Roberto’s not only earns top-marks for looks, but its full cast of Italian chefs has also won awards, making it, for us, one of the best Italian restaurants in town. Book a candle-lit table in the corner and brace yourself for a leisurely six-course dinner.
Décor
Candle-lit tables, set with stiff white tablecloths are offset by minimalist furniture and floor-to-ceiling windows filling the restaurant with the bright lights of the city.
Ambience
The vast restaurant is separated into four areas, smoking, bar, outdoor-terrace and non-smoking – each offering a different experience. We sat in the non-smoking area, surrounded by candles, huge vases of peonies and far enough away from the bustling bar that we were able to enjoy the hum of activity but could also hold a conversation.
Food
A four-course menu sounds a little daunting on Valentine’s evening, especially when you’re planning to wear your Sandro silk dress that’s a bit ‘clingy’ to say the least. Panic not, each course from the Roberto’s San Valentine menu comes in perfectly modest portions but what it lacks in size it gains in taste. For example the delicately presented scampi, seared and tartare, came topped with a sprinkling of courgette flowers, chopped mango and a drop of truffle caviar – pretty presentation, yet powerful in flavour.
From the oysters to lobster pasta and the main of turbot or a fillet of veal, all come with the Italian touch – a dash of Tuscan sauce here and a burst of Amalfi lemon there. What really stole the show was Roberto’s Dolce course, a bronze ball oozing with chocolate mousse, crunchy biscuit, caramel mango sauce and wild berries – the plate, full to the brim with chocolate and jelly shaped hearts and marshmallows would be enough to share.
Why Bother
The service is attentive, and if you’re out to impress then the welcome drink of pink bubbles will definitely set the tone for the evening ahead.
Go For
A lesson in Italian flavours, a romantic setting and if you want to make the evening last a little longer head over to the famed-cocktail bar.
Details
Roberto’s | DIFC | (04) 3860066
Roberto’s San Valentine’s menu costs Dhs600 per person
