An Unforgettable Culinary Journey at Il Ristorante - Niko Romito **
- Kira Jabri
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
Dubai, UAE
December 26th, 2025

Il Ristorante continues to hold a special place in our Jabri Fine Dining story. This was our third visit, twice for dinner, and once simply to enjoy a cocktail after an evening elsewhere because some restaurants are worth returning to even when you’re not hungry.
From the moment you step onto the terrace, the setting is undeniably breathtaking. The views, the calm elegance, and the quiet confidence of the room feel like glamour distilled, exactly as one would expect from Bulgari.
The service is where the experience truly shines. The team, largely Italian which adds authentication to the experience, brings a warmth and ease that feels both polished and personal. Nothing is rushed; nothing feels rehearsed, just seamless hospitality delivered with genuine charm. It’s refined without ever being stiff, luxurious without losing its soul.
On this visit, we chose to do something a little different and leaned into Il Menu Tartufo, a five-course journey celebrating the depth and elegance of white Alba truffle. The progression was absolute perfection, allowing the truffle to remain the star rather than an overpowering accent. Highlights included delicate emulsions, airy polenta with piemontese toma, and fresh tagliolini, all building toward richer, more grounding flavors.
The Vitello fondente con lenticchie, nocciola e tartufo bianco d’Alba stood out in particular. The combination of lentils, hazelnut, and white truffle was new for us and unexpectedly compelling while still unmistakably refined. It’s a dish that lingers in your memory long after the last bite.
Do yourself a favor and treat yourself to a cocktail while you are here. The “Le Parisian” will
forever hold a special place in our hearts and we plan on making this when we return to the US to remember our friends and the incredible experience at Il Ristorante.
We cannot express enough gratitude for the team who took such wonderful care of us. Emanuele, you were an absolute gem, we’ll be looking for you next time. And to Leonardo, Martina, Mateo, Francesca, and the rest of the team, it was truly a joy to see familiar faces again. Your warmth carried through the entire evening and made an already beautiful experience feel even more special.
At Il Ristorante, perfection isn’t loud, it’s intentional, elegant, incredibly delicious and you will leave a little sad the night had to end. If you are in Dubai, do not miss out on an evening at Il Ristorante.
Il Menu Tartufo
Emulsione di manzo e tartufo bianco d’Alba
Beef emulsion and white Alba truffle

Polenta soffiata con fonduta di toma piemontese e tartufo bianco d’Alba
Polenta with toma piemontese sauce and white Alba truffle

Tagliolino al burro e tartufo bianco d’Alba
Homemade tagliolini with butter and white Alba truffle

Special Surprise Dish
cavolfiore gratinato e nocciole

Vitello fondente con lenticchie, nocciola e tartufo bianco d’Alba
Veal fondant with lentils, hazelnut and white Alba truffle

Frolla alla nocciola, mousse al gianduja e tartufo bianco d’Alba
Hazelnut shortcrust, gianduja mousse and white Alba truffle

Panettone

July 29th, 2025

Our family has always cherished dining experiences that transcend mere meals, becoming moments of connection, discovery, and celebration. Our visit to Il Ristorante - Niko Romito in Dubai, located in the Bvlgari Hotel was a shining example of this, offering not only extraordinary cuisine but also an atmosphere of warmth and inclusion set alongside a beautiful harbor that has Il Ristorante on rotation whenever we are in Dubai.
From the moment we entered the elegantly designed space, we felt the unique blend of sophistication and comfort that defines Niko Romito’s vision. The ambiance set the stage for what would be an unforgettable culinary journey, showcasing the finest Italian flavors elevated to a level of artistry. Every detail, from the lighting to the curated décor, exuded elegance without feeling pretentious. To date, this has been the best wine pairing we have ever experienced.
What truly set this experience apart was the way the team embraced each member of our

family, including Emma. As food lovers who treasure these shared moments, it’s always special to find a restaurant that genuinely values inclusivity and makes every guest feel like they belong. At Il Ristorante, Emma’s presence was not only acknowledged but celebrated. The staff went above and beyond to ensure she felt as engaged in the experience as we were. They curated personalized touches, explaining the dishes with enthusiasm and answering her curious questions about ingredients and techniques. It was reminiscent of the exceptional hospitality we encountered at Le Bernardin—thoughtful, intuitive, and deeply human.

As we reflect on our evening, it’s clear that Il Ristorante - Niko Romito is more than a
Michelin-starred destination; it’s a place where food becomes a medium for connection and where every guest is treated like family. We left feeling not only delighted by the cuisine but also deeply grateful for the inclusive and welcoming spirit that defined our visit.
For anyone seeking a dining experience that captivates both the heart and the palate, we wholeheartedly recommend Il Ristorante - Niko Romito. In our opinion, this two-star gem is truly deserving of three-star recognition.




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