La Strega is definitely one of the best Italian restaurants in Dubai thanks to its elegant ambience, dedicated team and mouthwatering Napolitan pizza. It is also conveniently located in Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa and boasts the beautiful view of the Arabian Gulf.
Head Chef Christian Carrieri has created the menu that celebrates traditional Italian dishes that are created with top quality ingredients. You can expect homemade pasta and a wide selection of Napolitan pizza.
Antipasti. Starters
The menu features many Italian favourites and I can;t think of starting a meal without indulging on a seasonal salad and some fresh burrata.
La Burrata
The freshest burrata’s delicate texture and flavour is balanced with marinated eggplant, datterini tomatoes, tarallini crumbles and basil pesto. I really love the combination of flavours and textures and it is definitely one of the most exciting versions of Burrata I have tried in Dubai. The presentation is also on point so your Instagram profile will definitely get some envy 🙂
Carciofi & Pecorino
This salad featuring rucola, rucola, artichokes and one of the best Italian cheeses – pecorino – is light fresh and healthy. It is a great option to start your meal and perfect for vegetarians or the healthy lot
La Strega offers a wide selection of homemade pasta ranging from Tagliatelle alla Norma to Calamarata ai Frutti di Mare and my absolute favourite dish is Ravioli Di Burrata.
Primi
Ravioli Di Burrata
I am a huge fan of pasta ripiena (staffed pasta) so this is an obvious choice for me. The traditional ravioli with delicate Burrata inside make it a plate of mere indulgence. The portion is hearty but not too heavy and it is the most delicate ravioli I have had. It is so good that you may not want to share it at all.
Risotto Asparagi & Tartufo
I am not a big lover of risottos or rice in general but this dish has really change day view. It is elegant both in taste and presentation and asparagus makes a really nice combination with the truffle.
Pizza
La Strega offers classic pizza like Margherita, Diavola or 4 Formaggi as well as the “Pizze Stregate”, or more creative versions of pizza like Salsiccia & Broccoli or Porcini e Palate
Porcini & Patate
We ordered pizza with mushrooms and potatoes and asked for pork to be removed and got a super delicious veg pizza that literally melted in the mouth.
Secondi. Mains
Spigola In Guazzetto
Pan fried seabass with mussels, baby potatoes and cherry tomatoes felt like a home-made dish made with love by your gonna (grandma). The hearty portion of fresh seabags fillet with the tomato sauce makes you want to take a piece of bread and do the “la scarpetta”(the little shoe) and wipe the plate clean.
Dolci. Desserts
Picking the dessert is always a tough decision. Would it be the classic Tiramisu? Or something more fruity? This time I decided to choose la sbriciolata with fresh berries as I wanted a lighter dessert. I could write a long ode to it and say how it was crunchy, yet soft, sweet yet with a touch of sour but the best way to sum up the taste of the dessert is to simply say it was orgasmic!
Summary
La Strega is equally good for a family dinner or date when you crave some authentic Italian food. The ambiance is elegant, warm and welcoming and not over-the-top like many other Italian restaurants in Dubai. The menu features both the classics as well as creative inventions by the chef Christian Carrieri so you won’t be disappointed. My Italian friend Stefano was very impressed with the risotto and ravioli while i was in love with the Burrata.
To see the full menu and book your experience visit https://www.lastrega-dubai.com or call 97143165550
Buon appetito!
Slava Noor
