outdoor Seating Issues: We wanted to sit outside, but it was too crowded, with people smoking and insufficient umbrella coverage to protect the tables. Indoors Wasn’t Better at First: Moving inside, we were seated in a central spot, but we were ignored for over 20 minutes. • We asked for water while deciding on our order, but it never arrived. • Waitstaff repeatedly walked past us, despite us signaling we were ready.
Escalation and Resolution
After another 10 minutes of waiting inside with no service, my husband had to approach the manager to explain our situation. The manager then took our order, and the food arrived quickly after that.
The Food
The food was satisfying, but we were so hungry and flustered by then that I forgot to take pictures. Once served, we were finally seated in a better spot, and the manager acknowledged us more often, which helped redeem the experience somewhat.
Overall Impressions • Atmosphere: Chaotic and overcrowded, with a lack of attentiveness from the staff unless prompted. • Service: Unorganized and inconsistent, requiring intervention to get served. • Food: Good, which makes the visit worthwhile if you have the patience.
Final Thoughts
Carluccio’s has potential but desperately needs better organization and service training for the staff. If you’re lucky, you might get served promptly, but otherwise, be prepared for delays. I wouldn’t rule out visiting again, but I hope they improve their...
Read moreOne of the most disappointing and awful experiences we’ve had with restaurants in Dubai.
The first time, my husband and I went to their brunch at the Marina and requested a table outside. From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with a cold and unfriendly attitude. When the hostess offered us a few table options, I pointed to one closer to the promenade view. She responded with deep sighs and an unpleasant expression, saying, “But this table is for four people,” even though the outdoor area was nearly empty. We sat down anyway, trying to ignore the rude behavior, but the chairs and tables were extremely uncomfortable, and the overall atmosphere felt unwelcoming. We ended up leaving the place, disappointed with the service.
Today, we decided to give it another chance and ordered delivery. From a restaurant in this price range, you expect a different level of experience — well-thought-out packaging, attention to detail, and overall service that matches the standard of the venue. We requested cutlery — none was included. The packaging was very poor, everything wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, difficult to open, with cheap containers and food that looked completely unappealing. And it didn’t taste any better. Yes, the ingredients may have been of decent quality, but it felt like I was eating a food court pasta, not a dish from a proper restaurant. Prices are completely overinflated for the service and food quality. I will never order from this place again and would not recommend it to anyone — neither for brunch nor delivery. It’s absolutely not...
Read moreCarluccio’s is one of Dubai’s most beloved Italian dining spots, offering an authentic taste of Italy in a relaxed and welcoming setting. Located in several prime areas of the city—such as Dubai Marina Mall, Downtown, and The Walk at JBR—Carluccio’s combines traditional Italian recipes with a warm, family-friendly atmosphere. The restaurant is known for its freshly made pasta, wood-fired pizzas, aromatic sauces, and quality ingredients imported directly from Italy.
From breakfast through dinner, the menu features a variety of classics like spaghetti alla carbonara, lasagna, and seafood linguine, along with vegetarian and vegan options. Guests can also enjoy delicious antipasti, hand-crafted desserts like tiramisu and panna cotta, and an excellent selection of Italian coffees and mocktails.
One of Carluccio’s highlights is its in-house Italian food shop, where diners can purchase sauces, olive oils, pasta, biscotti, and other gourmet items to take home. The ambience is casual yet elegant, making it perfect for families, couples, or friends looking to enjoy quality time over comforting food.
Whether you choose indoor seating or outdoor terraces with views of Dubai’s vibrant surroundings, Carluccio’s promises consistency, flavor, and warm service. It remains a go-to destination for residents and tourists seeking genuine Italian cuisine prepared with passion...
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