What a time for the foodies of Dubai!
Diners in Dubai, rejoice. The much-awaited Italian restaurant and lounge have now opened their doors in the heart of DIFC. Brought to Dubai by the leading Italian hospitality company Mine & Yours Group, the new DIFC restaurant, bar and lounge features a state-of-the-art open-plan kitchen, Chef’s table, and what is known to be the largest wine cellar in the region, Chic Nonna Dubai is set to be more than just a charming Italian restaurant.
With impressive views of Burj Khalifa and the iconic Downtown Dubai, Chic Nonna welcomes you to an immersive dining experience filled with discovery and more. Whether you’re savouring traditional Italian flavours innovatively brought to life by Michelin-starred Chef Vito Mollica, tasting your way through an expansive wine cellar or appreciating the engaging live entertainment, Chic Nonna is the place to be.
Accompanying the largest wine cellar in the city is a separate Cigar Lounge, a secluded but intimate room that will serve as a socializing space for guests looking to unwind during their visits and after dinner. For an immersive dining experience, the venue offers an exclusive range of grapes, including premium Italian and international brands, which are housed in a stunning above-ground wine cellar display capable of storing over 4,000 bottles with 900 labels.
The culinary team, spearheaded by Group Culinary Director and Executive Chef Vito Mollica, along with Head Chef, Ilaria Zamperlin, are sure to turn heads with a menu designed to strike a harmonious balance between Italian culinary tradition and innovation.
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THE MUST-TRY DISHES AT CHIC NONNA DUBAI
While continuously paying homage to much-loved Italian flavours, Dubai diners can begin their journey at Chic Nonna Dubai with the Vitelo Tonnata; milk-fed veal cooked slowly to perfection, sliced on a plate, and topped with a homemade tonnata sauce (mayo and confit tuna blended together). The dish is completed with soft-boiled quail eggs, roasted bell peppers, and anchovy and caper dressing, and garnished with dill and oregano.
For mains, guests can choose to indulge in the Stuffed Quail; quail stuffed with chicken liver paté, slow cooked and roasted to perfection, served on a bed of creamy mashed potato, sautéed asparagus, and quail jus, finished with black truffle shavings, or the Roasted Veal Shank; a slow roasted veal shank glazed with luscious veal jus and fresh chives.
Pasta lovers in Dubai must try the Cavatelli Cacio e Pepe; a signature dish of Chef Vito. This is made with homemade cavatelli pasta, sautéed in pecorino cheese and black pepper sauce, topped with marinated Mazara red prawns and poached needle squid.
Another quintessential must-have dish at Chic Nonna is the Plin Ravioli al Tovagliolo; delicate homemade ravioli filled with a braised duck that is carefully pinched close (“plin” means “pinched” in local Piedmont dialect). Once cooked, the ravioli are served inside a folded linen napkin (tavagliolo) with a side of sage, butter, and duck jus.
Ending on an indulgently sweet note is a carefully curated dessert menu that features some of Italy’s most loved “Dolci” such as the Torta Della Nonna; a warm short tart filled with a decadent custard, caramelized pine nuts and zesty lemon compote, topped with homemade vanilla ice cream and candied lemons, or the Baba’, a delicious cake infused with a citrus and vanilla syrup topped with mixed berries and a vanilla Chantilly cream.
Email for reservations:
Location:
Dubai, DIFC, Gate Avenue
South Market, Zone D
Level 1 & Ground Floor
Unit 218 & 146.