This review may seem a bit late since I visited Dubai in July but the beautiful Armani Deli has stayed fresh in my memory – as though I’ve just finished lunch there. I yearn to go back. In fact, I plan to really soon.

Situated on the ground level of the Armani Hotel (which is in the Burj Khalifa area), the Armani Deli is a culinary delight. Food lovers (like me) can expect to walk into gourmet heaven where the very best Italian delights can be found. From fresh pastas to beautifully cooked risottos and desserts that taste like a personal gift from above, the place has it all.

The Deli’s impressive black and white decor is not only tastefully art deco, it’s also a wonderful way of making sure the colourful foods all stand out.

You know you’re headed for a luxurious experience when you step into the grand lobby of the hotel. Walking towards the deli feels like you’re a strutting your stuff on a runway like a model, apparently something Georgio Armani wanted in the design.

We started salivating at all the food on offer behind the deli counters. You can opt to take your lunch away by selecting the dishes on offer behind the counter. We chose to sit and order off the ala Carte menu.

The group opted to have a shared starter, so an array antipasto platters came to the table and we tried a little of everything. I don’t think there was anything I didn’t enjoy. There was a roast beef salad, grilled octopus and ricotta salad.

Bread baskets with a variety of delicious breads were on the table. Along with the olives and olive oil in the little dip bowls, there was hummus (something that you’ll find at most eateries in Dubai).

I opted to have a delicious seafood risotto. It was cooked to perfection. At that point I was pretty full and considering forgoing dessert. However…

 

 

The white chocolate cheesecake looked to irresistible to say no to.

I think some of the group had coffee, but by the end of dessert I was really full. The sugar cubes caught my eye though and I simply had to take a picture. Only in a place like this, would a sugar cube have an Armani monogram.

My final verdict: If you find yourself in Dubai with a hankering for delectable Italian cuisine, get some lunch or dinner at the Armani Deli.

For details on the restaurant’s operating hours or on how to book a reservation, check out their website.

• I was hosted by Dubai Tourism on behalf of Traveller24 and included all flights, accommodation and meals. For more about Dubai check out: Visit Dubai Southern Africa.