There aren't many ground-floor restaurants with a view like this. GIA, in the Dubai Mall, overlooks not only the Dancing Fountains but also the Burj Khalifa itself, making it one of the most romantic restaurants in the whole mall. Dine inside the chic, modern restaurant or head outside and eat under the stars on the expansive terrace. Either way, you will have an amazing view while you eat. At GIA, you'll experience cosmopolitan elegance and a refined menu of Italian classics that are sure to delight all styles of diner.
In the mornings, you'll find global favourites like eggs Benedict, granola or french toast, perfect for starting your day right at the Dubai Mall. For something a little more unusual, try the focaccia ala carbonara: focaccia topped with crispy bacon, parmesan, egg, capers and olives. Later on, there are lots of dishes ideal for sharing while you soak in the sun, such as burrata with baby tomatoes, melanzane parmigiana or arancini with arrabiata sauce and garlic aioli. Larger plates include the likes of fritto misto and pan-fried prawns with lemon and garlic sourdough, although it's all so good you probably won't want to share.
If you visit for a proper three-course meal, you might start with a seafood stew, featuring clams, mussels, shrimps, scallops and tomato, or perhaps a pear and rocket salad. From there, pasta comes next with options including a simple cacio e pepe or pesto right up to fancy options like sea urchin or lobster. Alternatively, you can opt for a risotto such as tomato and prawn or pumpkin with slow-cooked beef cheek. Mains include roast baby chicken, Wagyu tagliata or grilled sea bass fillet, although pizzas are also available for an extra hit of carbs. Finish with a classic Italian dessert like Tiramisu, cannoli or Tuscan profiteroles.