Custom Panini
You can build your own panini, choosing exactly what goes into it.
IL Motto Deli
Jumeirah Beach Residence
IL Motto Deli is a small Italian deli in Jumeirah Beach Residence, known for authentic panini and focaccia sandwiches. It also works well for a relaxed aperitivo, with Italian cold cuts, cheese boards and wine in a calm setting.
Reputation Score
4.8
★★★★★
221 ratings
Source: Google Maps
The Good Stuff
Italian Focaccia
The focaccia sandwiches are repeatedly praised; Il Buono with mortadella is a standout.
Pork Charcuterie
Pork cold cuts, including porchetta and prosciutto, are an unusual draw for Dubai diners.
Aperitivo Deal
The two-hour drinks-and-charcuterie aperitivo offer is a popular way to settle in for an evening.
Wine Choice
Reviews mention more than 40 Italian wines, including a broad selection to pair with boards.
Cozy Setting
The small, peaceful room and relaxed atmosphere suit a quiet lunch, coffee or sunset drink.
Fresh Bread
One lunch review specifically found the sandwich bread fresh and crispy.
Tips for a Better Visit
Build Your Own. Ask about making your own panini if you want control over the fillings rather than choosing a set sandwich.
Try Il Buono. For a first focaccia, consider Il Buono with mortadella; it was one visitor’s favourite.
Confirm Aperitivo. If booking the aperitivo offer, confirm the platter and drinks details beforehand because one reservation was mishandled.
Allow Time. The deli may be worth a longer trip for fans of Italian sandwiches; one visitor travelled an hour to reach it.
Bring Your Car. Parking was described as worry-free by one diner, useful if you are visiting Jumeirah Beach Residence by car.
Plan the visit
Practical details
JA Ocean View Hotel Jumeirah Beach - The Walk
Marsa Dubai - Jumeirah Beach Residence, Dubai
Popular Mentions
Paninis
The paninis are a major draw, with reviewers describing them as authentic, meaty and among the best they have had.
Cheese platter
Cheese boards are a recurring pairing for wine and aperitivo, including a truffle cheese that one reviewer singled out.
Tiramisu
Tiramisu is mentioned as a worthwhile sweet option alongside pizza and drinks.
Common Concerns
Slow Service
One returning customer found service a little too slow, despite praising the food.
Offer Confusion
A reservation for the aperitivo offer was not handled as expected, and a second platter had to be requested.
Packing Error
One takeaway order included the half-eaten stub of another panini half, an unpleasant packing mistake.
Customer-reported prices
These are customer-reported mentions, not a current price list. Prices may have changed.
279dhs per couple
2hrs Aperol Spritz/prosecco and a charcuterie board
“We did the aperitivo offer of 2hrs Aperol Spritz/prosecco and a charcuterie board for 279dhs per couple”Google review · January 2024
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The Bottom Line
IL Motto Deli is a compact Italian corner in Jumeirah Beach Residence for proper panini, focaccia sandwiches and an unhurried aperitivo. The reviews make the sandwiches the clearest reason to visit: you can build your own panini, while Il Buono with mortadella and pork-filled options such as porchetta receive specific praise. Bread is described as fresh and crispy, and several diners highlight the Italian character of the food.
For a longer stop, order a charcuterie or cheese board with wine. The deli is noted for more than 40 varieties of Italian wine, and reviewers mention pork charcuterie, truffle cheese and a two-hour Aperol Spritz or prosecco aperitivo package. One reported price was 279dhs per couple for two hours of drinks and a charcuterie board, though that is a customer-reported past price rather than a current tariff.
The setting is small, cozy and peaceful, making it suitable for a quiet lunch, coffee or sunset drink. Service is often described as friendly and quick, but it is not perfectly consistent: one return visit found it slow, while another aperitivo reservation caused confusion over the number of platters. Confirm offer details before arriving, and check takeaway packing before leaving.