Decent but definitely hyped Italian place: Restaurant Alici (20. January 2021)
Most people I hear speaking about Alici have a very high opinion of the place, and I understand why. It’s nice, it’s fancy, it’s in a cool place, it’s serving decent food. But it’s not that good. As a starter we went for “fritto misto (fried calamari, red prawns, sliced purple potato, zucchini, chili jam, citrus mayo)” (95 AED) which was somewhat okay but nothing out of the ordinary.
The “burrata (burrata, organic heirloom tomato, basil oil)” (85 AED) was fine too but compared, e.g., to the Torno Subito, this was rather simple and definitely lacked intensity in the tomatoes. So, let me put it that way, while it was okay, it was definitely nowhere close to the hype.
Now, the “carpaccio di rape rosso (heritage beetroot, mascarpone cheese, walnuts)” (55 AED) looked absolutely lovely and was also quite good. So, for me, this was the highlight of the evening.
The bread selection was decent but I had somehow expected a bit more of a ‘hyped Italian restaurant’.
Finally, the main, “spaghetti alle vongole (spaghetti, IGP Gragnana, sautéed clams, fresh herbs)” (140 AED) where exactly that – spaghetti alle vongole. I must say, they were al dente and, therefore, good, but they were not mouth-watering, they were not delicious. They were spaghetti with clams.
The “‘granita’ fragole e balsamico (strawberry sorbet, aged balsamic vinegar, prepared upon request)” (125 AED) on the other hand was interesting – especially due to the combination with the thickened accetto balsamico – but the portion was humongous and definitely too much for any sane human being.
All in all, I do understand why people are so into Alici but I do not share the assessment. The food is decent but overpriced and while the atmosphere, if you manage to get a table outside, is lovely, the service is doing okay but definitely not at the level you would expect them to do given the ‘status’ they have. My recommendation – pick another place.
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Contact Details:
Restaurant Alici
Bluewaters Island
Dubai (UAE)
Tel.: +971 4 275 25 77
E-Mail: reservations@alici.com
Homepage: http://www.alici.com
About the Author: Sven
I started the blog in October 2009, while living in Milan which I definitely consider to be one of the food capitals of the world. I was in touch with food since my early childhood (as my father is a former chef). Whenever I can, I travel the world to discover new places, to meet people but mostly to try local dishes and to find hidden gems! If you know a place worth going, please drop a line to: info@thediningexperience.org.
Currently, I am a member of the following food-related associations: Chevalier @Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Zurich-Ville; Membre Gourmet Dégustateur @Ordre Mondial des Gourmets Dégustateurs [OMGD]; Gesellschafter @Goldener Fisch and Member @Slowfood Convivium Zurich City. 
