Dubai’s Brioso is a cosy, glamourous spot bringing a little bit of Italy’s la dolce vita in the heart of the old city. This classy eatery is located at the bottom of Dubai’s infamous Crowne Plaza, merely a stone’s throw from Dubai International Airport and Dubai World Trade Centre, and is ideal for tourists, residents and hotel guests alike.
The space is calm and welcoming, offering a unique contrast between the dark wood finishings and generous amount of natural light. Red chequered cloth napkins and black and white checked tiles behind the bar contribute to the authentic Italian atmosphere, as do the vingrant greenery and vintage barrels displaying several samples of Brioso’s extensive wine list.
Start with the classic antipasti buffet featuring a mix of hot and cold appetizers - expect bresaola with shaved zucchini, beef carpaccio, marinated shrimps with tomato and basil, and caprese salad, as well as a selection of soups. Try the signature Insalata Brioso with artichokes, lettuce, rucola, pine nuts, datterini tomatoes and anchovy-lime dressing for a citrusy fresh taste of Italy.
The main course is a smorgasbord of hearty Italian fare made with the freshest ingredients in generous portions. Choose between saucy pastas and risotto, or oven-baked thin-crust pizzas, with stand-out options including the spaghetti ai frutti di mare, hand-crafted spinach gnocchi with basil cream, pollo e patate pizza, and the classic quattro formaggi. The pizzas are especially good, baked in a wood-fired pizza oven for mere minutes until the dough blisters and cheese melts gently on top.
The remaining specials on the menu truly get the mouth watering; pistachio crusted salmon with grilled zucchini, juicy beef tenderloin with balsamic reduction and parmesan potato gratin, seared chicken breast with blue cheese and fettuccine. One thing’s for sure: Brioso is not to be missed.