Dubai, UAE | June 17th, 2022
Beverly Hills classic Italian that’s set up shop in Dubai
There’s something extra chic about the Los Angeles dining scene. Sophisticated restaurants that spill out on the streets, understated awnings and a cool vibe all make for the perfect setting for people watching. And although it’s not quite the same at this location in Dubai, the glam roadside terrace with white tablecloths gives it a good go.
This famous Italian restaurant is well-known from its LA home of Beverly Hills (where it sits just a couple of blocks from Rodeo Drive), which was set up by Sicilian family the Dragos in the early 1990s. And it’s now settled in Dubai, in Al Habtoor City.
The service is top-notch and dishes are homely yet refined at the same time, so make sure your order is a spread to share. Il Pastaio translates as “the pasta maker” so it would be churlish to shun the hand-made selection, which includes the signature arrabiata and pumpkin ravioli. The linguine con crostacei (lobster linguine) is a must-try and the unctuous, tomatoey pasta sauce studded with sweet tender shellfish is up there with the best renditions of the dish in the city.
Grills, salads, risottos, it’s all super-tasty, while the apple tart tatin with caramel sauce and ice cream is well-worth saving room.
While it doesn’t have quite the draw of the LA original, due to its tucked away location, it’s in an area that’s set to grow, so it’s one to keep on the radar for quality Italian cuisine.
Open daily noon-midnight.
www.ilpastaiodubai.ae (054 791 3320).
Source: Time Out Dubai
