Lake setting
The terrace looks over a lake, with some reviews also noting a Dubai skyline backdrop.
Isola Ristorante Dubai
Jumeirah
Isola Ristorante is an Italian restaurant in Jumeirah, set beside a lake with indoor and outdoor seating and a relaxed clubhouse atmosphere. Reviews point to the pinsa and burrata dishes, while live music and the pool area add to the occasion.
Reputation Score
4.6
★★★★★
1,408 ratings
Source: Google Maps
The Good Stuff
Pinsa favourite
The pinsa is a recurring highlight, including the burrata version and a crisp, generously sized parmigiana.
Italian dishes
Reviews praise dishes such as paccheri with scorpion fish, tomato pasta, burrata pizza and fried calamari.
Live music
Live music contributes to the evening atmosphere and was described as enjoyable without overwhelming the setting.
Family friendly
Families bring children of different ages, and reviews mention kids' meals and smoothly arranged birthday occasions.
Pool access
The adjoining pool gives the venue a resort-style angle; one review says access is free with a minimum spend.
Gluten options
At least one review specifically notes that gluten-friendly choices are available.
What to Eat at Isola Ristorante Dubai 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 Isola Ristorante Dubai, 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 Isola Ristorante Dubai, ranked by positive reviews minus negative reviews. Zero-score items have no net positive feedback; their labels distinguish neutral-only from mixed feedback.
Food 2
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Fried calamari Net +2
“The pool is good, clean. Food is good. The best fried calamari I' ve ever tried.”
Positive 2Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The pool is good, clean. Food is good. The best fried calamari I' ve ever tried.”April 2026
“The food was soo good, My friend and I got the tomato pasta, burrata pizza and fried calamari. It was super good. Definitely recommend!! Our server Zien was super sweet!”June 2026
-
Pinsa burrata e pomodorini Net +2
“He suggested malloreddus con porcini e ragù di vitello + pinsa burrata e pomodorini — rich, cozy, perfectly balanced, and honestly the right order.”
Positive 2Negative 0
Review excerpts
“He suggested malloreddus con porcini e ragù di vitello + pinsa burrata e pomodorini — rich, cozy, perfectly balanced, and honestly the right order.”April 2026
“The food is delicious, I especially loved the Ravioli di ricotta e spinaci and Pinsa burrata e pomodorini, plus a great cappuccino to finish it off.”June 2025
Honorable mentions (20)
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Baked eggplant Net +1
“Baked eggplant, octopus and pasta were tasty.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Baked eggplant, octopus and pasta were tasty.”July 2024
-
Burger Net +1
“I ordered the burger and mango smoothie, and both were really delicious. The burger was juicy and flavorful, and the smoothie was fresh and refreshing.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I ordered the burger and mango smoothie, and both were really delicious. The burger was juicy and flavorful, and the smoothie was fresh and refreshing.”May 2026
-
Burrata Net +1
“We enjoyed the pinza, burrata and duck pasta very much however the roast duck was very bland and the skin not crisped at all which made for an expensive and disappointing dish, and the rib eye was bland and dry.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We enjoyed the pinza, burrata and duck pasta very much however the roast duck was very bland and the skin not crisped at all which made for an expensive and disappointing dish, and the rib eye was bland and dry.”December 2024
-
Burrata pizza Net +1
“The food was soo good, My friend and I got the tomato pasta, burrata pizza and fried calamari. It was super good. Definitely recommend!! Our server Zien was super sweet!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The food was soo good, My friend and I got the tomato pasta, burrata pizza and fried calamari. It was super good. Definitely recommend!! Our server Zien was super sweet!”June 2026
-
Complimentary homemade bread Net +1
“Complimentary homemade bread and high quality olive oil are good start of the meal.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Complimentary homemade bread and high quality olive oil are good start of the meal.”July 2024
-
Duck pasta Net +1
“We enjoyed the pinza, burrata and duck pasta very much however the roast duck was very bland and the skin not crisped at all which made for an expensive and disappointing dish, and the rib eye was bland and dry.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We enjoyed the pinza, burrata and duck pasta very much however the roast duck was very bland and the skin not crisped at all which made for an expensive and disappointing dish, and the rib eye was bland and dry.”December 2024
-
Malloreddus con porcini e ragù di vitello Net +1
“He suggested malloreddus con porcini e ragù di vitello + pinsa burrata e pomodorini — rich, cozy, perfectly balanced, and honestly the right order.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“He suggested malloreddus con porcini e ragù di vitello + pinsa burrata e pomodorini — rich, cozy, perfectly balanced, and honestly the right order.”April 2026
-
Octopus Net +1
“Baked eggplant, octopus and pasta were tasty.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Baked eggplant, octopus and pasta were tasty.”July 2024
-
Paccheri with scorpion fish Net +1
“We loved the paccheri with scorpion fish. Very tasty and perfectly cooked.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We loved the paccheri with scorpion fish. Very tasty and perfectly cooked.”May 2026
-
Pinsa parmigiana Net +1
“The pinsa parmigiana was heavenly, big size perfect crispiness. Recommend asking for olive oil and balsamic on the side, perfect combo.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The pinsa parmigiana was heavenly, big size perfect crispiness. Recommend asking for olive oil and balsamic on the side, perfect combo.”October 2025
-
Pistachio cheesecake Net +1
“The food was fresh, and the desserts were equally impressive. Highly recommend the pistachio cheesecake, it’s a must-try!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The food was fresh, and the desserts were equally impressive. Highly recommend the pistachio cheesecake, it’s a must-try!”April 2026
-
Ravioli di ricotta e spinaci Net +1
“The food is delicious, I especially loved the Ravioli di ricotta e spinaci and Pinsa burrata e pomodorini, plus a great cappuccino to finish it off.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The food is delicious, I especially loved the Ravioli di ricotta e spinaci and Pinsa burrata e pomodorini, plus a great cappuccino to finish it off.”June 2025
-
Scrambled eggs on sourdough Net +1
“The scrambled eggs on sourdough were pleasant.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The scrambled eggs on sourdough were pleasant.”June 2026
-
Seabass Net +1
“Food was very good, we had the seabass, as well as the Burrata Pinsa ( similar to a pizza) excellent sourdough. The price a little bit high. But the experience is totally worth it.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Food was very good, we had the seabass, as well as the Burrata Pinsa ( similar to a pizza) excellent sourdough. The price a little bit high. But the experience is totally worth it.”January 2025
-
Seafood risotto Net +1
“Every dish is prepared with fresh ingredients and authentic Italian flavors especially the truffle pasta and seafood risotto, which are outstanding”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Every dish is prepared with fresh ingredients and authentic Italian flavors especially the truffle pasta and seafood risotto, which are outstanding”February 2026
-
Tagliatelle bolognese Net +1
“The tagliatelle Bolognese was perfect too. Will definitely return.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The tagliatelle Bolognese was perfect too. Will definitely return.”October 2025
-
Tiramisu Net +1
“They have nice cocktail selection and the tiramisu also has a generous serving.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“They have nice cocktail selection and the tiramisu also has a generous serving.”July 2024
-
Tomato pasta Net +1
“The food was soo good, My friend and I got the tomato pasta, burrata pizza and fried calamari. It was super good. Definitely recommend!! Our server Zien was super sweet!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The food was soo good, My friend and I got the tomato pasta, burrata pizza and fried calamari. It was super good. Definitely recommend!! Our server Zien was super sweet!”June 2026
-
Truffle pasta Net +1
“Every dish is prepared with fresh ingredients and authentic Italian flavors especially the truffle pasta and seafood risotto, which are outstanding”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Every dish is prepared with fresh ingredients and authentic Italian flavors especially the truffle pasta and seafood risotto, which are outstanding”February 2026
-
High quality olive oil Net 0
Mixed feedback
“Complimentary homemade bread and high quality olive oil are good start of the meal.”
Positive 1Negative 1
Review excerpts
“Complimentary homemade bread and high quality olive oil are good start of the meal.”July 2024
Drinks 2
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Cappuccino Net +1
“The food is delicious, I especially loved the Ravioli di ricotta e spinaci and Pinsa burrata e pomodorini, plus a great cappuccino to finish it off.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The food is delicious, I especially loved the Ravioli di ricotta e spinaci and Pinsa burrata e pomodorini, plus a great cappuccino to finish it off.”June 2025
-
Mango smoothie Net +1
“I ordered the burger and mango smoothie, and both were really delicious. The burger was juicy and flavorful, and the smoothie was fresh and refreshing.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I ordered the burger and mango smoothie, and both were really delicious. The burger was juicy and flavorful, and the smoothie was fresh and refreshing.”May 2026
What to Avoid (6)
Food 6
-
Bread Net −1
“Even the bread with olive oil and condiments was underwhelming.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“Even the bread with olive oil and condiments was underwhelming.”April 2026
-
Carpaccio Net −1
“The fusilli was absolutely awful and so was the carpaccio I don’t recommend the food nor the service”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“The fusilli was absolutely awful and so was the carpaccio I don’t recommend the food nor the service”March 2026
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Fusilli Net −1
“We ordered steak and fusili With a lot of starters - salads and sides”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“We ordered steak and fusili With a lot of starters - salads and sides”March 2026
-
Granola with yogurt Net −1
“We also had granola with yogurt, which was a bit unbalanced, with too little yogurt and fresh fruit, and too much compote and granola.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“We also had granola with yogurt, which was a bit unbalanced, with too little yogurt and fresh fruit, and too much compote and granola.”June 2026
-
Rib eye Net −1
“We enjoyed the pinza, burrata and duck pasta very much however the roast duck was very bland and the skin not crisped at all which made for an expensive and disappointing dish, and the rib eye was bland and dry.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“We enjoyed the pinza, burrata and duck pasta very much however the roast duck was very bland and the skin not crisped at all which made for an expensive and disappointing dish, and the rib eye was bland and dry.”December 2024
-
Roast duck Net −1
“We enjoyed the pinza, burrata and duck pasta very much however the roast duck was very bland and the skin not crisped at all which made for an expensive and disappointing dish, and the rib eye was bland and dry.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“We enjoyed the pinza, burrata and duck pasta very much however the roast duck was very bland and the skin not crisped at all which made for an expensive and disappointing dish, and the rib eye was bland and dry.”December 2024
Tips for a Better Visit
Confirm seating. If you are visiting at lunch, confirm the reservation and outdoor-seating policy first; one group was turned away despite empty tables.
Ask ingredients. If you have a shellfish allergy, ask how fried items are prepared because one review reports shared frying oil.
Pool terms. Ask about the minimum spend if you want to use the pool, since a review links complimentary access to meeting that condition.
Bring a car. Parking is available, which is useful for the clubhouse setting in Jumeirah.
Plan the visit
Practical details
Al Thanyah Fifth - Jumeirah Islands - Dubai
Al Thanyah Fifth - Jumeirah Islands, Dubai
| Mon | 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM |
| Tue | 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM |
| Wed | 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM |
| Thu | 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM |
| Fri | 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Sat | 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Sun | 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
Common Concerns
Service swings
Service is praised often but can be inconsistent, with one table waiting over an hour for food and receiving an incorrectly cooked steak.
Limited availability
A reviewer found the menu limited and several dishes unavailable, leaving fewer choices than expected.
High pricing
Some guests felt the prices were high for medium portions, particularly the pasta, and not always justified by the food.
Allergy concern
A shellfish-allergic diner was told that the same oil is used for frying vegetables and shellfish.
Outdoor service
One visit reported that outdoor guests were not served, despite empty-looking outdoor tables.
DXB
LOCAL
LOCAL
The Bottom Line
Isola Ristorante is a lakeside Italian restaurant in Jumeirah, with a terrace, indoor seating and a clubhouse atmosphere. It suits a relaxed dinner, family meal or celebration, particularly if the setting matters as much as the plate. The lake view, occasional live music and adjoining pool give it more of a resort feel than a standard neighbourhood restaurant.
The clearest review-backed orders are the pinsa, especially Pinsa burrata e pomodorini or the crisp, large pinsa parmigiana, alongside burrata, truffle pasta, paccheri with scorpion fish and fried calamari. Breakfast is also available, with croissants and scrambled eggs on sourdough among the better-mentioned choices. Families are welcome, and one birthday visit was arranged smoothly.
Gluten-friendly options are mentioned, too. There is a real service caveat: many guests describe warm, attentive staff, but others report long waits, unavailable menu items and poor handling of complaints. Prices are viewed as fair by some regulars and high by others, especially for medium pasta portions.
If you have a shellfish allergy, ask about shared frying oil. Confirm seating and pool minimum-spend terms before arriving; parking is available.