Beyond its yacht-inspired façade and waterfront views, it’s the dining at Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab that truly impresses.
If Venice had a postcode in Dubai, it would be firmly stamped at Rialto, the new Italian jewel tucked inside Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab. Named after the famed Venetian bridge, this elegant dining destination is a nod to nostalgia and a celebration of la dolce vita, wrapped in pressed linens and served with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan.
From the moment you pass through its curved archways, Rialto Restaurant & Bar sets a tone of timeless sophistication. The interiors exude old-world charm, with warm tones of brown, polished marble floors, and glowing gold accents that shimmer like ripples on the Grand Canal. Tables are dressed immaculately with crisp white tablecloths, polished silverware, and glistening glassware, while sleek bar counters gleam with top-shelf spirits, inviting you to linger over a pre-dinner aperitivo or a final nightcap.
The mood is unmistakably Italian glamour. Chefs prepare pasta by hand in full view, lending a sense of culinary theatre to the experience. Service is poised and polished and as sharp as the tailoring on the waitstaff, with the front of house team gliding between tables with the quiet confidence of a well-rehearsed production. Whether you’re seated in the main dining room or sipping cocktails by the bar, Rialto offers an evocative blend of tradition and modernity.
The menu, curated by Executive Chef Roberto Rispoli, reflects his Pompeian roots and two decades of Mediterranean mastery. At Rialto, his Northern Italian narrative unfolds across sections dedicated to crudo, antipasti, pasta, meat, fish, and even one just for tomatoes, Italy’s most beloved ingredient.
We begin with the Crudo di Ricciola (AED 120), in which delicate slivers of yellowtail are brightened with kalamansi and lemon. It’s a light and elegant opener, setting the tone for what’s to come. Next, the Burrata, Pomodoro e Pistacchio (AED 120) offers a clever twist on the classic Caprese salad. Here, the bulbous burrata cheese is encased within roasted tomato and dressed in basil pesto, finished with a dusting of pistachio for a subtle crunch that plays beautifully against the creaminess.
A parade of antipasti follows. The Carpaccio di Manzo (AED 110) stays true to tradition, showcasing fine slices of beef, olive oil, and curls of aged Parmesan. It’s a simple dish, but one that’s executed with confidence. Yet it’s the Fiori di Zucchina Farciti (AED 85) that leaves a lasting impression: lightly fried zucchini flowers stuffed with ricotta and smoked scamorza cheese, their crisp golden shells giving way to a marvellous molten centre.
Pasta at Rialto is a performance in itself. The Fettuccine Alfredo (AED 120) arrives in a silver pan for sharing. The ribbons of fresh pasta are tossed in butter and Parmesan before being spiralled onto the plate for added flair. However, the Spaghetti al Caviale e Limone di Amalfi (AED 380) from the specials menu was the real showstopper. Topped with 30g of Oscietra caviar, the pasta is subtle and silky, lifted by the brightness of Amalfi lemon and worth every dirham for the sheer decadence.
From the seafood section, the Gamberoni Rossi All’ Arrabbiata (AED 240) presents plump roasted red prawns swimming in a robust tomato sauce, laced with crispy garlic oil. Bold and unapologetically Italian it’s a dish designed for dipping every single crumb of the housemade sourdough.
Desserts at Rialto evoke a sense of nostalgia. There’s the expected Tiramisu, Rum Baba and an impressive array of stacked gelato scoops, but it’s the Meringata Mascarpone (AED 60) that seals the deal. A cherry confit cloaked in feather-light meringue, paired with a decadent chocolate cream that feels as though it’s been lifted from the lyrics of That’s Amore, the 1953 classic by Dean Martin.
The newly opened Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab is a hotel packed with surprises, but away from the Jumeirah Burj Al Arab views and super-yacht-inspired facade, the dining destinations are the real draw. Rialto stands apart in a city that prides itself on spectacle by offering something elegant. An atmosphere that fuses glamour with heart. With its polished service, cinematic setting, and refined take on Northern Italian classics, Rialto feels like a postcard from Italy, sealed with love and served with style.
GO: Visit jumeirah.com for more information.