Two stars for Ritzi – one for the view, one for trying
An evening at Ritzi in Dubai Marina sounds like dolce vita with a view – and yes, the sight of the boats and water is truly beautiful. That earns the first star. The second goes to the food: decent in parts, mostly tasty, but certainly no culinary high.
Upon arrival, we were seated in the smoking section without being asked – perhaps that’s considered part of the atmosphere here? Later, the waiter told us our two-person table was too small for what we had ordered – a concern that turned out to be unnecessary. Still, we were moved. Also puzzling: the logo shows a wine glass, but wine isn’t served here. If you want a glass with your meal, you’ll have to head to the other Ritzi located at the back of the building – no Marina view included. A real shame.
The vegetarian antipasti platter was... unexpected. We got the classics – olives, artichokes, mozzarella, and some very dry arugula, seemingly there for decorative purposes. But also: canned white asparagus, pickles, grapes, strawberries, and candied pecans. A bold choice – but at least it kept things interesting.
We went for the five-course Pasta Experience. Seven courses? Not possible – “way too much,” we were told. In hindsight, they were right, and we appreciated the warning. Still, one wonders why it’s listed on the menu at all. The pasta itself was okay – sometimes too salty, always a bit too al dente, but never a total miss. The bigger issue was timing: the second course arrived while we were still eating the first – and even made a pit stop at the neighboring table before arriving at ours, getting lukewarm in the process.
Even more confusing: the servers never seemed to know what they were serving, making it even harder to figure out who had ordered what – or even which table it was meant for.
Service overall? Friendly but clearly overwhelmed and a little unmotivated – even though the restaurant was less than half full. Plates were passed awkwardly across the table, dishes were delivered to the wrong guests, and small trays and racks appeared that had nothing to do with what we’d ordered. Confusion seemed to be part of the concept. Water? Help yourself.
Final verdict: Ritzi gave us an evening full of culinary surprises, decent pasta, and beautiful views – all wrapped in a slightly chaotic dining experience. Two stars: one for the Marina, one for trying. Will we return?...
Read moreA Delightful Italian Dining Experience at Ritzi Italian Restaurant
it was an experience worth sharing! From the moment we walked in, the ambiance set the perfect tone—warm lighting, rustic décor, and a cozy yet elegant atmosphere that made us feel instantly comfortable.
Food & Drinks: The menu offers a fantastic selection of authentic Italian dishes, and each one we tried was full of rich flavors. The handmade pasta was cooked to perfection, and the wood-fired pizza had the ideal balance of crispy crust and fresh toppings. The truffle risotto was creamy and flavorful, and the tiramisu was the perfect sweet ending to our meal. Their wine selection also paired beautifully with the dishes.
Service: The staff was incredibly attentive, knowledgeable about the menu, and offered great recommendations. Our server ensured we had everything we needed without being intrusive, which made the experience even more enjoyable.
Ambiance & Cleanliness: The restaurant was impeccably clean, and the soft Italian music in the background enhanced the overall dining experience. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner or a relaxed evening with family and friends, Ritiz offers the perfect setting.
Overall: A must-visit for Italian food lovers! Great food, exceptional service, and a charming atmosphere. Looking forward to...
Read moreWe had a disappointing experience at this restaurant, and we honestly don’t understand how it has a 4.8 rating.
First, we ordered two tequilas, but when they arrived, they were clearly watered down. This was unacceptable, especially considering the price.
The food was also underwhelming—not terrible, but definitely not at the level we expected based on the reviews. The pizza, in particular, tasted like a frozen one rather than a freshly made Italian pizza. Nothing stood out, and the flavors were quite bland.
To make matters worse, when we received the bill, we noticed extra items added that we never ordered. We had to ask them to correct it, which made the whole experience even more frustrating.
On top of that, the atmosphere was completely off. The music was way too loud for the kind of setting they’re trying to create, making it impossible to have a proper conversation.
Overall, this is far from a real Italian restaurant (dishes and ingredients wrong translated in Italian) and it does not live up to the hype. There are much better options in the area with more honest service, authentic food, and a better dining experience. Would...
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