Located opposite the Dubai Marina, Bluewaters Island is an upmarket retail, leisure and dining destination home to a wealth of shops, hotels, entertainment and restaurants. It’s here where you’ll find Alici, a stylish Italian seafood restaurant with spectacular views of the Arabian Gulf and Dubai’s impressive skyline. The menu champions the cuisine of southern Italy, with a focus on fresh fish and seafood – hence the name Alici or ‘anchovy’. The concept is designed to make guests feel as though they are dining along the shores of the Amalfi coast.
Inside, a clean colour palette of whites and creams offers a relaxing oasis in which to dine on its southern Italian dishes. Pale blue and white pinstriped seating offer a beachy vibe, while bone-hued chandeliers ensure the space is not without opulence. In contrast to the muted colour scheme is a brightly-coloured, hyper-realistic painting of the Amalfi Coast, which functions as the main focal point of the space.
You might like to start your meal with a couple of dishes from the crudo bar, such as raw mazara prawns with blood orange and radish, or simply a selection of oysters and caviar. From the starters list, dishes might include fried anchovies, sautéed baby squid with datterino tomatoes and basil, and flat bread with black truffle, stracchino cheese and chives.
Main are largely split between pasta and risotto, pizza and main courses. From the former, this might include burrata and cod ravioli, cavatelli with broccolini, bluefin tuna and toasted breadcrumbs, or spaghetti alla vongole. While secondi includes the likes of grilled prawns with Alici dressing, seared scallops with roasted cauliflower, crispy beef bacon and shimeji mushrooms, and salt crusted seabass (to share).
Finally, choose from a selection of luxurious desserts to finish, from lemon mousse with vanilla soil to pistachio, chocolate and orange cannoli. Or simply enjoy an Italian digestif to round off your meal.