Following its opening on March 14, 2025, Rialto evokes the cinematic glamour of 1950s Italy, this vaulted sanctuary inside the List award-winning Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab delivers effortless elevated European hospitality and rich, authentic Italian flavours.
Standing out as one of Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab’s most compelling venues, Rialto isn’t merely another white-cloth addition to Dubai’s dining circuit, it is the rare find that strikes virtually every note flawlessly. As a long-time Dubai resident, it has quickly become one of my top recommendations for authentic Italian dining. Named after Venice’s iconic Rialto Bridge, the historic epicentre of Venetian trade and social life, the restaurant carries that same spirit of vibrant, theatrical grandeur throughout.
The Ambiance & Interiors
At the very end of the narrow ship-inspired corridor, the space unfolds across grand, vaulted dining chambers framed by sweeping architectural arches, each element harking back to the hotel's cruiseliner-esque design.
The ceiling is a bright white with stark circular lighting fixtures, perhaps tricking the eye into believing it is the sky, moving towards the main dining room, deep ocean blues meet honeyed wood element, and warm gold accents. The room is almost semi-circular in shape, vintage carnival masks representing Italy’s 20 regions line discreet corners, a peak-a-boo kitchen pass and there is a variety of private dining nooks favoured by locals, while a dedicated Cicchetti Room anchors the venue. A striking palette of polished marble and dark timber, matched with crisp white table clothes and staff members in beautifully appointed uniforms, gives the room an opulent feel without ever tipping into showy excess.
Low, golden lighting fills the room, the table lamps are inscribed with Italian quotes enhance the warm atmosphere. Upbeat melodic jazz and classic Italian tunes drift softly through the space. I take a seat by the window and begin browsing the menu, just as a basket of warm, fresh focaccia and cacio e pepe breadsticks lands on the table. But, its the triangle of salty and nutty parmesan paired with a sweet and flavourful, homemade tomato jam that really clinches the win for me.
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It is evident from the menu that the kitchen places an emphasis on provenance, sourcing hyper-specific ingredients directly from regional Italian producers.
I begin with a selection from their signature Tomato Majesty section. While a traditional burrata dish can sometimes feel predictable, Rialto’s interpretation is impressive: a fresh and gooey burrata ball is wrapped in a delicate veil of heirloom tomato, punctured with a fresh basil pesto and crushed pistachios, its the perfect start to set the scene. Coming highly recommended by the wait staff is the Focaccia Di Recco selection, a thin crispy layer of focaccia (not to be confused with a pizza!) is layered with stracciatella cheese and various other toppings, alongside the crudo selection. Both are very tasty options, but in my opinion, it's best not to fill up too quickly before you get stuck into the mains.
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I am admittedly something of a purist when it comes to pasta, if you're going to serve it in a restaurant, it should be house-made or at least an interesting shape that I wouldn't cook a home. My very Irish husband is a self-appointed bolognese connoisseur, and usually evaluates an Italian kitchen by the simplicity and depth of its bolognese. Rialto passes both of these tests. Looking for something to share? The fresh fettucce pasta, served with two melt-in-the-mouth beef cheeks in a parmesan cream and beef jus sauce, is spectacular. Tableside service sees the beef cheeks pulled apart with almost a whisper, the meat mixes well as the fresh pasta is tossed into the cream.
If you're still hungry, or prefer to opt for dishes other than pasta, the scallopine and the branzino come highly recommended.
Hear me when I say, dessert is strictly non-negotiable here.
Served tableside from a silver platter, Rialto’s classic tiramisu is light and beautifully balanced, pairing rich espresso with sweet mascarpone. It arrives with genuine charm and tastes so good you’ll regret not saving more room. The affogato is chef's kiss; speckled vanilla gelato is swirled into a frozen glass and a rich, punchy espresso shot is poured on top - the flavours are perfectly balanced. For a more simple finish, the pistachio gelato topped with candied nuts and a salted caramel drizzle is another standout option.
Final Thoughts
Rialto achieves what so many luxury venues in Dubai strive for but rarely nail: high-end theatrical flair grounded in true culinary substance. Between the jazz-tinged atmosphere, the thoughtful regional details, and a Bolognese that passes even the toughest purist tests, it delivers a rare, memorable warmth. Come for the grand coastal setting, stay for the affogato, and make sure you order enough to share with friends and family.
Rialto, Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, Dubai
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