Italian storytelling
Waiters explain each product, its origin and the background of the dishes, adding context to the set-menu experience.
Il Ristorante - Niko Romito
Jumeirah
Il Ristorante – Niko Romito is an Italian fine-dining restaurant at Bulgari Resort Dubai in Jumeirah. Guests come for tasting menus and dishes such as Linguine with Lobster and Red Prawns, alongside polished service, an elegant setting and a marina-facing view.
Reputation Score
4.0
★★★★☆
299 ratings
Source: Google Maps
The Good Stuff
Elegant setting
The atmosphere is consistently described as calm, romantic and serene, with open-air doors, soft lighting and a marina view.
Wine selection
The wine list is broad, with strong by-the-glass choices and pairings that several diners enjoyed.
Lobster dishes
The Linguine with Lobster and Red Prawns and the Warm Blue Brittany Lobster Salad were praised for freshness, flavour and preparation.
Celebration care
The team has marked birthdays and family occasions with thoughtful touches, including a personalised signed menu and a gift for a child.
What to Eat at Il Ristorante - Niko Romito How we choose these items We use AI to find praise and criticism of specific foods and drinks in a selection of Google reviews. For Il Ristorante - Niko Romito, this list is based on 50 reviews, not every review of the restaurant. The score is positive reviews minus negative reviews. For example, two positive reviews and one negative review give +1. Each review counts once per item; neutral comments do not change the score. A zero score is not a positive recommendation. “Only neutral feedback” means there are no positive or negative votes. “Mixed feedback” means equal numbers of positive and negative votes. The quotes are examples of what people said, not every comment we counted. We use different reviews where we can. We normally show up to 10 foods and 5 drinks with non-negative scores. Items with the same score stay together. If a tied group would go past the limit, that group and the lower non-negative scores go into Honorable mentions. If an overflowing positive top tie would leave the list empty, we show up to 10 items from that tie and keep the rest in Honorable mentions. Foods and drinks with a negative score are under What to Avoid. Use this as a guide to what reviewers liked, not a guarantee that you will like it too.
Foods and drinks mentioned in reviews of Il Ristorante - Niko Romito, ranked by positive reviews minus negative reviews. Zero-score items have no net positive feedback; their labels distinguish neutral-only from mixed feedback.
Food 10
-
Bread with ricotta and anchovies Net +1
“They served this amazing tomato gazpacho and the desserts were delicious… Really enjoyed their Negroni and bar snacks too… they had a delicious bread with ricotta and anchovies which was yum!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“They served this amazing tomato gazpacho and the desserts were delicious… Really enjoyed their Negroni and bar snacks too… they had a delicious bread with ricotta and anchovies which was yum!”July 2022
-
Chef’s menu Net +1
“Chef Carmine also came out as we ordered the Chef’s menu and he spent time telling us about the ingredients and dishes and the origins of the recipes. They were both exceptional hosts. The food was incredible and we enjoyed the evening not only because of the food but also the experience.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Chef Carmine also came out as we ordered the Chef’s menu and he spent time telling us about the ingredients and dishes and the origins of the recipes. They were both exceptional hosts. The food was incredible and we enjoyed the evening not only because of the food but also the experience.”April 2026
-
Freshly baked bread basket Net +1
“The freshly baked bread basket and bruschetta that they offer you prior are just delicious.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The freshly baked bread basket and bruschetta that they offer you prior are just delicious.”February 2023
-
Gospacho Net +1
“We had the veggie set menu and loved each course - a sort of gospacho, a mushroom starter, etc.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We had the veggie set menu and loved each course - a sort of gospacho, a mushroom starter, etc.”January 2026
-
Langustine pasta Net +1
“I can recommend the langustine pasta that is new on the menu its fantastic.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I can recommend the langustine pasta that is new on the menu its fantastic.”November 2023
-
Linguine with lobster and red prawns Net +1
“I tried the Linguine with Lobster and Red Prawns and the Warm Blue Brittany Lobster Salad with Zucchini, Mesclun and Pink Pepper, and both dishes were absolutely delicious, fresh, flavorful, and beautifully prepared.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I tried the Linguine with Lobster and Red Prawns and the Warm Blue Brittany Lobster Salad with Zucchini, Mesclun and Pink Pepper, and both dishes were absolutely delicious, fresh, flavorful, and beautifully prepared.”March 2026
-
Lobster and shrimp pasta Net +1
“Of the main courses, I took the lobster and shrimp pasta. The lobster was cooked to perfection. Absolutely delicious!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Of the main courses, I took the lobster and shrimp pasta. The lobster was cooked to perfection. Absolutely delicious!”August 2020
-
Pasta pomodoro Net +1
“If it’s your first time stick to their basic signature dishes like the Milanese and the pasta pomodoro.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“If it’s your first time stick to their basic signature dishes like the Milanese and the pasta pomodoro.”April 2025
-
Pasta with shrimp and lobster Net +1
“The pasta with shrimp and lobster was the only dish we enjoyed, but you'll find something similar at a dozen restaurants across Dubai at 1/3 the fuss.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The pasta with shrimp and lobster was the only dish we enjoyed, but you'll find something similar at a dozen restaurants across Dubai at 1/3 the fuss.”October 2022
-
Sardina red Net +1
“Wine pairing was very good and the Sardina Red was excellent from the glass.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Wine pairing was very good and the Sardina Red was excellent from the glass.”January 2024
Honorable mentions (10)
-
Scorpion fish Net +1
“The experience with the Vitello tonnato Milk fed veal with tuna sauce was awesome level, the lobster and shrimps sauce with linguine the main course was bit curious was my first time trying the Scorpion fish and definitely wise choice and the dessert options and drinks specials must try complicated to have only one.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The experience with the Vitello tonnato Milk fed veal with tuna sauce was awesome level, the lobster and shrimps sauce with linguine the main course was bit curious was my first time trying the Scorpion fish and definitely wise choice and the dessert options and drinks specials must try complicated to have only one.”June 2024
-
Sorbert mixed with the yogurt Net +1
“The food was divine! My favorite was the desserts they were so good, the sorbert mixed with the yogurt was fantastic.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The food was divine! My favorite was the desserts they were so good, the sorbert mixed with the yogurt was fantastic.”August 2020
-
Taste menu Net +1
“Highly recommend the taste menu the experience to soul of this restaurant.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Highly recommend the taste menu the experience to soul of this restaurant.”October 2025
-
Tomato gazpacho Net +1
“They served this amazing tomato gazpacho and the desserts were delicious… Really enjoyed their Negroni and bar snacks too… they had a delicious bread with ricotta and anchovies which was yum!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“They served this amazing tomato gazpacho and the desserts were delicious… Really enjoyed their Negroni and bar snacks too… they had a delicious bread with ricotta and anchovies which was yum!”July 2022
-
Tortellini Net +1
“The best dish we had is the tortellini but the rest were really average.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The best dish we had is the tortellini but the rest were really average.”June 2020
-
Tortellini de ricotta Net +1
“The only good dish was the Tortellini de Ricotta.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The only good dish was the Tortellini de Ricotta.”April 2021
-
Veggie set menu Net +1
“We had the veggie set menu and loved each course - a sort of gospacho, a mushroom starter, etc.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We had the veggie set menu and loved each course - a sort of gospacho, a mushroom starter, etc.”January 2026
-
Warm blue brittany lobster salad with zucchini, mesclun and pink pepper Net +1
“I tried the Linguine with Lobster and Red Prawns and the Warm Blue Brittany Lobster Salad with Zucchini, Mesclun and Pink Pepper, and both dishes were absolutely delicious, fresh, flavorful, and beautifully prepared.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I tried the Linguine with Lobster and Red Prawns and the Warm Blue Brittany Lobster Salad with Zucchini, Mesclun and Pink Pepper, and both dishes were absolutely delicious, fresh, flavorful, and beautifully prepared.”March 2026
-
Cheese plate Net 0
Only neutral feedback
“• The cheese plate felt average – 6/10”
Positive 0Negative 0Neutral 1
-
Fried squid Net 0
Only neutral feedback
“We had the pizza margarita, the eggplant, the fried squid, the carbonara, and the burrata. I loved the pizza as it was perfectly made and passed all tests. The eggplant was amazing and was like a vegan lasagna, the fried squid was ok, the carbonara was a disappointment because instead of being served straight from the pan it was served clumpy and cold.”
Positive 0Negative 0Neutral 1
Drinks 3
-
Champagne selection Net +1
“We had the wine pairing,i really like the champagne selection as aperitif as well.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We had the wine pairing,i really like the champagne selection as aperitif as well.”February 2026
-
Negroni Net +1
“They served this amazing tomato gazpacho and the desserts were delicious… Really enjoyed their Negroni and bar snacks too… they had a delicious bread with ricotta and anchovies which was yum!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“They served this amazing tomato gazpacho and the desserts were delicious… Really enjoyed their Negroni and bar snacks too… they had a delicious bread with ricotta and anchovies which was yum!”July 2022
-
Pizza margarita Net +1
“We had the pizza margarita, the eggplant, the fried squid, the carbonara, and the burrata. I loved the pizza as it was perfectly made and passed all tests.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We had the pizza margarita, the eggplant, the fried squid, the carbonara, and the burrata. I loved the pizza as it was perfectly made and passed all tests.”May 2021
What to Avoid (14)
Food 14
-
9-Course tasting menu Net −1
“We visited Il Ristorante – Niko Romito in Dubai (2 Michelin stars) and ordered the 9-course tasting menu, priced at AED 1,150 per person.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“We visited Il Ristorante – Niko Romito in Dubai (2 Michelin stars) and ordered the 9-course tasting menu, priced at AED 1,150 per person.”February 2026
-
Anti pasto Net −1
“Due to being still full from lunch, we decided on ordering the anti pasto for two, and was going to order main entrees and pasta dishes afterwards, based on how much more we can eat.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“Due to being still full from lunch, we decided on ordering the anti pasto for two, and was going to order main entrees and pasta dishes afterwards, based on how much more we can eat.”April 2023
-
Asparagus with cheese Net −1
“For example, what 2 Michelin star restaurant is going to serve asparagus with cheese without some creativity??”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“For example, what 2 Michelin star restaurant is going to serve asparagus with cheese without some creativity??”April 2023
-
Carbonara Net −1
“We had the pizza margarita, the eggplant, the fried squid, the carbonara, and the burrata. I loved the pizza as it was perfectly made and passed all tests. The eggplant was amazing and was like a vegan lasagna, the fried squid was ok, the carbonara was a disappointment because instead of being served straight from the pan it was served clumpy and cold.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“We had the pizza margarita, the eggplant, the fried squid, the carbonara, and the burrata. I loved the pizza as it was perfectly made and passed all tests. The eggplant was amazing and was like a vegan lasagna, the fried squid was ok, the carbonara was a disappointment because instead of being served straight from the pan it was served clumpy and cold.”May 2021
-
Cheese fondue with truffles Net −1
“The cheese fondue with truffles was especially overwhelming, more like a dense mass that just filled the stomach rather than something elegant or refined.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“The cheese fondue with truffles was especially overwhelming, more like a dense mass that just filled the stomach rather than something elegant or refined.”December 2025
-
Chocolate dessert with gold leaves Net −1
“Chocolate dessert with gold leaves … so déjà vu.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“Chocolate dessert with gold leaves … so déjà vu.”October 2022
-
Fish in lemon caper sauce Net −1
“I had the fish in lemon caper sauce, which came with *hot* lettuce in the same sauce atop the fish - it is described that way on the menu and for some reason I was hoping it would be different bc hot lettuce was weird lol so that’s on me!”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“I had the fish in lemon caper sauce, which came with *hot* lettuce in the same sauce atop the fish - it is described that way on the menu and for some reason I was hoping it would be different bc hot lettuce was weird lol so that’s on me!”July 2022
-
Fish with red peppers Net −1
“The fish with red peppers was weird and impossible to finish.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“The fish with red peppers was weird and impossible to finish.”October 2022
-
Glazed eggplant Net −1
“The glazed eggplant was barebones, almost undercooked, and far too simple.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“The glazed eggplant was barebones, almost undercooked, and far too simple.”October 2022
-
Long tasting menu Net −1
“We got the long tasting menu and replaced 1 item at the recommendation of the server. To be fair the fact that pomodoro is on the tasting menu is already a bad sign. Anyway it was like 400$ a person so i expected something super super refined.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“We got the long tasting menu and replaced 1 item at the recommendation of the server. To be fair the fact that pomodoro is on the tasting menu is already a bad sign. Anyway it was like 400$ a person so i expected something super super refined.”May 2026
-
Salty custard with caviar Net −1
“First dish- a bowl of salty custard with caviar on top. Its HUGE. Not refined at all with the flavours.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“First dish- a bowl of salty custard with caviar on top. Its HUGE. Not refined at all with the flavours.”May 2026
-
Seasonal truffle tasting menu Net −1
“We went for the seasonal truffle tasting menu, and overall it felt heavy, predictable and lacking in playfulness or creativity.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“We went for the seasonal truffle tasting menu, and overall it felt heavy, predictable and lacking in playfulness or creativity.”December 2025
-
Spaghetti pomodoro Net −1
“Apart from the fact that I found the food extremely over priced for what it was, the spaghetti pomodoro came cold… which was bizarre because it’s their signature dish and probably the most basic.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“Apart from the fact that I found the food extremely over priced for what it was, the spaghetti pomodoro came cold… which was bizarre because it’s their signature dish and probably the most basic.”July 2022
-
Steak Net −1
“The food was disgraceful. Steak was raw. The pasta smelt of rotten fish. Not one part of the meal was nice. Never ever would go there ever again.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“The food was disgraceful. Steak was raw. The pasta smelt of rotten fish. Not one part of the meal was nice. Never ever would go there ever again.”April 2025
Tips for a Better Visit
Start simple. For a first visit, consider the basic signatures such as Veal Milanese or pasta pomodoro; one reviewer found this approach easier to appreciate.
Skip truffle. If you prefer lighter, more varied flavours, choose a diverse menu rather than the truffle-focused tasting menu.
Plan your ride. The wine pairing can be substantial, so arrange a taxi or a safe driver before dinner.
Try the bar. Consider visiting the bar before dinner for cocktails and Italian canapés; reviewers specifically enjoyed this as a separate stop.
Confirm conditions. Before booking, confirm any minimum spend and time limit, as one visit involved AED 250 per person and a 90-minute limit.
Plan the visit
Practical details
Jumeira Bay - Jumeirah 2 - Dubai
Jumeira Bay - Jumeirah 2, Dubai
| Mon | Closed |
| Tue | 7:00 PM – 12:00 AM |
| Wed | 7:00 PM – 12:00 AM |
| Thu | 7:00 PM – 12:00 AM |
| Fri | 7:00 PM – 12:00 AM |
| Sat | 7:00 PM – 12:00 AM |
| Sun | Closed |
Common Concerns
High prices
Several diners found the bill difficult to justify, with one describing the experience as pricey and noting significant menu inflation.
Uneven cooking
Reviews include complaints about overly salty or bland dishes, cold pasta and fish, and one report of undercooked pasta.
Slow pacing
Service can lose momentum: one diner found the meal slow, while another waited 35 minutes for the first dish.
Minimalist flavours
The simple, ingredient-led style is not universally appreciated; some diners found dishes plain, predictable or insufficiently creative.
Truffle heaviness
The seasonal truffle menu was described as heavy, especially the dense cheese fondue, rather than light and refined.
Customer-reported prices
These are customer-reported mentions, not a current price list. Prices may have changed.
AED 1,150 per person
9-course tasting menu
“We visited Il Ristorante – Niko Romito in Dubai (2 Michelin stars) and ordered the 9-course tasting menu, priced at AED 1,150 per person”Google review · February 2026
DXB
LOCAL
LOCAL
The Bottom Line
Il Ristorante – Niko Romito is a polished Italian fine-dining destination at Bulgari Resort Dubai in Jumeirah, suited to a romantic dinner, anniversary or occasion where the setting and service matter as much as the food. You can choose a tasting or set menu, order à la carte, and add a wine pairing. The menu has several clear reference points.
Reviews mention Veal Milanese, pasta pomodoro, Linguine with Lobster and Red Prawns, and the Warm Blue Brittany Lobster Salad. The wine list is a strength, including by-the-glass options, and the bar is worth considering for cocktails and Italian canapés before dinner. Open-air doors, quiet lighting and a view towards the marina add to the unhurried hotel atmosphere.
Expect a costly meal: one review records a nine-course tasting menu at AED 1,150 per person, while another reports a 600 aed deposit applied to the bill. The food is divisive. Supporters describe refined, ingredient-led dishes and excellent presentation; critics found some courses salty, bland, heavy or too simple for the price.
Service is often warm and knowledgeable, but pacing has occasionally been slow. First-timers may prefer the basic signature dishes over the truffle-focused menu.