La Famiglia: How My Lunch At Chic Nonna Dubai Bloomed Into An Epic Italian Family Celebration
Brunch with pals is a blast, but with family, it's pure magic. This Sunday, I swung by Michellin Starred Restaurant in DIFC Chic Nonna for their legendary La Famiglia affair, a weekly feast that's nothing short of spectacular. And it quickly turned into a 'Chic Nom Nom' affair.
Every Sunday at Chic Nonna, there is a soul-stirring brunch adventure, steeped in the Italian art of long, leisure, lavish family gatherings. Chic Nonna's La Famiglia Sundays captures this essence perfectly, delivering a heartwarming experience inspired by Italian family traditions and perfect for summer get-togethers right here in the heart of Dubai — DIFC.
From the moment I arrived at noon, I was warmly welcomed and escorted to a cozy corner table. The ambience was inviting, with emerald green, black and yellow tones evoking a summery, Italian vibe. The restaurant was buzzing with the chatter of families — parents and children alike — savouring a delightful array of dishes.
Live music filled the air, complemented by free-flowing Italian beverages, creating an atmosphere that felt like a true celebration of la dolce vita. Chic Nonna captures the essence of Italian living — vibrant, generous, and full of flavour — making it the ideal setting for a family-style gathering.
They even set out an adorable little side table for my bag and shades — a tiny touch that speaks volumes about their meticulous care. It's these small gestures that show just how finely tuned their customer experience training is, making every moment feel extra special.
The Lip-Smacking Menu
The menu was a feast for the senses, designed for sharing to foster a sense of togetherness. We began with an assortment of starters that set the tone for the meal. The Polpette - Wagyu beef meatballs in a rich tomato sauce topped with Parmigiano Reggiano, were tender and bursting with flavour.
The Parmigiana, with its baked eggplant, mozzarella, and basil sauce, was a comforting classic. The Caprese Mozzarella featured organic tomatoes and creamy buffalo mozzarella drizzled with extra virgin olive oil, delivering a fresh and vibrant bite.
For seafood lovers, the Polipetti alla Luciana - baby octopus in tomato sauce with taggiasca olives and capers was a standout, as was the crispy Frittura di Calamari paired with bergamot mayonnaise. The Pizzetta al Tartufo, with its indulgent black truffle and buffalo mozzarella, was a luxurious treat.
The pasta course continued the sharing theme. The Lasagna Tradizionale, layered with bolognese sauce and Parmigiano Reggiano fondue, was hearty and nostalgic. The Orecchiette Cime di Rapa, with its homemade pasta and slightly bitter greens, offered a perfect balance of textures and flavour.
For the main course, each guest could choose their own dish. I opted for the Scaloppine ai Funghi, a tender veal sirloin with a rich mushroom sauce and porcini mushrooms that was earthy in taste. I needed a little pepper on it but for those who like it pure Italian way, can definitely dig in this dish.
My plus one opted about the Salmon Grilled, a perfectly seared fillet served with broccoli puree, asparagus, and a zesty lemon dressing. It was grilled to perfection, and the taste was brilliant, so I was told.
The meal concluded with a delightful selection of desserts from the Dessert Room, a sweet finale that left everyone smiling. You name it, you get it — Sfogliatelle, Tiramisu, Cannoli, Strawberry Tarts, Affogato, and a mix of milk, white and dark chocolate barks. I missed gelato though.
The kids even got a taste of green candy floss, that unfortunately I couldn't get my hands on. The grin, or I may say, green was pure bliss.
What truly elevated the experience was the staff's exceptional care, especially with the children. They were hands-on, providing drawing books and a dedicated space for kids to play, keeping them engaged and happy.
Our server patiently explained the menu with enthusiasm, ensuring we understood each dish's flavours and ingredients. The staff's warm, welcoming demeanour made the three-hour brunch feel like a grand celebration with familia, blending authentic Italian hospitality with Dubai's vibrant summer spirit. The live Italian music and tempo just set the mood right. We were surprised that the time was running so quickly, and we thought we were just getting started.
Why travel to Italy for a unique food and vibe experience when you get all of it in Dubai? It's time to bring your family for a brunch that's as heartwarming as a hug from nonna. Every Sunday, Chic Nonna rolls out La Famiglia, a vibrant celebration of Italian-style family feasts. Inspired by Italy's tradition of leisurely, love-filled lunches, this is where connection and cuisine collide in the most traditional way.
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