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40+ OF OUR FAVORITE ITALIAN RESTAURANTS IN THE MIDDLE EAST
Craving a taste of Italy in the heart of the Middle East? Join us on a delectable journey as we uncover the top Italian restaurants sprinkled across the region. From the bustling streets of Dubai to the charming corners of Beirut, get ready to explore the culinary gems that bring the flavors of Italy to your doorstep.
EGYPT
BOTANICA
Tucked away within the serene landscape of El Gouna, Botanica is more than a restaurant, it’s a destination designed to slow you down and reconnect you with nature through food, setting, and atmosphere. Surrounded by greenery and infused with a relaxed yet refined energy, Botanica brings a fresh, contemporary approach to dining in one of Egypt’s most sought-after coastal towns.
botanica_elgouna
CANTINA BY OLIVO
A modern take on rustic Italian fare, known for its wood-fired pizzas and cozy atmosphere. Nestled in a lively district, the venue offers a casual yet stylish vibe. Their antipasti and house-made tiramisu are crowd favorites.
ITALIANO BY PIER88
Upscale and chic, this restaurant merges Italian elegance with Nile-side views and refined dining. It features live entertainment and a carefully curated wine list. The menu is rich with Northern Italian specialties.
LA TRATTORIA
A charming, classic trattoria-style restaurant offering traditional dishes and a warm ambiance. Frequented by locals and tourists alike, it captures the essence of Italian hospitality. The pasta carbonara is a standout.
JORDAN
NEO CUCINA ITALIANA
A sleek, modern kitchen redefining traditional Italian recipes with innovative touches. With chic interiors and an experimental menu, it appeals to food connoisseurs. Expect artful plating and bold flavors.
PADOVA
Named after the Northern Italian city, Padova is known for its rich risottos and sophisticated ambiance. Their truffle-based dishes are especially praised. The wine list is extensive and thoughtfully paired.
ROBERTO’S
A high-end dining experience offering refined Italian dishes in a luxurious, stylish space. The décor is inspired by Milanese fashion and design. Signature cocktails and curated menus elevate the experience.
ROMERO
A Jordanian favorite for decades, Romero blends rustic Italian charm with impeccable hospitality. The garden seating is particularly popular. Guests rave about the homemade pasta and warm service.
KUWAIT
PAPARAZZI
Kuwait’s culinary landscape has a sophisticated new addition: Paparazzi, a concept by Nejoud Restaurant Management that transports diners to the glamorous era of 1970s Milan.
PRINCIPALE RISTORANTE DI NINO
Upscale dining with a refined, minimalist setting and elegant traditional dishes. The ambiance is quiet and exclusive, perfect for business lunches. The chef’s tasting menu showcases Italian finesse.
TABLE OTTO
A fusion bistro offering creative Italian-inspired dishes in a modern, artistic atmosphere. Known for its trendy vibe and inventive cocktails. Combines Italian techniques with global flavors for a unique twist.
LEBANON
AMAVI
Contemporary Italian with a Lebanese twist, ideal for gourmet lovers and creative cuisine seekers. The décor is sleek with a coastal influence. Don’t miss the lobster ravioli and pistachio gelato.
GAVI
A luxurious experience with bold flavors, elegant interiors, and a menu influenced by Milanese cuisine. A favorite for high-end events and private dining. Known for its beef carpaccio and fine wines.
MARINELLA
A coastal Italian vibe offering seafood-rich plates and homemade pastas in a vibrant setting. The ambiance is lively and colorful. Ideal for leisurely weekend brunches.
MARIO E MARIO
A family-style trattoria evoking homey Italian kitchens with hearty portions and rustic charm. The red-checkered tablecloths add a nostalgic touch. Great for group dining.
PIZZARIA
A family-style trattoria evoking homey Italian kitchens with hearty portions and rustic charm. The red-checkered tablecloths add a nostalgic touch. Great for group dining.
SAPORI E VINI
A wine-focused restaurant pairing classic dishes with an extensive selection of Italian wines. The wine cellar is impressive. Cheese boards and pasta pairings are highly recommended.
TAVOLINA
A small bistro that delivers big on flavor, known for its pizzas and relaxed, intimate feel. Regulars love the outdoor seating. The tiramisu is a house specialty.
VICOLI
A stylish restaurant capturing the essence of Italy’s narrow streets with cozy décor and rich flavors. Walls adorned with vintage photos add charm. Pasta and risotto selections are top-notch.
OMAN
CAPRI COURT
High-end dining with Amalfi Coast flair, offering elegant dishes and seaside-inspired design. The service is impeccable. Seafood dishes shine here, particularly the grilled octopus.
MESA
High-end dining with Amalfi Coast flair, offering elegant dishes and seaside-inspired design. The service is impeccable. Seafood dishes shine here, particularly the grilled octopus.
ROBERTO’S
High-end dining with Amalfi Coast flair, offering elegant dishes and seaside-inspired design. The service is impeccable. Seafood dishes shine here, particularly the grilled octopus.
TOMATO
Casual, poolside Italian offering refreshing dishes perfect for relaxed afternoons and light bites. Its wood-fired pizzas and summer salads are especially popular. Great for family-friendly dining.
TUSCANY
Rich, opulent décor and a menu that pays tribute to the region of Tuscany’s culinary heritage. The candlelit ambiance is ideal for romantic evenings. Known for its slow-cooked meat dishes.
QATAR
IL GALANTE
A tribute to refined Italian traditions, blending artful presentation with classic recipes. Located in a luxury hotel, the setting is grand and inviting. Perfect for business dinners and celebrations.
LA SPIGA BY PAPER MOON
Modern and minimalist, offering a curated menu of high-quality ingredients and signature dishes. The service is polished and professional. Guests love the fresh pasta and truffle dishes.
SCARPETTA
A sleek, globally recognized name known for its bold pastas and upscale ambiance. The signature tomato and basil spaghetti is iconic. Ideal for discerning diners and culinary explorers.
SAUDI ARABIA
ALTOPIANO
A contemporary Italian eatery offering elegant, elevated versions of regional specialties. The ambiance is serene and modern. A favorite for corporate meals and fine dining.
AZZURRO
Luxurious and timeless, Azzurro features a regal setting and a menu full of refined classics. Located in a five-star hotel. Standout dishes include truffle risotto and osso buco.
CIPRIANI
World-renowned for its elegance, Cipriani is an iconic Italian experience with impeccable service. From Bellinis to carpaccio, it’s a celebration of Venetian cuisine. Celebrities often frequent this spot.
CUCINA
World-renowned for its elegance, Cipriani is an iconic Italian experience with impeccable service. From Bellinis to carpaccio, it’s a celebration of Venetian cuisine. Celebrities often frequent this spot.
IL BARETTO
A trendy hotspot with London roots, bringing stylish Italian dining to the heart of the kingdom. The interiors are sleek and modern. Great for a night out with friends or business dinners.
MADEO
A celebrity favorite known for its rich, authentic flavors and upscale dining vibe. Originally from LA, it brings that Hollywood glamour. Their Bolognese is legendary.
SANTINI
A family-run Italian classic delivering gourmet meals with heartfelt service and heritage recipes. Cozy yet sophisticated. Excellent wine pairings enhance the experience.
SIGNOR SASSI
An Italian fine dining gem with a reputation for quality and charm, rooted in London origins. Known for its theatrical presentation and bold flavors. A feast for all senses.
UAE
FELICITA
More than just a restaurant, Felicità is a bold fusion of food, design, music, and culture—bringing the vibrant soul of Southern Italy to the heart of Dubai’s skyline.
GUSTO
Nestled at the intersection of refined taste and comforting familiarity, Gusto redefines the dining experience by artfully bridging the worlds of fine dining and casual eateries.
ISABELLA CUCINA ITALIANA
A modern and fresh interpretation of Italian cuisine with a focus on seasonal dishes. A cozy spot for intimate gatherings. Known for its burrata and fresh seafood options.
JAMIE’S ITALIAN GCC
Jamie Oliver’s vibrant, family-friendly concept offering hearty Italian favorites with flair. Ideal for all ages. The handmade pastas and funky interiors create a lively vibe.
LIMONATA
Inspired by the Amalfi Coast, this beachside restaurant offers colorful plates and sunny vibes. Think seafood linguine and lemon tarts under palm trees. Perfect for relaxed afternoons.
LUCIA’S
A garden-themed Italian restaurant known for its cheerful ambiance and bold, flavorful plates. The courtyard dining is a visual treat. Great for brunches and group dinners.
MARINI
High-end and intimate, Marini excels in traditional dishes executed with precision and grace. Elegant interiors and candlelight create a romantic setting. Try their saffron risotto and panna cotta.
MONNO
A minimalist space with avant-garde takes on Italian cuisine, ideal for foodies and design lovers. Plating is artistic and flavors are bold. Great for culinary adventurers.
ROBERTO’S DUBAI
A culinary icon blending modern Italian flavors with Dubai’s glamorous dining scene. Located in DIFC, it’s a hotspot for the elite. The truffle pizza and seafood platters are must-haves.
