The Artisan Dubai — Restaurant in Dubai

The stereotype of mainstream Italian cuisine being pizzas and pastas in the mind of occasional restaurantgoers is being challenged by Michelin star chefs and savvy foodies who travel the world in a search for exclusivity. Imagine my astonishment when I discovered a fantastic place with authentic and experimental dishes right downtown.

The Artisan restaurant isn’t easy to find. Hidden away from the beaten track of the DIFC fancy dining, experience it’s located in Daman Tower, ten minutes walk from the stock exchange or a few minutes drive from Dubai Mall. If not for my friend’s recommendation, I would never ever find my way to this place. First pleasant surprise was free valet or self-parking with plenty of spots available.

A lift took me to the next level above retail, then a short walk through the door to the open space and there I was. The entrances, surrounded by a lush garden, lead into an open dining area accented with art and vintage looking mirrors. Dimmed lights contributed to a rather intimate atmosphere supported by home-like white tablecloths and wooden feel to the whole design. The greeting on arrival was short but very warm resulting in me being escorted to my table in a matter of seconds.

Once seated, a very knowledgeable Evgeni was ready to guide me through the menu and suggest a suitable aperitivo.

“You must try a few of our appetisers and mains inspired by the sun of Tuscany and Florentine living,” he declared with a charming smile. “Our Milan-born chef Luca has spent so much time in Florence that he calls it home.” Evgeni’s voice sounded so convincing and reassuring that we moved away from the initial selection towards the dishes he recommended. “Please do order the main even if you are for the first time here and intend to share,” he added. “Our chef will blow you away.” I nodded in acceptance.

I think we were lucky. Going out on Sunday nights delivers an unexpected advantage. Being a quiet night for hoteliers and restaurateurs in the Middle East we benefited from extra attention given by the team. Our bartender at the Artisan while chatting to me poured a huge serving of Stolichnaya into my mocktail without realizing it. Needless to say I was very very happy.

What followed was the real food magic. Chef Luca locked away in the kitchen (I didn’t get a chance for a quick chat) served one amazing dish after another. My feast started by crunchy thin toasts of artisanal house baked bread and smoothest pate. Tuna tartar based on rapidly seared an exceptional cut of this tricky fish accompanied by funnel puree and a few secret ingredients was definitely my favourite. Shrimp tartar served with the sweetest creamy burrata and, surprise, deep fried fresh capers, was a combination I never tasted before. I’m not going to describe any of the mains, as you need to book a table and experience this place yourself.

My words won’t do justice to chef Luca’s...

For a fine dining type of place there is much room for improvement- it was a good experience overall just not great, which it has the potential to be.

Staff: are great and friendly and prompt. Were keen enough to ask if anyone had any allergies before we ordered (we don’t but it was nice to ask).

Decor and ambiance : Decor was..good but nothing impressive but it’s clean and comfortable with a slight touch of fanciness. Adequate music in the background that sets a good mood and isn’t too loud so you can easily talk and listen to each other (which was really important for me because I was not in the mood for loud head-banging lounge music and having to yell over the table to friends)

Food: it’s good but not SO great that I’d come here again craving any dish. I’m a bit underwhelmed.

Burrata: a MUST. For me that was THE most delicious thing we ordered. (However Burrata is almost always delicious everywhere)

Veal with tuna and celery salad: surprisingly so good! I’ve never had a dish like this before and I was surprised at the complex flavors. Crisp freshness of the celery, lemony sourness from capers, and the tuna dressing (which doesn’t taste or smell tuna-ey) underneath the veal, it all just made sense.

Ravioli ossobuco: underwhelming and a mush of flavorlessness, nothing really hit the spot to make me want to have another bite.

Cremini dessert: a mess of overly sweet layers. I only liked the hazelnuts on top and the hazelnut icecream, every other layer was a disappointing mess of sugar overload with no great taste, so I only fished out the ice cream.

Calamari and shrimps with spicy lemon mayo: this is something almost all restaurants nowadays and is always good everywhere. It was good here too, but the shrimp was off.. tough and dry, not good quality at all. The squid and calamari was good though.

Price: if the food was great, or superb i would have said the prices were fine. But the prices to food balance is very off. I expected better food.

Overall it was a pleasant experience but I wouldn’t remember this place or recommend...

Review We had the delightful chance of visiting and trying out The Artisan after hearing such rave reviews about it. It is supposed to be the Best Italian restaurant in Dubai, and hence we went with great expectations. Luckily, The Artisan did not disappoint. The food was beyond excellence but the real show stealer were the drinks that just kept getting better. The quantity of the food is perfect and it is very rich in taste. They have a huge variety for the vegetarians, which is awesome! The service should get a special mention here because they know what they are doing. Very kind and very well versed. We had the most beautiful time gorging all the lovely food throughout the night.

Ambiance Simple yet posh is what describes the ambiance here the best. The interiors are very rustic with a modern twist. The lampshades have an engraving that is not to be missed, the original chandelier, the intriguing paintings, and the blue walls. The key is in the details here, which can be missed so easily. The place has a calm vibe to it, that makes it perfect for a dinner concentrated evening.

Verdict Our time at The Artisan was somewhat so special, we cannot wait to go back here again. The servers are so super sweet and informative. The food is excellent, well obviously since it has a michellin refernce attached to it, the ambiance is classy and near perfect. There isn't one thing wrong with Artisan, that would hinder your want to go here! If Italian is your thing, and you okay to settle with the best in town, then this is your place! Be sure to make a reservation though.

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