DELVE INTO THE FLAVORS OF COASTAL ITALY AT THIS NEW RESTAURANT IN DUBAI

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER

Want to make sure you know about the next private sale? The latest new hot spots and places to hang out in Abu Dhabi? Join our community to be the first to know. Register to our newsletter, thousands of readers have signed up already!

This acclaimed restaurant from New York is now open in Dubai.

When we first heard that Marea, a Michelin-starred restaurant from New York was coming to the UAE it piqued our interest. We immediately picked a date to drive over to try it out.

Set in DIFC, this highly anticipated Italian restaurant fits right in and is exactly what the buzzing district needed. The decor is upscale and modern with white tables and an elegant bar but the atmosphere is casual and approachable.

The menu is full of Italian favorites from the coastal side of Italy with authentic and rich flavors.

Visiting at lunchtime, our table of three went for the appealing business lunch menu. Fairly priced at 125 AED, you can either pick crudo or antipasti and it is followed by pasta or secondi. Be warned that whatever the section you check, there are a lot of tantalizing options to try.

We began with a plate of delicate crudos with creative twists-tuna with oyster crema and crispy artichoke to yellow tale with olivada, crispy capers and fried basil-the pairings are all perfect.

Crudo Tasting at Marea DIFC

Calamare Fritti at Marea DIFC

Our order of calamari fritti was crispy and dusted with seasoned flour-we dipped it in the cold sauce gribiche and didn’t leave a crumb on the plate.

Lobster served on a creamy burrata with eggplant and basil was a luscious will please even the most non-adventurous of diners.

We swooned over the grilled octopus that was served with fregola, apricot and drizzled with black olive oil.

Grilled octopus served with fregola, apricot and drizzled with black olive oil

For our mains, we picked the signature house made seafood spaghetti. This dish with fresh clams and oysters transported us straight to the Mediterranean coast.

Seafood Spaghetti at Marea DIFC

The hearty gnocchi dish of ricotta dumplings, san Marzano tomatoes, burrata and basil is delectable and an absolute treat.

Marea is a great new address if you find yourself in the mood for an authentic Italian feast. A great foodie spot worth a detour next time you plan a day in Dubai!