On the lookout for Italian dishes done right?
Few cuisines are as universal in their appeal as Italian – but not all Italian restaurants are created equal, as we can attest after encountering fettuccine alfredo on one too many menus. Luckily, leading Italian hospitality company Mine & Yours Group has officially launched Chic Nonna in DIFC, and it promises to be more than just another charming Italian restaurant in Dubai.
Comprising a restaurant, bar and lounge, it features a state-of-the-art open-plan kitchen, a chef’s table, and what is now known to be the largest wine cellar in the region. A one-of-a-kind venue where Italian heritage embraces Dubai’s cosmopolitan essence, the two-storey gourmet osteria is set to deliver the ideal blend of timelessness merged with authentic Italian cuisine and hospitality. The culinary team – spearheaded by Group Culinary Director and Executive Chef Vito Mollica, along with Head Chef Ilaria Zamperlin – has designed a menu that strikes a balance between culinary tradition and innovation. While engaging with beloved Italian flavours, guests can begin their journey with the Vitelo Tonnata, milk-fed veal cooked slowly to perfection and topped with a homemade tonnata sauce. The dish is completed with soft-boiled quail eggs, roasted bell peppers, and an anchovy and caper dressing.
Over on the mains, guests can indulge in the Stuffed Quail (quail stuffed with chicken liver paté and served on a bed of creamy mashed potato, sautéed asparagus and quail jus) or the Roasted Veal Shank (a slow-roasted veal shank glazed with a luscious veal jus and fresh chives). The Cavatelli Cacio e Pepe, meanwhile, is a must-order for pasta enthusiasts. Chef Vito’s signature dish is made with homemade cavatelli pasta, sautéed in a pecorino cheese and black pepper sauce, and topped with marinated Mazara red prawns and poached needle squid.
Naturally, some of Italy’s most loved dolci make an appearance on Chic Nonna’s dessert menu – the Torta della Nonna is a warm tart filled with a decadent custard, caramelised pine nuts and zesty lemon compote, while the Baba cake is infused with a citrus and vanilla syrup topped with mixed berries and a vanilla Chantilly cream.
For an immersive dining experience, the venue offers an exclusive range of grape, including premium Italian and international brands that are housed in a stunning above-ground wine cellar capable of storing over 4,000 bottles with 900 labels. Under the expert guidance of Chic Nonna’s wine director, guests will also be able to store their own wine collections in personalised drawers that can be enjoyed every time they visit.
Accompanying the largest wine cellar in the city is a separate Cigar Lounge, an intimate room that serves as a socialising space for guests looking to unwind after dinner. Located on the top floor, the lounge has been designed to resemble an Italian living room with a decorative faux fireplace and large window offering stunning views of Burj Khalifa.
Elsewhere, the Crudo Bar offers a sophisticated lounge menu serving a selection of the freshest, raw fish and seafood with sushi-grade fresh tuna tartar, pristine oysters, European blue lobster, and Italian Calvisius caviar. Designed by Eric Kuster, the interiors feature artisan leather couches and armchairs, a striking DJ booth, and a long bar with signature-green bar stools masking a raised stage that comes alive with live entertainment, night after night.
DSCVR: Chic Nonna is open, Bank Street Building, Trade Centre, DIFC (04 605 2000). @chicnonnadubai
