Review: Alici Dubai, A Culinary Journey To Southern Italy In Dubai

As the sun begins to set, warm and golden, over the serene waters off Bluewaters Island, Alici makes its way to show the world what can be offered in Mediterranean charm, right in the middle of Dubai's ever-changing dining scene. More than just a meal, the restaurant, deep-rooted in Southern Italian tradition, brings an experience that whisks one right to the heart of the Amalfi Coast from the very shores of Dubai.

From the first step into Alici, one is immediately whisked away to some Italian coastal villa. This restaurant's décor itself is such that it teaches one reserved elegance, from cobalt blue pots overflowing with olive trees to crisp white linens draped over tables and blue-and-white striped chairs that whisper of Mediterranean summers. Endlessly chic yet inviting, with a feel-good space for guests to get relaxed and indulge themselves in Southern Italian coastal charm, this location is a true haven.

The setting, quite literally, is simply breathtaking. Tucked away on Bluewaters Island, Alici boasts soaring views over the JBR skyline, while the glinting waters of the Arabian Gulf are ever-present. As you dine either indoors or on the broad, sweeping terrace, the backdrop is breathtaking and somehow lends an air of celebration to every meal.

A Celebration of Southern Italian flavours

Alici's menu is a gastronomic love letter to the deep traditions of Southern Italy but, more than any other, it celebrates the freshness and brightness of the Mediterranean Sea. It's seafood heaven, but what emerges from the kitchen is just a screed on the restaurant's commitment to sustainability and quality.

Begin with the crudo selection, a spread of fresh seafood delicacies like Dibba Bay oysters, tuna carpaccio, and tartares, each done with finesse to show off the inherently great flavour of the seafood, purely and without frills.

The pastas at Alici are truly exceptional, but one dish stands out: spaghetti alla 'chitarra' con ricci e ricciola. It's a dish of hand-cut pasta served in deep immersion in the rich, salty flavours of sea urchin and amberjack, all tempered with the zest of an Amalfi lemon, perfectly al dente. It is, somehow, Southern Italian simplicity and profound flavour squared.

For the main event, seafood aficionados will be spoiled for choice. There are several grilled and roasted options from which to choose—each one prepared with the same type of attention to detail that has become characteristic of everything else on this menu. So whether you go for the catch of the day or one of their signature dishes, it's going to be a truly epicurean celebration of the bounties of the sea.

For dessert, the cannoli at Alici are not to be missed. Served as a trio, the delicate shells—crisp and golden—come filled with a variety of creams, including rich chocolate, nutty pistachio, and fragrant orange. It's a dessert perfect for sharing, though you may find yourself reaching for it again and again.

While Alici's food is undoubtedly the star of the show, beverage-wise, it has been thoughtfully curated to complement the menu. Whether it's any of the classic Italian sodas, refreshing mocktails, or thoughtfully chosen teas, the options are such that they can elevate flavour profiles without overpowering a dish. Attentive staff are always at hand to recommend, thus ensuring your beverage perfectly complements your meal.

Sunday Brunch

This Sunday brunch at Alici is something which no indulgent eater on the lookout for a languid weekend meal would want to pass up. Beginning with its brunch menu, this was a celebration of Mediterranean flavours in a series of courses that let one sample only the finest at Alici.

It starts with a raw seafood selection: local Dibba Bay oysters, tuna tartare, and fresh sea bass—all of which speaks to the quality and freshness of ingredients. Further courses only get more complex in flavour, offering a true taste of the Mediterranean.

It's more than just a meal; it's a journey when one dines at Alici. From ingredients and their processing to every dish, one could feel the authenticity in the restaurant. The coastal-inspired decor and expansive views create a perfect setting for ambience that feels as much luxury as comfort.

As you take your last nibble of the cannoli or sip on your thoughtfully chosen beverage, one thing will strike you about the whole experience. Alici doesn't just transport you to the Amalfi Coast; it brings a piece of Italy down to Dubai, piecing through an evening of dining as glorious as it is delicious.

Alici has quickly established itself as one of Dubai's finest dining destinations, and quite rightly so. It is a spellbinding assimilation of authenticity and elegance—thus, a must-visit for anyone who relishes quality food in good surroundings with good service.

In a city that is home to one of the world's most cosmopolitan and vibrant dining scenes, Alici rises to be that beacon where you step away from the madness that is Dubai and experience a taste of the Mediterranean, never having to leave the UAE in search of it. It is a restaurant that provides and promises a general dining experience lingering long after a meal is over—the real magic of Southern Italian cuisine coming alive upon the shores of Dubai.