10 best Italian restaurants

Bice: The Hilton Dubai Jumeirah may not be Dubai’s swankiest hotel, but it’s home to a gem of an Italian. Part of the longstanding upmarket Milanese chain, Bice’s classy but casual vibe, attentive service and, crucially, its food, are all top notch. Rich wooden floors, spacious tables, subdued lighting and an unobtrusive pianist make this a good choice for romantics, although the atmosphere is vibrant enough to suit lively groups. Tuck into warm foccacia and fresh tomatoes as you peruse the extensive menus (featuring traditional safe bets including risottos, pizzas and homemade pastas, there’s also a monthly promotional selection). Don’t be afraid to heed the advice of the well-informed waiters. The king crab steak and watercress salad is impressive – a light and tasty start to any meal, and the oven-baked sea bass with fresh spinach and porcini mushrooms, will be cooked to utter perfection. With main courses both beautifully presented and generously proportioned, squeezing in dessert will be a challenge, but you have to test out the waiter’s claim that Bice’s tiramisu is the best in town. Our bowl was scraped clean.
Hilton Dubai Jumeirah, Dubai Marina (04 399 1111)