The 5 Best Pasta Restaurants in Dubai
Want to satisfy a craving or just visit a nice pasta restaurant in Dubai? We’ve got you covered with this list so keep your gastronomical bucket list ready!
Whether you want to eat a classic spaghetti, a light yet flavourful seafood pasta, or even lasagna, here are some of the best pasta restaurants in Dubai to check out!
How Much Does it Cost to Eat at a Pasta Restaurant in Dubai?
Eating out at a pasta restaurant in Dubai shouldn’t be too expensive. Unless you’re only sticking to luxurious fine dining restaurants, you should be able to find a place that makes fresh pasta with good ingredients at more affordable prices.
For our favourite pasta restaurants below, here’s a small table showing how much you might spend on one dish from their menu:
Choosing the Best Pasta Restaurants in Dubai
When it comes to finding the best pasta restaurants in Dubai, we’ve gathered our favourites based on the following factors:
1. L’Amo Bistro del Mare
| RATING | |
| FACILITIES | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| RESTAURANT EXPERIENCE | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| FOOD | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| AMBIANCE | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| CUSTOMER SERVICE | ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) |
| PROFESSIONALISM | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| WAITING TIMES | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| ACCESSIBILITY | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Prime Italian seafood can be found within the dining halls of the L’Amo Bistro del Mare. It brings the freshest ingredients and the charm of Southern Italy right to your tabletop and plate, either as a standalone dish or of course, as a pasta recipe.
The restaurant itself is rather pleasing to the eye, with a warm decor in beige and wood furniture, matching only the natural light that highlights the views of the skyline outside. We think these views make it a perfect place to watch the sunset afterwards.
With a menu promising fresh seafood and handmade pasta, we think no other item on the menu captures it better than the cacio & pepe e ricci spaghetti– featuring sea urchin and pecorino cheese.
Of course, non-seafood fans are accounted for, as well. The tagliolini al tartufo pasta mixes their homemade tagliolini pasta ribbons with a good amount of seasonal truffles, making for a light but flavorful meal.
The dessert menu doesn’t fall behind in quality, either. The tiramisu is served tableside and in front of the customers, making for a rather good presentation aside from being very tasty.
Expect some waiting times for your dishes and for seating however as the restaurant can be quite packed. Likewise, some customers have also reported waiting for around half an hour to finalise a reservation over the phone.
Overall, those with a taste for seafood and pasta will definitely not want to miss out on a meal at the L’Amo Bistro– experiencing the best of chic seaside dining and fresh, homemade pasta.
Pros
- Impressive variety of dishes
- Excellent view of the Dubai Harbor
Cons
- Takes some time to respond to phone calls and inquiries
- Some long waiting times for certain dishes
Customer Reviews
Definitely the best seafood restaurant in Dubai so far.
“Definitely the best seafood restaurant in Dubai so far. The place is wonderful and the view is breathtaking.” – Lucrezia Salusti
It was an unforgettable experience
“When Michel and I went for the first time, it was an unforgettable experience. Already by the delicacy of the dishes prepared but also by the presentation of the fish stall” – Benjamin Limbourg
2. Al Muntaha
| RATING | |
| FACILITIES | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| RESTAURANT EXPERIENCE | ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) |
| FOOD | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| AMBIANCE | ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) |
| CUSTOMER SERVICE | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| PROFESSIONALISM | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| WAITING TIMES | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| ACCESSIBILITY | ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) |
Located on the 27th floor of the famous Burj Al Arab, guests can easily get a luxurious pasta experience at the Al Muntaha restaurant.
Floor to ceiling windows decorating the restaurant ensure that anyone sitting by can enjoy the views of the Jumeirah coastline. The elegant decor and bright colours within the restaurant invoke the image of fine dining.
With a menu curated by chef Saverio Sbaragli, the dishes featured in the restaurant mostly take their influences from French and Italian cuisine, with a few Mediterranean influences, such as their langoustine royale, with coco beans and onion consomme.
The standout pasta dish at Al Muntaha would definitely be their signature ravioli. This luxurious pasta dish features ravioli stuffed with guinea fowl and accompanied by Parmesan cream.
We think the rest of the menu is just as delightful– as an alternative to the ravioli, their Lighthouse pasta with bluefin tuna and parmesan and mango makes for a unique tasting experience.
Of course, fine dining doesn’t come cheap, so the prices in the restaurant are on the expensive side.
Additionally, larger groups may sometimes find it hard to sit near each other when walking in. We think it’s best to call ahead and reserve in advance when coming in with a bigger group of ten or more.
Overall, Al Muntaha remains as a fine dining restaurant at the pinnacle of luxury– from the views and the height to the elegant and unique dishes presented.
Pros
- Excellent service from the staff
- Wide and spacious dining area
Cons
- Dishes are quite expensive
- Party size limit makes it complicated for bigger groups
Customer Reviews
Food was thoughtfully crafted, beautifully presented, and delicious
“Food was thoughtfully crafted, beautifully presented, and delicious. Portion sizes were not large but it allowed you to try a variety of foods.” – Victor Wang
Lives up to its Michelin star
“Lives up to its Michelin star. The view from the restaurant is spectacular and hence lunch is recommended as opposed to dinner.” – S Pasha
3. Il Pastaio
| RATING | |
| FACILITIES | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| RESTAURANT EXPERIENCE | ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) |
| FOOD | ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) |
| AMBIANCE | ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) |
| CUSTOMER SERVICE | ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) |
| PROFESSIONALISM | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| WAITING TIMES | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| ACCESSIBILITY | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Previously established back in 1993 in Los Angeles, Il Pastaio, literally translating to “the pasta maker”, is one of the leading pasta restaurants in Dubai. It is located in the very heart of the city itself at Al Habtoor.
With a clean, bright interior consisting of mostly white walls and comfortable leather seating, we think Il Pastaio certainly brings about a cosy, homely feel, living up to its slogan: providing a taste of family.
The menu, drawing from its Sicilian origins, is filled with authentic Italian dishes, made with only the freshest ingredients. The restaurant’s main appeal lies in their special table side service where they make the pasta fresh in front of the customers.
The best example of this in the menu would be the truffle and cheese pasta– with the added bonus of it being served on a cheese wheel or brick for a rather unique presentation.
For a nice counterbalance to all the savoury dishes, the desserts at Il Pastaio are also impressive. We recommend the tiramisu served in a small glass with mascarpone cream, or the passion fruit cheesecake with wild berries.
That being said, the restaurant’s portion sizes tend to be on the smaller side for the price– and the waiting times, reported by a few other customers, can get quite long in-between courses.
Overall, fans of pasta will definitely not want to pass up on Il Pastaio, as it has by far the most pasta variations, along with the interesting table side presentation of how the dish itself is made, which is always entertaining.
Pros
- Live show provides added entertainment
- Great service by the staff as well as valet parking option
Cons
- Some portions are quite small
- Takes some time to serve some of the dishes
Customer Reviews
The perfect spot for a business lunch
“The homemade pasta is not only delicious but is made in front of the customers and the location is cozy and chic, making il pastaio the perfect spot for a business lunch” – noemi leone
The food is amazingly delicious
“If you want to experience the authentic Italian feeling, then head to Il Pastaio! The food is amazingly delicious, fresh and the truffle pasta is prepared right in front of your eyes.” – Lara
4. Il Borro Tuscan Bistro
| RATING | |
| FACILITIES | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| RESTAURANT EXPERIENCE | ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) |
| FOOD | ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) |
| AMBIANCE | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| CUSTOMER SERVICE | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| PROFESSIONALISM | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| WAITING TIMES | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| ACCESSIBILITY | ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) |
Taking inspiration from the Ferragamo family’s Tuscan estate, Il Borro Tuscan Bistro is one pasta restaurant to check out. The restaurant takes pride in their authentic flavours and farm-to-table ingredients.
The restaurant is clean and modern, with a beige interior and soft, white chairs, illuminated quite well by the windows and the warm indoor lighting. Its position just near the Turtle Lagoon ensures a relaxed dining experience in our opinion.
The menu features a good amount of Tuscan classics, with the restaurant’s own modern twist on them. The ingredients used come directly from Il Borro’s organic farm, like the olive oil used in their Burrata di Andria truffle dish.
They also have a wide variety of pasta on their menu, all of it handmade and each coming with its own unique sauces. The pappardelle pasta is quite the crowd favourite, as it is served with slow-cooked veal ragout and pecorino cheese.
Lastly, one more dish that can’t be passed up on within the bistro is their special torta al formaggio fresco cheesecake, featuring Tahiti vanilla pods and blueberry compote. It is very tender and light, yet packed with flavour.
Of course, all of these can be quite expensive compared to other nearby places.
With how the restaurant’s interior is spaced, however, keep in mind that the proximity of the tables makes for a somewhat loud ambiance. Fortunately, we found that customers can make a reservation ahead to secure a quieter spot.
That being said, the Il Borro Tuscan Bistro is still definitely worth a visit, especially for those who value fresh, organic ingredients and unique takes on all their favourite dishes.
Pros
- Great number of vegetarian options
- Attentive front of house service
Cons
- Can be quite expensive
- Ambiance is a bit loud inside the restaurant
Customer Reviews
I am impressed with the attitude
“I am grateful to the staff who always welcome me with a lovely smile. I am impressed with the attitude of being proud of the food and ingredients, and above all, the pride.” – MeiMei Merry
The food is exceptional
“The food is exceptional, you can never go wrong with the grilled octopus and truffle pasta.” – Faye Valdehuesa
5. Basta
| RATING | |
| FACILITIES | ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) |
| RESTAURANT EXPERIENCE | ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) |
| FOOD | ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) |
| AMBIANCE | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| CUSTOMER SERVICE | ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) |
| PROFESSIONALISM | ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) |
| WAITING TIMES | ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) |
| ACCESSIBILITY | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
With its inspirations hailing from everywhere to a Florentine steakhouse to a Neapolitan pizzeria, the Basta Italian restaurant promises modern twists on beloved Italian classics, mixing a cozy atmosphere with authentic flavors.
The interior of the restaurant is very modern, with floor to ceiling windows that allow guests access to the beautiful views outside. With tasteful decor and natural lighting, Basta has also been noted to be particularly photogenic.
The menu curated by chef Stefano Micocci features fresh pasta, pizza, and steaks that’s said to melt in the mouth easily. The beef pepperoni pizza with mushroom and provolone is noted to be quite good value for money.
Of the artisanal pasta dishes on the menu, the seafood pasta with Tagliolini prawns and olive oil is a standout, along with the rigatoni cacio e pepe with pecorino romano and parmesan cheese. Both feature fresh, homemade pasta.
Basta is also well-known for its good business lunch options and events– the lunch set menu in particular already includes the customer’s choice of one antipasto, main, and dessert for a low price. The penne arrabbiata as a main course is quite delicious.
We think some may find the portions to be a bit smaller than other pricier places though.
Additionally, booking the place for a larger gathering may take a bit longer. After all, they don’t have a lot of tables capable of accommodating larger parties so they do need time to set it up.
Basta overall is a good place to sit down with a plate of artisanal pasta should you ever find yourself in the Business Bay area, or are staying at the St. Regis Downtown– the experience and menu is definitely worth it.
Pros
- Great value in their set menus
- Wide variety of items depending on your cravings
Cons
- We think the portions are a bit on the smaller sides
- Limited seating for larger parties
Customer Reviews
It’s literally my new favourite brunch in the city
“I went to this restaurant located at the St. Regis Downtown for brunch. It’s literally my new favourite brunch in the city. The selection of food is just wow!” – Olga Apostolova
Is one of the best Saturday brunch in Dubai
“Is one of the best Saturday brunch in Dubai, an authentic Italian restaurant, the pasta was delicious, the same as the crepes” – Juliana Benavidez
FAQs about Pasta Restaurants in Dubai
We hope you enjoyed these impressive restaurants and their dishes! While you’re at it, check some of our other food guides, like our list of the best pizza delivery in Dubai here!