Italian dishes
Mushroom risotto, beef carpaccio and seafood pasta are repeatedly singled out for flavour and careful preparation.
Vanitas
Al Jaddaf
Vanitas is an elegant Italian restaurant in Al Jaddaf at Palazzo Versace Dubai, suited to romantic dinners and quiet celebrations. Reviews particularly point to the mushroom risotto, beef carpaccio and polished presentation, with terrace dining adding water or pool views when open.
Reputation Score
4.4
★★★★☆
305 ratings
Source: Google Maps
The Good Stuff
Elegant setting
Versace tableware, roses, white tablecloths and detailed plating create a refined, romantic setting.
Table service
Reviews often describe the service as attentive and professional, with dishes arriving at the right temperature and timing.
Live tiramisu
The tiramisu can be prepared at the table, adding a small interactive moment to dessert.
Terrace views
The terrace is praised for its romantic atmosphere and views over the pool, water or Dubai skyline.
Special events
Some weekend and celebration visits include live music, dancing or a DJ alongside dinner.
What to Eat at Vanitas 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 Vanitas, 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 Vanitas, ranked by positive reviews minus negative reviews. Zero-score items have no net positive feedback; their labels distinguish neutral-only from mixed feedback.
Food 5
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Beef carpaccio Net +4
“I'd suggest to try beef carpaccio, it so delicious.”
Positive 4Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I'd suggest to try beef carpaccio, it so delicious.”February 2022
“The experience was wonderful and the food was amazing! I got beef carpaccio and steak. Both dishes were amazing! The carpaccio is so delicious with perfect combo of the elements in the plate. And the steak was so tender and it's like a melting butter in my mouth.”June 2024
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Tiramisu Net +4
“Lastly the tiramisu was made fresh in front of us.”
Positive 4Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Lastly the tiramisu was made fresh in front of us.”June 2023
“Desserts were a highlight — the tiramisu was prepared live by the waiter right at our table, which turned the experience into a little show. We also had profiteroles — sweeter, while the tiramisu had a balanced coffee flavor. Both were delicious.”August 2025
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Burrata Net +3
“The food was so delicious and juicy, I loved mushroom Risotto a lot, as well as burrata for our starters.”
Positive 3Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The food was so delicious and juicy, I loved mushroom Risotto a lot, as well as burrata for our starters.”May 2023
“The burata stood out, easily being one of the best I've ever tasted – creamy, fresh, and simply divine.”August 2023
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Mushroom risotto Net +3
“Also, Mushroom risotto was specially delicious!”
Positive 3Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Also, Mushroom risotto was specially delicious!”October 2021
“I love beef carpaccio here and mushroom risotto.”March 2024
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Seabass Net +2
“The food was delicious, the expereince was worthwhile your money. The seabass remained for us the highlight of the dinner along with the Tiramisu to end our dinner with a bang.”
Positive 2Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The food was delicious, the expereince was worthwhile your money. The seabass remained for us the highlight of the dinner along with the Tiramisu to end our dinner with a bang.”July 2020
“Tried Eggplant with parmesan cheese, sea bass and dessert. Everything were great✨”June 2023
Honorable mentions (22)
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Capriccio Net +1
“I would recommend the Capriccio, it was on point!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I would recommend the Capriccio, it was on point!”October 2021
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Classic eggplant parmigiana Net +1
“Tried Eggplant with parmesan cheese, sea bass and dessert. Everything were great✨”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Tried Eggplant with parmesan cheese, sea bass and dessert. Everything were great✨”June 2023
-
Easter eggs Net +1
“The Easter eggs really impressed and surprised me, the lamb ribs were scrumptious and soft, also the tortellini with beluga caviar were perfectly prepared.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The Easter eggs really impressed and surprised me, the lamb ribs were scrumptious and soft, also the tortellini with beluga caviar were perfectly prepared.”April 2021
-
Focaccia bread Net +1
“The minute I got into my seat, the dinner had started with arrival of warm and fluffy focaccia bread and beautifully young olive oil.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The minute I got into my seat, the dinner had started with arrival of warm and fluffy focaccia bread and beautifully young olive oil.”December 2018
-
Foie gras Net +1
“The foie gras was layered like an opera cake with parmigiano ice-cream, grapes filled with tender goat cheese and crispy lettuce that could easily be mistaken for dessert. A really rich one!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The foie gras was layered like an opera cake with parmigiano ice-cream, grapes filled with tender goat cheese and crispy lettuce that could easily be mistaken for dessert. A really rich one!”December 2018
-
Green olives with fennel Net +1
“Lastly I loved the green olives with fennel.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Lastly I loved the green olives with fennel.”June 2023
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Lamb chops Net +1
“Such a lovely place. Lovely food and lovely staff, Mr. Yedu was so hospitable, was so careful with our orders the cooking way, we had the nicest lamb chops ever, juicy and flavored”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Such a lovely place. Lovely food and lovely staff, Mr. Yedu was so hospitable, was so careful with our orders the cooking way, we had the nicest lamb chops ever, juicy and flavored”May 2026
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Lamb ribs Net +1
“The Easter eggs really impressed and surprised me, the lamb ribs were scrumptious and soft, also the tortellini with beluga caviar were perfectly prepared.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The Easter eggs really impressed and surprised me, the lamb ribs were scrumptious and soft, also the tortellini with beluga caviar were perfectly prepared.”April 2021
-
Linguini Net +1
“When I tasted the linguini it took a while to figure out chef's trick. There was a very familiar softness in both texture and taste. The truth was revealed: the Pasta's recipe was based on potatoes with a little help of wheat flavour. No wonder I though of homemade gnocchi at the first bite.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“When I tasted the linguini it took a while to figure out chef's trick. There was a very familiar softness in both texture and taste. The truth was revealed: the Pasta's recipe was based on potatoes with a little help of wheat flavour. No wonder I though of homemade gnocchi at the first bite.”December 2018
-
Octopus with purple potato puree Net +1
“My next appetizer, a plate of octopus with purple potato puree, greens, chips and black olive powder was as tasty as it looked. Chef's creativity deserves a special compliment.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“My next appetizer, a plate of octopus with purple potato puree, greens, chips and black olive powder was as tasty as it looked. Chef's creativity deserves a special compliment.”December 2018
-
Pizza al carpaccio di manzo Net +1
“The pizza al carpaccio di manzo was good, the dough well risen, the carpaccio perfect and the scamorza cheese a nice surprise in the background.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The pizza al carpaccio di manzo was good, the dough well risen, the carpaccio perfect and the scamorza cheese a nice surprise in the background.”June 2023
-
Profiteroles Net +1
“Desserts were a highlight — the tiramisu was prepared live by the waiter right at our table, which turned the experience into a little show. We also had profiteroles — sweeter, while the tiramisu had a balanced coffee flavor. Both were delicious.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Desserts were a highlight — the tiramisu was prepared live by the waiter right at our table, which turned the experience into a little show. We also had profiteroles — sweeter, while the tiramisu had a balanced coffee flavor. Both were delicious.”August 2025
-
Ragù al battuto di vitello Net +1
“The garganelli were a bit too al dente, while the ragù al battuto di vitello had the rich and deep flavor that comes from slowly cooking meat.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The garganelli were a bit too al dente, while the ragù al battuto di vitello had the rich and deep flavor that comes from slowly cooking meat.”June 2023
-
Seafood pasta Net +1
“Such an incredible restaurant from top to bottom: food was absolutely delicious, especially the seafood pasta, the vibe of the place is elegant and classy, and the real roses on the table add a nice touch.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Such an incredible restaurant from top to bottom: food was absolutely delicious, especially the seafood pasta, the vibe of the place is elegant and classy, and the real roses on the table add a nice touch.”June 2026
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Seafood risotto Net +1
“The seafood risotto featured nicely cooked rice with a lovely touch of black pepper. Interestingly the seafood bits, octopus, shrimps and fish were cooked separately and served on the top to add a crunchy texture to an otherwise creamy dish.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The seafood risotto featured nicely cooked rice with a lovely touch of black pepper. Interestingly the seafood bits, octopus, shrimps and fish were cooked separately and served on the top to add a crunchy texture to an otherwise creamy dish.”December 2018
-
Spaghetti gamberi Net +1
“The Spaghetti Gamberi was perfectly balanced, fresh, and full of flavor, while the Truffle Pizza was absolutely outstanding — rich, refined, and unlike anything else I’ve tried in Dubai.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The Spaghetti Gamberi was perfectly balanced, fresh, and full of flavor, while the Truffle Pizza was absolutely outstanding — rich, refined, and unlike anything else I’ve tried in Dubai.”April 2026
-
Tortellini with beluga caviar Net +1
“The Easter eggs really impressed and surprised me, the lamb ribs were scrumptious and soft, also the tortellini with beluga caviar were perfectly prepared.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The Easter eggs really impressed and surprised me, the lamb ribs were scrumptious and soft, also the tortellini with beluga caviar were perfectly prepared.”April 2021
-
Truffle pasta Net +1
“Service and food is amazing. I recommend the burrata and also the truffle risotto. Also truffle pasta is amazing and a must try 😍 Perfect for date night and also dinner with friends, family or business.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Service and food is amazing. I recommend the burrata and also the truffle risotto. Also truffle pasta is amazing and a must try 😍 Perfect for date night and also dinner with friends, family or business.”April 2023
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Truffle pizza Net +1
“The Spaghetti Gamberi was perfectly balanced, fresh, and full of flavor, while the Truffle Pizza was absolutely outstanding — rich, refined, and unlike anything else I’ve tried in Dubai.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The Spaghetti Gamberi was perfectly balanced, fresh, and full of flavor, while the Truffle Pizza was absolutely outstanding — rich, refined, and unlike anything else I’ve tried in Dubai.”April 2026
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Truffle risotto Net +1
“Service and food is amazing. I recommend the burrata and also the truffle risotto. Also truffle pasta is amazing and a must try 😍 Perfect for date night and also dinner with friends, family or business.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Service and food is amazing. I recommend the burrata and also the truffle risotto. Also truffle pasta is amazing and a must try 😍 Perfect for date night and also dinner with friends, family or business.”April 2023
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Tuna tataki Net +1
“I tried tuna tataki with an Italian twist and it was amazing 🤩 Tuna was fresh and literally melted in my mouth.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I tried tuna tataki with an Italian twist and it was amazing 🤩 Tuna was fresh and literally melted in my mouth.”October 2022
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Wild chicken ravioli Net +1
“Wild chicken ravioli were also new addition to their menu. They were so delicious, but the portion wasn’t big, so you have some space to fit the best tiramisu in Dubai ❤️ Love the food, their attentive staff and live music 🎶 I would call this restaurant a perfect place for a date.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Wild chicken ravioli were also new addition to their menu. They were so delicious, but the portion wasn’t big, so you have some space to fit the best tiramisu in Dubai ❤️ Love the food, their attentive staff and live music 🎶 I would call this restaurant a perfect place for a date.”October 2022
Drinks 1
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Espresso Net 0
Mixed feedback
“Service was immense and they have the best carpaccio , risotto and coffe HANDS DOWN.”
Positive 1Negative 1
Review excerpts
“Service was immense and they have the best carpaccio , risotto and coffe HANDS DOWN.”September 2023
What to Avoid (2)
Food 2
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Garganelli Net −1
“The garganelli were a bit too al dente, while the ragù al battuto di vitello had the rich and deep flavor that comes from slowly cooking meat.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“The garganelli were a bit too al dente, while the ragù al battuto di vitello had the rich and deep flavor that comes from slowly cooking meat.”June 2023
-
Pizza tartufo Net −1
“We had the pizza tartufo, a few slices of truffle was found on top but no truffle oil or any other flavors. It was quite tasteless.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“We had the pizza tartufo, a few slices of truffle was found on top but no truffle oil or any other flavors. It was quite tasteless.”May 2023
Tips for a Better Visit
Try terrace. Ask about terrace seating in cooler months; one review noted it was closed in summer and anticipated better Dubai views when reopened.
Save room. Leave space for the tiramisu and ask whether it can be prepared tableside, where the live preparation becomes part of dessert.
Check weekends. Ask about the evening programme before booking: dancing and a live DJ were specifically reported as weekend-only entertainment.
Allow time. If you are visiting at a busy period, allow extra time for service; a New Year’s Eve lunch was reported as slow when crowded.
Plan the visit
Practical details
Al Jadaf - Jaddaf Waterfront - Dubai
Al Jadaf - Jaddaf Waterfront, Dubai
| Mon | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM, 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM |
| Tue | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM, 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM |
| Wed | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM, 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM |
| Thu | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM, 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM |
| Fri | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM, 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM |
| Sat | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM, 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM |
| Sun | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM, 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM |
Common Concerns
Slow service
Some diners reported long waits, missed orders and slow service during busy or understaffed periods.
Quiet atmosphere
The restaurant can feel under-occupied, which may soften the atmosphere for guests expecting a lively room.
Uneven flavour
One lunch review found the risotto and truffle pizza lacking the expected depth of flavour.
Pasta texture
A reviewer found the garganelli too al dente, so pasta texture may not suit every preference.
Wine concern
One diner felt the wine tasted as though it had been open for some time.
DXB
LOCAL
LOCAL
The Bottom Line
Vanitas is an Italian restaurant in Al Jaddaf at Palazzo Versace Dubai, built around an elegant, quiet dining room and a more seasonal terrace. It suits a date, anniversary or unhurried dinner, with mushroom risotto, beef carpaccio and seafood pasta appearing repeatedly in guest recommendations. The food is often praised for both presentation and execution.
One diner called the beef carpaccio’s combination of elements excellent and described the steak as meltingly tender; another highlighted a balanced Spaghetti Gamberi and an outstanding truffle pizza. Burrata, sea bass and eggplant parmigiana also feature in the reviews. Dessert is worth leaving room for: the tiramisu has been prepared live at the table, turning it into a small piece of theatre.
Service is usually described as attentive, professional and well timed, though the record is not completely even. Some diners reported long waits, missed orders or poorly timed courses, and one found both the pizza and risotto lacking flavour. The restaurant can also feel unusually quiet when lightly occupied.
The terrace and water or pool views are appealing in cooler weather, while weekend visits may include dancing or a live DJ. Check the terrace and entertainment setup before booking.