Chic Nonna — Restaurant in Dubai

Chic Nonna’s latest L’Estate Chic Brunch, held every Saturday, offers a truly enchanting dining experience in the heart of Dubai. The ambiance is absolutely stunning, blending modern elegance with the warm, inviting charm reminiscent of Italy's golden summer days. The restaurant’s design features sophisticated decor, soft lighting, and a welcoming atmosphere that makes each visit feel special. The food is nothing short of spectacular, with a menu inspired by the vibrant flavors of Italy.

The brunch begins with a selection of sharing starters that immediately set the tone for a luxurious meal. Highlights include fresh oysters, tuna tartare crafted with premium bluefin tuna, avocado mousse, mango, and Oscietra caviar, as well as a flavorful octopus salad with fresh octopus, squid, olives, capers, parsley, and a zesty lemon dressing. One personal favorite was the Parmigiana della Nonna—a baked eggplant dish layered with mozzarella, Parmigiano Reggiano, and basil sauce, offering a perfect balance of richness and freshness. Pizza enthusiasts will appreciate the classic Pizza Margherita, topped with ripe tomato, fior di latte cheese, and basil, alongside a beautifully presented burrata served with organic tomatoes and basil oil.

The pasta options are diverse and perfect for sharing, with dishes like Risotto ai Frutti di Mare, featuring a medley of seafood and Amalfi lemon, and Rigatoni alla Norma, with datterino tomato sauce, eggplant, and ricotta salata—my daughter’s favorite. For main courses, the menu includes individual servings such as tender grilled chicken cooked in a flavorful Cacciatora style with potatoes, mushrooms, and tomato sauce, and a stunningly plated seabass fillet accompanied by green pea purée, Mediterranean sauce, frisée lettuce, and lemon dressing.

The dessert selection is equally impressive, served in a dedicated Dessert Room that exudes elegance. Here, you can indulge in cream puffs, eclairs, tarts, and fresh fruit, providing the perfect sweet ending to an already memorable brunch experience. Overall, Chic Nonna’s L’Estate Chic Brunch offers a delightful combination of exquisite food, gorgeous ambiance, and impeccable service, making it a must-visit spot in Dubai for anyone seeking a taste of Italy’s...

One of the best Italian restaurants in Dubai, so far. Very good quality and consistency. It’s on the pricey side. The setting is very upscale, and the diners are mostly well-off. I often see some Italians here as well. The dishes are fairly traditional with minimal twists and innovations. That being said, the food is delicious and it’s highly likely that whatever you order will be good.

I can recommend some dishes: Parmigiana: they make one of the best in Dubai. Foccacia: I forgot the exact name, but it’s a thin focaccia with stracchino cheese, if I’m not mistaken. The taste is reminiscent of… manakeesh with akawi cheese! Try it. Pizza with raw prawns, stracciatella cheese, lemon, and pistachio crumbles. The prawns are small and have a hint of sweetness with very light taste. This one is good. Lasagne: they recently introduced this dish, and it was a wise decision. You can’t go wrong with lasagne, especially this one. Risotto: they change their risottos every few months. I’m not really a risotto guy, but the risotto they make here is way better than many restaurants in Dubai. It’s enjoyable to the point that you can actually finish your dish and not feel bored by the bland taste and texture as in many other places. I tried the saffron risotto and pumpkin risotto, both were pretty good. Pasta: of course. I liked the genovese and arrabbiata (you can ask for it). Many pastas here are fairly simple but well-executed. However, the cacio e pepe with white raw prawns was not that good given its price (and the simplicity of ingredients in cacio e pepe). Not sure about the newer version with “8 different peppers”. Mains: I can’t recommend anything from the mains as I don’t usually order them. Sweets: Torta della nonna is great, especially when taking a spoonful of everything, including the pine nuts and candied lemon peels (or orange?).

I also have to mention that the service here is always great. This is a big plus, of course.

So far, chic nonna has been one of the best restaurants in Dubai, and I believe that it deserves more recognition, but we will see whether it will stand the test of...

An evening at Chic Nonna in DIFC unfolds as a symphony of exquisite tastes, starting in the refined embrace of the Solotto Cigar Lounge. Here, the Bolivar New Gold Medal Cigar ignites the journey, expertly paired with an assortment of dry and wet chocolates that strike the perfect chord of flavors by Dido, the sagacious Cigar Expert. The experience is elevated with the Camparino signature cocktail a masterful blend of Japanese Craft Gin, Forrest Berry Vermouth, and Bitters, crafting the ideal overture for the night.

As the prelude fades, the starters emerge as a testament to culinary artistry. The Bluefin Tuna Tartare di Tonno, a classic reimagined, dances harmoniously alongside the Tagliatella di Calamari, a marvel slow-cooked and dazzled with bottarga powder, with a citrus dash and squid ink to captivate the palate. Each dish finds its perfect match in the full-bodied embrace of Graci Etna Bianco, setting the stage for the main act.

The Gnocchi Ripieni, tenderly stuffed with red prawns and stracchino cheese, and the Calamarata 2.0, a delectable concoction of Paccheri pasta, mixed seafood, Amalfi lemon, and plankton, offer a crescendo of flavors, masterfully washed down with the Grappa Nonino Moscato mixed with tonic. The finale, Chic Nonna’s signature New York baked cheesecake with a hazelnut crust and fruits is a sweet adieu that lingers on the taste buds.

Impeccable service, courtesy of Maître d’hôtel Argn, and the warm, friendly staff, set the gold standard for hospitality. The atmosphere and culinary delights earn a resounding 5/5, matched by the superb selection of wines and drinks.

Chic Nonna is more than a dining experience, it’s a journey of sensory discovery. Highly recommended for those seeking the essence of fine dining.

#ChicNonna #DIFCDining #GourmetExperience #FineDiningGem

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