Waterfront Terrace
The outdoor terrace overlooks the yacht marina and is especially appealing in the evening.
Rialto Restaurant
Jumeirah
Rialto is a refined Italian restaurant in Jumeirah, with northern Italian-inspired cooking served in an elegant indoor room and an outdoor terrace. Reviews point to the beef cheek pasta, gnocchi and tiramisu as standout orders, while the setting suits date nights and special celebrations.
Reputation Score
4.2
★★★★☆
312 ratings
Source: Google Maps
The Good Stuff
Standout Gnocchi
The gnocchi receive unusually strong praise, including the cacio e pepe version.
Tiramisu
Several diners single out the tiramisu, with one calling it the best they had eaten outside Italy.
Generous Portions
The fettuccine Alfredo was described as large enough for two people, and another review says portions are generally generous.
Menu Knowledge
One diner found the team able to explain menu details confidently without repeatedly checking with the kitchen.
Elegant Atmosphere
The high ceilings, comfortable furniture and calm music create a polished setting where conversation remains easy.
What to Eat at Rialto Restaurant 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 Rialto Restaurant, 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 Rialto Restaurant, ranked by positive reviews minus negative reviews. Zero-score items have no net positive feedback; their labels distinguish neutral-only from mixed feedback.
Food 3
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Tiramisu Net +4
“The Tiramisu was exceptional, probably one of the best in the city, and really felt like enjoying dessert in Italy.”
Positive 5Negative 1
Review excerpts
“The Tiramisu was exceptional, probably one of the best in the city, and really felt like enjoying dessert in Italy.”October 2025
“Food was enjoyable but not memorable with the tiramisu being the highlight.”June 2025
-
Beef cheek pasta Net +2
“The staff, the venue and the dishes were delicious. strongly recommend to try the pasta with beef cheek- wow !”
Positive 2Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The staff, the venue and the dishes were delicious. strongly recommend to try the pasta with beef cheek- wow !”July 2026
“The beef cheek pasta and the scaloppine al limone were excellent.”February 2026
-
Fettuccini alfredo Net +2
“The fettuccine Alfredo was really good, and the portion was quite large—enough for two people.”
Positive 2Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The fettuccine Alfredo was really good, and the portion was quite large—enough for two people.”April 2025
“The fettuccini Alfredo was amazing with a fantastic portion size and the osso bucco was beyond magical.”May 2026
Honorable mentions (26)
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Beef carpaccio Net +1
“We also got beef carpaccio and loved it!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We also got beef carpaccio and loved it!”April 2026
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Branzino Net +1
“We got branzino and a tagliata. We both loved our dishes.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We got branzino and a tagliata. We both loved our dishes.”April 2026
-
Burrata salad Net +1
“The burrata salad was out of this world.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The burrata salad was out of this world.”September 2025
-
Burrata starter Net +1
“The food was outstanding. The burrata starter was incredible, The veal in lemon sauce was delicious and the lobster pasta was honestly the best I've had in Dubai.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The food was outstanding. The burrata starter was incredible, The veal in lemon sauce was delicious and the lobster pasta was honestly the best I've had in Dubai.”June 2026
-
Dover sole Net +1
“• The dover sole? Wow. As a die-hard fan of classic sole meunière, I’m usually skeptical of other versions, but this one? Loved it. And I wasn’t the only one—both of these dishes were a unanimous hit at the table!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“• The dover sole? Wow. As a die-hard fan of classic sole meunière, I’m usually skeptical of other versions, but this one? Loved it. And I wasn’t the only one—both of these dishes were a unanimous hit at the table!”March 2025
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Gnocchi cacio e pepe Net +1
“The tomato pasta was also very well executed, and the gnocchi cacio e pepe were superb.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The tomato pasta was also very well executed, and the gnocchi cacio e pepe were superb.”February 2026
-
Gnocchis Net +1
“Their gnocchis are outside of this world.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Their gnocchis are outside of this world.”July 2026
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Greek merlot Net +1
“Matteo made my short-notice booking happen despite a full house, our waitress Lisa gave us top-notch service and the sommelier Emanuele made a good, adventurous wine recommendation with a Greek Merlot — the whole experience was seamless.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Matteo made my short-notice booking happen despite a full house, our waitress Lisa gave us top-notch service and the sommelier Emanuele made a good, adventurous wine recommendation with a Greek Merlot — the whole experience was seamless.”July 2026
-
Insalata di carciofi Net +1
“Traditional Italian cooking and some real “nonna” recipes (insalata di carciofi) that you just don’t find everywhere.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Traditional Italian cooking and some real “nonna” recipes (insalata di carciofi) that you just don’t find everywhere.”July 2026
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Lemon dessert Net +1
“Lobster pasta has the most decadent lobster I’ve had in Dubai. Desserts are amazing as well, lemon dessert is a must!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Lobster pasta has the most decadent lobster I’ve had in Dubai. Desserts are amazing as well, lemon dessert is a must!”March 2026
-
Osso bucco Net +1
“The fettuccini Alfredo was amazing with a fantastic portion size and the osso bucco was beyond magical.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The fettuccini Alfredo was amazing with a fantastic portion size and the osso bucco was beyond magical.”May 2026
-
Pistachio ice cream Net +1
“The pistachio ice cream was also an absolute must have delight.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The pistachio ice cream was also an absolute must have delight.”May 2026
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Rialto ravioli Net +1
“The staff? Insanely good. The food? Pure Italian soul on a plate. 🍝 My favourite was the Rialto Ravioli — rich, delicate, and unforgettable. Have you tried it yet?”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The staff? Insanely good. The food? Pure Italian soul on a plate. 🍝 My favourite was the Rialto Ravioli — rich, delicate, and unforgettable. Have you tried it yet?”August 2025
-
Rigatoni Net +1
“We loved the rigatoni; you should definitely try it!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We loved the rigatoni; you should definitely try it!”March 2025
-
Scaloppine al limone Net +1
“The beef cheek pasta and the scaloppine al limone were excellent.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The beef cheek pasta and the scaloppine al limone were excellent.”February 2026
-
Spaghetti Net +1
“I ordered burrata, spaghetti, and tenderloin beef. I can't describe how delicious it was.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I ordered burrata, spaghetti, and tenderloin beef. I can't describe how delicious it was.”May 2025
-
Tagliata Net +1
“We got branzino and a tagliata. We both loved our dishes.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We got branzino and a tagliata. We both loved our dishes.”April 2026
-
Tagliolini al tartufo Net +1
“For the mains, we were spoiled for choice given how everything on the menu looked very tempting so we ultimately went for the Gnocchi and Tagliolini Al Tartufo. How a humble potato and fungus an be transformed into something so rich, vibrant and flavourful is nothing short of magic. It’s these sort of dishes you keep thinking about long after the plate is cleared.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“For the mains, we were spoiled for choice given how everything on the menu looked very tempting so we ultimately went for the Gnocchi and Tagliolini Al Tartufo. How a humble potato and fungus an be transformed into something so rich, vibrant and flavourful is nothing short of magic. It’s these sort of dishes you keep thinking about long after the plate is cleared.”November 2025
-
Tenderloin beef Net +1
“I ordered burrata, spaghetti, and tenderloin beef. I can't describe how delicious it was.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I ordered burrata, spaghetti, and tenderloin beef. I can't describe how delicious it was.”May 2025
-
Tomato burrata Net +1
“The tomato burrata was special and very good.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The tomato burrata was special and very good.”April 2025
-
Tomato pasta Net +1
“The tomato pasta was also very well executed, and the gnocchi cacio e pepe were superb.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The tomato pasta was also very well executed, and the gnocchi cacio e pepe were superb.”February 2026
-
Tomato tarte with stracciatella Net +1
“We ordered the zucchini fritters for starters along with the Tomato tarte with stracciatella which were unbelievably scrumptious and nearly knocked us from our seats.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We ordered the zucchini fritters for starters along with the Tomato tarte with stracciatella which were unbelievably scrumptious and nearly knocked us from our seats.”November 2025
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Veal escalope Net +1
“All the food we tried was amazing very delicious. Especially the veal escalope.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“All the food we tried was amazing very delicious. Especially the veal escalope.”September 2025
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Veal in lemon sauce Net +1
“The food was outstanding. The burrata starter was incredible, The veal in lemon sauce was delicious and the lobster pasta was honestly the best I've had in Dubai.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The food was outstanding. The burrata starter was incredible, The veal in lemon sauce was delicious and the lobster pasta was honestly the best I've had in Dubai.”June 2026
-
Zucchini fritters Net +1
“We ordered the zucchini fritters for starters along with the Tomato tarte with stracciatella which were unbelievably scrumptious and nearly knocked us from our seats.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We ordered the zucchini fritters for starters along with the Tomato tarte with stracciatella which were unbelievably scrumptious and nearly knocked us from our seats.”November 2025
-
Tuna carpaccio Net 0
Only neutral feedback
“The tuna carpaccio was average, but the sea bream tartare, shrimp arrabbiata, and lobster pasta were all below expectations and simply not good.”
Positive 0Negative 0Neutral 1
What to Avoid (9)
Food 9
-
Artichoke salad Net −1
“The artichoke salad lacked flavor and was dry.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“The artichoke salad lacked flavor and was dry.”April 2025
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Fried artichoke Net −1
“We ordered the fried artichoke and roasted potatoes as sides. The potatoes were tasteless, and the fried artichoke was dry with little flavor.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“We ordered the fried artichoke and roasted potatoes as sides. The potatoes were tasteless, and the fried artichoke was dry with little flavor.”April 2025
-
Octopus Net −1
“I also returned the octopus, as it was completely dry, and not at all how it should be prepared.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“I also returned the octopus, as it was completely dry, and not at all how it should be prepared.”April 2026
-
Pear salad Net −1
“The pear salad also tasted a bit off and slightly bitter, even though it was recommended by the waiter.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“The pear salad also tasted a bit off and slightly bitter, even though it was recommended by the waiter.”April 2025
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Roasted potatoes Net −1
“We ordered the fried artichoke and roasted potatoes as sides. The potatoes were tasteless, and the fried artichoke was dry with little flavor.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“We ordered the fried artichoke and roasted potatoes as sides. The potatoes were tasteless, and the fried artichoke was dry with little flavor.”April 2025
-
Sea bass dish Net −1
“• The sea bass dish (pic attached) missed the mark. The balsamic vinaigrette totally overpowered the fish. We still finished our plate though :)”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“• The sea bass dish (pic attached) missed the mark. The balsamic vinaigrette totally overpowered the fish. We still finished our plate though :)”March 2025
-
Sea bream tartare Net −1
“The tuna carpaccio was average, but the sea bream tartare, shrimp arrabbiata, and lobster pasta were all below expectations and simply not good.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“The tuna carpaccio was average, but the sea bream tartare, shrimp arrabbiata, and lobster pasta were all below expectations and simply not good.”January 2026
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Shrimp arrabbiata Net −1
“The tuna carpaccio was average, but the sea bream tartare, shrimp arrabbiata, and lobster pasta were all below expectations and simply not good.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“The tuna carpaccio was average, but the sea bream tartare, shrimp arrabbiata, and lobster pasta were all below expectations and simply not good.”January 2026
-
Lobster pasta Net −2
“- their service chief claimed that the lobster pasta was having 800 grams of lobster but it was having tiny tiny pieces u cannot even see or recognize ! It’s like a lobster powder !!!!!”
Positive 1Negative 3
Critical review excerpts
“- their service chief claimed that the lobster pasta was having 800 grams of lobster but it was having tiny tiny pieces u cannot even see or recognize ! It’s like a lobster powder !!!!!”May 2026
“My friend ordered the lobster pasta, which we eventually had to send back because it was not cooked properly and was far from al dente.”April 2026
Tips for a Better Visit
Book Ahead. Reserve in advance, particularly for busy periods; one review says the limited tables make prior booking advisable.
Try Gnocchi. Consider the gnocchi cacio e pepe, which one reviewer described as superb.
Save Dessert Room. Leave space for tiramisu; one birthday dinner review called it the best outside Italy.
Validate Parking. If you drive, validate your parking ticket before leaving or you may have to pay.
Choose Outdoors. For a waterfront atmosphere, ask for the outdoor terrace, especially during pleasant evening weather.
Plan the visit
Practical details
Marsa Al Arab Hotel Ground Floor
Umm Suqeim Third - Jumeirah, Dubai
| Mon | Closed |
| Tue | Closed |
| Wed | 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM, 6:30 PM – 11:00 PM |
| Thu | 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM, 6:30 PM – 11:00 PM |
| Fri | 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM, 6:30 PM – 11:00 PM |
| Sat | 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM, 6:30 PM – 11:00 PM |
| Sun | 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM, 6:30 PM – 11:00 PM |
Common Concerns
Service Swings
Several repeat visitors reported rude or disorganised service, despite praising the food.
Inconsistent Cooking
Reviews include undercooked pasta and lobster pasta, plus dry octopus and disappointing fish dishes.
Tiramisu Miss
One diner found the tiramisu too heavy on whipped cream and lacking proper mascarpone.
Arrival Delays
Traffic into the hotel and a long valet wait can complicate arrival by car.
Rushed Pace
One guest felt plates were cleared too quickly and dessert ordering felt slightly pressured.
DXB
LOCAL
LOCAL
The Bottom Line
Rialto is a polished Italian restaurant in Jumeirah, set within the Marsa Al Arab hotel environment. It works particularly well for a date, birthday or long dinner: the room is elegant and cosy, while the outdoor terrace looks over the yacht marina. The atmosphere is generally calm enough for conversation.
Food is the main draw, with reviewers repeatedly mentioning the gnocchi, tiramisu, burrata and lobster pasta. Beef cheek pasta, fettuccine Alfredo and ossobuco also receive strong praise; one guest said the Alfredo portion was large enough for two. The tiramisu is divisive, however: some call it exceptional, while another found it overloaded with whipped cream rather than mascarpone.
Service is similarly uneven. Many diners describe warm, professional and well-informed staff, but several repeat visitors report rude hosts, slow delivery and management interactions that fell below five-star expectations. There are also isolated complaints about undercooked pasta, dry octopus and disappointing seafood, so expectations should be tempered.
Book ahead if you want a terrace table or are visiting for a celebration. Drivers should allow time for hotel traffic and validate the parking ticket; one review mentions a long valet wait. Customer-reported pricing includes a bill above AED7500 for a 15-person set-menu visit, though no reliable item-level price is provided.