L.A's favourite Il Pastaio now in Dubai!

For the past 26 years, Il Pastaio has been a go to hotspot for lovers of Italian cuisine in Los Angeles. Now, the LA restaurant has opened its first international export in Dubai.

Krystien Meyers
January 13, 2021 3:47 PM

Il Pastaio in Beverly Hills is enjoyed by the likes of Justin Bieber, Hailey Baldwin and The Kardashians - now bringing a version of itself to Dubai.


The name itself means "the pasta maker" and oh do they serve some of the most decadent pasta we have ever had. As you enter this quaint restaurant located in the buzzing Al Habtoor City you are surrounded by the fragrance of ripened tomatoes, richness of olives, freshly handmade rolled pasta, many kinds of cheese and a cellar of wines.


Guests can enjoy the signature and highly praised pasta such as the divinely rich pumpkin ravioli; the smooth and sensual squid ink risotto, the traditional house favourite spicy tomato sauce – arrabbiata, selection of meats and poultry and much more.


We had the chance to spend an evening at Il Pastaio and we were satisfied to our heart's desire! The food had us licking our spoons with each bite. 


For starters, or antipasti rather, we recommend the Carppacio di Bue which is served with fresh arugula, shaved parmesan and lemon capers - flavoured to essential perfection. Another classic we enjoyed was the fresh Burrata on a generous bed of fresh baby tomatoes that had a rich creamy flavour and texture to it.


While the exceptionally kind staff kept us busy between courses with tales of Italy and recommendations from the menu, we could not stop drooling over the aroma that filled the air. As we watched a wheel of cheese travel the restaurant and eventually reach us we were delighted to have our turn at the Rigatoni Pasta that was bathed in the cheese wheel and topped off with a hefty portion of white truffle shavings. 


Finally having tasted what our noses kept searching for, we were then greeted by even more delicious food. Our second course consisted of Ossobuco and Scaloppine al Limone. Ossobuco is a tender veal shank and marrow stew that was served on a light bed of risotto alla parmigiana, the perfect combination of flavours. The Scaloppine al Limone was our personal favourite (after the Rigatoni Pasta) perfectly cooked steaks of veal in a mouthwatering Sorrento lemon sauce served with a side of roasted broccoli and potatoes. 


As it with every Italian meal, we couldn't wait for dessert, although our stomachs were filled to the brim - out came four luscious desserts a lemon tart, an apple pie with vanilla ice cream, fresh berry pannacotta and, it wouldn't be Italian without tiramisu. Hard to pick a favourite between the desserts, but each had such varying flavours, textures and pairings we cleaned each plate!


Il Pastaio Dubai is a 10/10 in our books, we already want to go back and take advantage of the cooler Dubai months as we sit in their terrace which will leave you feeling like you're in a "little" spot in modern Italy.


Find more on Il Pastaio Dubai here.