Scalini - Italian Restaurant Dubai — Restaurant in Dubai

Scalini Italian Ristorante – Four Seasons Restaurant Village, Dubai

Dining at Scalini last night was nothing short of spectacular. Tucked discreetly in the basement of the Four Seasons Restaurant Village, Scalini immediately transports you to a charming trattoria somewhere in the heart of Italy. The moment you step out of the lift, you’re greeted by an atmosphere brimming with charisma, warmth, and authentic Italian charm.

Although it had been nearly a year since my last visit, the staff welcomed me like a regular, elegant, attentive, and effortlessly professional. I was greeted by name and promptly escorted to our table, and even before I had the chance to order, they brought over a premium tequila they remembered I enjoyed. That level of attentiveness is rare, and it sets the tone for an unforgettable evening.

The menu is extensive, brimming with incredible options, and our waiter, refined and well-versed, graciously walked us through some of Scalini’s most beloved dishes. We began with a beautifully prepared carpaccio, crafted tableside and dressed to perfection. This was followed by a divine ravioli served in a creamy mushroom and truffle sauce silky, rich, and utterly satisfying. As a surprise touch, the team placed zucchini chips on the table—light, crispy on the outside, soft within, and far from oily. A delightful addition I hadn’t tried before.

Next came the lobster cocktail with a side of avocado one of the restaurant’s signatures and a standout dish by every measure. For the main course, we shared a one-kilo salt-baked sea bass, my preferred preparation and, without question, the finest rendition I’ve ever tasted. Moist, tender, and delicately flavoured, the fish was filleted with great care, served with nearly no bones, and truly showcased the kitchen’s craftsmanship.

Throughout the evening, Salvatore Capone, the restaurant’s manager, made sure we were well taken care of. His presence was both discreet and on point, it’s clear that his leadership is reflected in a team that is polished, passionate, and genuinely committed to delivering an outstanding dining experience.

In every respect from service to setting, Scalini delivered an evening of Italian hospitality at its very best. We couldn’t fault a single element of the night. It was, quite simply, divine and we’re deeply grateful for the care and excellence...

I don’t usually leave negative reviews, but after our recent team dinner at Scalini, I felt the need to share our experience, especially because I had spent quite a bit of time reading through reviews before deciding where to go. Ironically, many of the negative reviews about Scalini were related to service, and yet I still decided to take the chance. Unfortunately, I quickly realized that may have been a mistake.

We recently dined at Scalini and there were several aspects of the experience that stood out in a positive way. The team was very accommodating, they kindly extended our dinner reservation from 1.5 hours to 2 hours, and even helped us move to a more cosy and comfortable seating area. The atmosphere was warm, and most of the staff were exceptionally friendly, always smiling and creating a welcoming environment. The food was also excellent.

However, what unfortunately impacted our overall experience was the attitude of our assigned waiter. From the beginning, it felt as though even simple, polite requests (like asking for the menu) were met with reluctance or irritation. At one point, I raised my hand to get attention and was blatantly ignored. In a fine dining setting, service plays a crucial role, and this kind of dismissive behavior was quite surprising, something I’ve never encountered at other high-end establishments.

To make matters worse, when the bill arrived, the half-eaten food on our table was cleared away without anyone asking if we were done or if we wanted to take it with us.

Food is not the only reason why guests return to a restaurant. I’ve been dining at another place for almost three years, simply because both the food AND the service have consistently been excellent. Sadly, despite Scalini’s strengths in food and ambiance, the service we received overshadowed those positives.

I sincerely hope that the service improves for future guests.

But for me, based on this experience, Scalini will likely remain a...

Scalini in London has its league of customers who love to try their overwhelming yet straightforward dishes, for me too, that was the case. I visited Scalini in Chelsea (London), with a bunch of my colleagues who have a fair share of favourite dishes due to which we ended up going here more than often but who can complain when the comforting pasta and aromatic appetisers satisfy your cravings so magnificently well.

Take a lift down the alley from the Four Season’s restaurant village and there you are fascinated by the charming courtyard with trees perched next to the table and seeing people merely enjoying their time here makes you feel happy to be here.

Such a warm welcome and the staff overjoyed to guide you through their menu will surely leave you feeling loved. Going by my server’s suggestions, we try their creamy Burrata, Scalini Salad and one of the most luscious Prawn pastry dish simmered in a smooth buttery sauce. Each dish had an enriching flavour which makes it remarkable.

Our mains were a feast of Veal, Chicken and Lobster Spaghetti. All the different meats and dishes make a rememberable mark on your palette but my favourite here was the Lobster Spaghetti, its a straightforward dish but each bite is blissful.

The best part of the meal was their Tiramisu, comes in a generous side and can be easily devoured by two people. If you have a liking for coffee, you will appreciate this dessert a bit more.

With that, I can assure you that Scalini is one of those unpretentious Italian restaurants in Dubai which impress you with their food more than anything else.

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