One of Dubai’s most exclusive Italian restaurants reopened this week after three months.
Torno Subito was closed when restrictions on movement in the UAE were introduced.
Making the most of the time on his hands, chef Bernardo Paladini spent the summer honing his cooking techniques in Italy alongside his mentor, master chef Massimo Bottura, whose Osteria Francescana restaurant holds three Michelin stars. Diners can now sample tagliatelle with “Bottura’s favourite hand-chopped Wagyu ragu”, as well as various handmade pasta dishes.
Likewise, a number of other restaurants that were closed when restrictions on movement in the UAE were introduced, have reopened with a selection of innovative dishes to entice precious patronage. Here are some to check out the next time you fancy a taste of something new.
Bussola
The Westin Dubai reopened its doors on Thursday, as did its restaurants Bussola, El Sur, Sui Mui, Fish and Bounty Beets. Bussola also introduced three divergent dishes in a bid to appeal to every palate. Seafood lovers can sample Bussola Mare, a selection of oysters, red prawns, langoustine, belly shrimps and Hokkaido scallops, served on ice and seaweed. Meat fans will enjoy the juicy Filetto Rossini filet mignon, with seared foie gras, fresh truffle and wild mushrooms. Vegetarians have a fusilloni pasta option, with tomato sauce, smoked buffalo mozzarella cheese, aubergine and basil.
The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina; 04 511 7373
Phoenicia
Lebanese-Australian master chef Greg Malouf reopened his Middle Eastern restaurant last month with two scrumptious-looking new dishes. Malouf’s battenjan combines aubergine, leeks, tomato, melting cheese and rice-shaped pasta, all cooked in a bag. The yellowtail carpaccio combines slices of hamachi marinated in a mix of spices from Alleppo, served on top of smoky coal-cooked aubergine with pieces of milk-bread-fried pine nuts.
JA Oasis Beach Tower, The Walk Jumeirah Beach Residences, Dubai; 04 315 4200
Trattoria
Souk Madinat Jumeirah’s authentic Italian restaurant has tacked on half a dozen new dishes to its menu, each one inspired by regional favourites in Italy. These include seared prawns and spinach with chilli-garlic; and chicken, veal bacon and Parmesan fondue. Attuned to the Instagram- friendly experience that some diners crave, Trattoria also prepares and reveals three new dishes by customers’ tables. These include: a beef tartare starter with Parmesan mousse; orata sea bream hidden on the base of a bread-encrusted platter; and tiramisu, which comes with melted mascarpone cream cheese that is poured out in front of guests.
Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai; 800 666 353
The Noodle House
If it’s your sweet tooth that needs indulging, check out the latest line-up of desserts and mocktails added to The Noodle House’s menu. The former include coconutty creme brulee; mango milk cake; Japanese-inspired tempura brownie; and a cake made with what seems to be the latest flavour trend on the market – chilli-chocolate. The drinks, in turn, are inspired by the places the culinary team visited during the restaurant-organised Asian Soul Tour, and include adaptations of the K-pop from Korea, tom yum from Malaysia; na natte aye from Myanmar and the Singapore Sling. Dish-wise, the chain has added black pepper chicken and sesame tofu to its menu.
Multiple branches in Dubai; www.thenoodlehouse.com
