Dubai, UAE | July 8th, 2025
Pasta varieties you’ve never tried before – only at il Pastaio
When it comes to authentic Italian cuisine in Dubai, few places rival the elegance and culinary heritage of il Pastaio, located in the heart of Al Habtoor City. Originally from Beverly Hills and a favorite among global celebrities like Justin Bieber and Gigi Hadid, il Pastaio brings a distinctive slice of Italy to Dubai’s vibrant dining scene. But what truly sets this iconic restaurant apart is its rare and handcrafted pasta varieties – many of which you likely haven’t encountered before.
A legacy of Italian craftsmanship
il Pastaio’s story begins with the renowned Drago family, who opened the original location in Beverly Hills in the 1990s. Their philosophy was simple: serve traditional Italian dishes made with passion, precision, and premium ingredients. In Dubai, this legacy continues with a refined dining experience that is both warm and upscale, paired with a pasta menu that celebrates Italy’s lesser-known regions and forgotten culinary gems.
While most restaurants focus on familiar favorites like spaghetti or penne, il Pastaio dares to go beyond, offering the best pasta in Dubai through unique shapes, sauces, and regional inspirations that even seasoned foodies may not have tried before.
Handcrafted pasta you won’t find anywhere else
Here are a few standout selections that go far beyond the ordinary:
1. Orecchiette alla Gricia
From central Italy, this pasta – meaning “little ears” – is traditionally served with a minimalist yet bold combination of crispy beef bacon, pecorino cheese, and toasted black pepper. The texture of the orecchiette allows the sharp and salty flavors to nestle beautifully into each fold, creating a surprisingly rich dish without a heavy sauce.
2. Cavatelli Zia Margherita
This homemade southern Italian pasta is small, rolled, and slightly curved – perfect for catching creamy sauces. il Pastaio elevates it with double cream, beef speck, and cardoncelli mushrooms, resulting in a velvety, creamy pasta experience that’s luxurious and earthy all at once.
3. Spaghetti in crosta
An inventive twist on classic seafood spaghetti, this version is served beneath a crispy, golden crust that seals in the intense flavors of shrimp, scallops, mussels, calamari, and crab meat. Once cracked open, it reveals a rich tomato base bursting with ocean freshness and Mediterranean charm.
4. Tonnarelli alla Carbonara
il Pastaio’s take on the Roman classic swaps traditional guanciale with smoked beef bacon and adds depth through red onions and a mix of pecorino and Parmigiano cheeses. The tonnarelli – similar to spaghetti but thicker and square-shaped – offers a perfect al dente bite.
5. Fettuccine tricolore
A tribute to the Italian flag, this tricolored pasta is as visually striking as it is flavorful. It’s infused with veal ragù, cardoncelli mushrooms, and cream, offering a hearty and balanced dish with richness, earthiness, and a touch of sweetness.
Celebrity-inspired flavors
You can’t talk about il Pastaio without mentioning its flair for creativity and pop culture influence. The Paccheri alla Justin Bieber, a fan favorite, features large tube-shaped pasta in a signature pink sauce. It’s playful, satisfying, and perfectly blends modern taste with classic Italian technique.
For cheese lovers, the Agnolotti – green ravioli filled with mushrooms, ricotta, and burrata—served with truffle cheese fondue is pure decadence. This dish combines texture, richness, and aromatic depth in every bite.
Why il Pastaio stands out in Dubai’s pasta scene
Dubai’s culinary landscape is competitive, but il Pastaio holds a special place for several reasons:
- Authenticity with innovation: Every dish reflects genuine Italian roots, yet surprises with modern flair.
- Authenticity with innovation: Every dish reflects genuine Italian roots, yet surprises with modern flair.
- Rare regional dishes: By offering pastas like tonnarelli, cavatelli, orecchiette, and agnolotti, il Pastaio introduces diners to regions of Italy that rarely get representation outside the country.
- Creamy and comforting options: For those who love rich, indulgent flavors, dishes like Cavatelli Zia Margherita and Fettuccine Tricolore offer the perfect creamy pasta fix—without sacrificing authenticity.
More than just a meal
Dining at il Pastaio is more than trying new pasta varieties – it’s a journey through Italy’s culinary history, elevated by luxurious interiors, warm service, and a carefully curated wine list. Whether you’re an Italian food connoisseur or simply looking for the best pasta in Dubai, this is a destination that promises to surprise and delight.
From baked fusilli with fried eggplant and meatballs to delicate ravioli options in butter sage cream or tangy tomato sauce, there’s a dish for every palate. But for the adventurous diner, il Pastaio is a playground of discovery. These aren’t just pasta dishes – they’re handcrafted stories on a plate.
Final thoughts
If you think you’ve tried all the pasta Dubai has to offer, think again. il Pastaio introduces a refined, adventurous, and truly Italian approach to dining that’s rare to find outside of Italy. With pasta shapes you’ve never heard of and flavor combinations you’ll instantly crave again, this is where tradition meets innovation – one forkful at a time.
Visit il Pastaio, Dubai, to discover pasta varieties you never knew existed, and taste why this Beverly Hills legend has become a must-visit destination in the heart of Dubai.
