Il Ristorante - Niko Romito

Wow, what an incredible experience we had! The food was absolutely delicious, and the service was so warm and exceptional. We loved the open air doors and the cozy, inviting lighting it made everything feel so special. And a huge shout out to our server Marko he truly made our visit unforgettable. He was the best! ✨

We visited Il Ristorante – Niko Romito in Dubai (2 Michelin stars) and ordered the 9-course tasting menu, priced at AED 1,150 per person. I left this restaurant deeply disappointed, especially considering its two Michelin stars and the extremely high price. Every dish we were served was overly salty. The flavors were poorly balanced, and the ingredients did not complement each other at all. There was absolutely no pleasure in eating the food. The sauces tasted cheap and basic — similar to ketchup or mayonnaise — which was shocking for a restaurant of this level. Overall, the food felt ordinary, uninspired, and poorly executed. The portions were excessively large, and by the fourth course it became uncomfortable to continue eating. This completely defeats the purpose of a tasting menu, which should be refined, balanced, and thoughtfully paced. The pasta was particularly disappointing. I genuinely do not understand how pasta can be ruined in an Italian restaurant. The ingredients were very basic, yet the dish was a complete failure. The lobster, presented as a premium ingredient, was simply steamed and almost completely tasteless. Despite the price and reputation, we were unable to finish a single dish. The service made the experience even more uncomfortable. The waiters were intrusive and overly expectant, waiting for enthusiastic reactions after every course. When we honestly said that we did not enjoy the food, it was met with visible discomfort, which created an awkward atmosphere. At some point, it felt as though we had to pretend and force positive reactions just to avoid tension. This experience left me genuinely confused about the pricing. Considering the simplicity and low cost of the ingredients, it is very unclear what justifies such an expensive menu. It felt as though we were paying not for quality or taste, but for the concept, the image, and perhaps the fact that the staff is from Italy — not for the food itself. In the end, I did not even understand what I had eaten or what I had paid for. I was so disappointed that I considered filing a complaint and even requesting a refund, as it felt like a complete waste of time and money.

Maybe I simply chose the wrong menu, but this experience did not feel worthy of two Michelin stars. We went for the seasonal truffle tasting menu, and overall it felt heavy, predictable and lacking in playfulness or creativity. The cheese fondue with truffles was especially overwhelming, more like a dense mass that just filled the stomach rather than something elegant or refined. After this dinner, I have honestly lost my excitement for truffles for a while. On the positive side, the service was wonderful. The whole team was Italian, warm and professional, and the atmosphere in the restaurant was truly pleasant. Next time, I would probably choose a more diverse menu instead of a truffle focused one. In the end, we agreed that the best part of the meal was actually the bread.

We had such a wonderful experience here! The food was delicious, but the staff is what truly made our visit unforgettable. They were incredibly friendly, warm, and genuinely kind. they even surprised us with a cake and celebrated with us. Thank you for the amazing hospitality, we’ll definitely come back!

The restaurant has great ambience, The food is well presented and looks high-end, but unfortunately, the taste didn’t meet my expectations. I tried several dishes to give it a fair chance, but none of them really impressed me. if taste is your priority, it might not be the best choice but if you're looking for a place to chill or drink wine then it's a good idea.

The atmosphere felt serene and elegant, almost like stepping into another world. Each dish was so pure and intentional that every bite felt meaningful, not just delicious. The staff made me feel truly cared for, and there was a quiet beauty in the way everything flowed – from the service to the flavors to the view of the marina. I left feeling not just full, but deeply grateful and inspired. It was more than a dinner – it felt like a moment of presence, beauty, and joy that stayed with me.

To be honest, I’m unsure how this place has earned two Michelin stars. The experience was fine, but nothing exceptional. • The wine was outstanding – 10/10 • The cheese plate felt average – 6/10 • The bite board lacked depth – 6/10 Second Visit: • Tiramisu – 6/10 • Tea – 7/10 • Serving – Not Michelin standards

I love gourmet Italian cuisine, this is the place. Beautiful dishes, classic simple and minimal but elegant. We had the wine pairing,i really like the champagne selection as aperitif as well. You can feel the passion behind every plate because of the italian team