While roberto’s has spent that last few years making a name of itself as somewhere that can put on a banging, late-night party, don’t forget that this place is first and foremost a high-end Italian restaurant of some pedigree.
The restaurant, found underneath the Rosewood and within The Galleria Al Maryah Island, offers a warm welcome. In fact, the staff who greet you at the door seem to make it their their personal mission to make sure you have a tailored, one-of-a-kind dining experience.
The level of enthusiasm is undoubtedly infectious and puts us in a good mood before we’ve even sat down.
The good service continues with the waiter who leads us to our promenade-side table, he’s incredibly knowledgable about the restaurant and menu.
On the way we pass by fridges and trolleys of cheese and cabinets of grape, which all look too expensive for our wallets.
However, many of the other diners seem to be enjoying a drop from some splendidly elaborate decanters (even if watching them awkwardly try to pour a glass gives us a little chuckle).
We’re asked for dietary requirements and preferences (a nice attention to detail) and are recommended a selection of dishes from the antipasti, crudo bar and pasta menus. The waiter assures us it’ll let us experience the restaurant at its best. Have we just been upsold? Well, the dishes are rather pricey, but their quality is not in question.
First up an impressive selection of breads arrive. They suitably whet our appetite for the starters.
The bread is promptly followed by the fiori de zucca – a flavoursome, crunchy courgette flower stuffed with a mild cheese, sundried tomatoes and truffle. On the other side of the table, tuna, seabass and salmon tartare is being wolfed down.
The fish is served alongside a bitter, refreshing pomelo and grapefruit carta musica (a form of crispy flatbread). The flavours cut through the rich, fatty tartare.
We swerve the tempting pizza menu for main courses of fusilli (which comes with a creamy pecorino sauce and beef ragu) and seafood linguini.
The former’s rich ragu pops with a peppercorn twang that pings off the palate, while the seafood dish let’s its simple, quality ingredients shine. It’s classic Italian cooking.
So, great service and delicious food… A bog-standard pizzeria, this is not. Roberto’s is a high-end experience, with prices to match. But we think it’s worth it.
WHAT IS IT…
Lively, Italian fine-dining on Al Maryah Island
WHY GO…
Simply? For an exquisite experience
