Certo

This tasty Italian at Dubai Media City is still going strong, we popped back for a peep at what's new 19 Reviews

Meal Deal

Certo

Set menu for Dhs190(alcohol), Dhs140(softdrinks), Dhs210(Proseco). Dhs95 for kids 6-12, free for kids under 6 Timings: Noon-3.30pm (Friday)

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Dubai is well stocked with copy-cat Italian eateries, most of them unremarkable, but Certo stands out for its consistent fine food and reasonable prices – a rare plaudit indeed in this city. Try as it does, the somewhat dramatic decor can’t brush off the business hotel vibe (it’s hard to see Certo as a plausible romantic option). The food makes up for it, though. Cannellini bean soup with rosemary, garlic and basil oil is simply outstanding – unshowy but packed with flavour. Jumbo prawns come wrapped in ‘lardo’, a cured, fatty Italian pork, and bedded in a fragrant pile of puy lentils. Meanwhile the ‘artisan’ pasta, not quite the measure of fresh homemade pasta, is nevertheless paired to perfection with parma ham and porcini mushrooms.

Desserts buck the trend, with a line-up of thoughtful, inventive dishes. A simple bowl of strawberries served in balsamic vinegar and thick-ground pepper is a good example. For atmosphere and service, there are better options in town, but if you like your Italian food, Certo is certainly up there with its more expensive rivals.

By Daisy Carrington
Time Out Dubai, 2 February 2009

• Previous reviews
  • 19 March,2009- reviewed by Time Out Dubai staff
  • 26 March,2008- reviewed by Jeremy Lawrence
  • 28 November,2007- reviewed by James Brennan
  • 04 April,2007- reviewed by Time Out Dubai Staff
  • 12 March,2007- reviewed by Time Out Dubai Staff
  • 30 April,2006- reviewed by Time Out Dubai
  • 05 April,2006- reviewed by Matthew Lee
  • 30 January,2006- reviewed by Matthew Lee

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Time Out reviews restaurants anonymously and pays for meals. Of course, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or independence of user reviews.

Posted by: MIchael STanek on 24 Aug ' 09 at 17:20

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Posted by: Laurent on 19 Aug ' 09 at 06:38

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Would you go back to this restaurant? No

When we arrived last night (8pm), and the restaurant was half full (or half empty), we've been told to have some drinks at the lounge. After mentioning the empty table, the manager came and explained, that there are so much order for the kitchen, that we won't be served before 30min. Now I wonder why having such a restaurant (with so much table) with such a small kitchen, if you can't handle all orders! How do they do, if the restaurant is full?? We still decided to go for it, and indeed had to wait 40min for the food, however drinks came very quickly.
I still can't believe that I paid >AED600 for 4 drinks, 4 pizza, 1 soup and 2 espresso! Yes the food was good, but EURO14 for a Pizza??? Come on!!!
After doubting about the "fresh" mushrooms, we were assured that they were freshly cut before placed on the pizza, but I am sure that they came directly from the can! For that price this can't be!
I have tried the new pizzerias on JBR, with an equivalent quality of Pizza and much cheaper, I won't go back to Certo. If I need Romantic then I go to Splendido @ Ritz-Carlton...

Posted by: jesyka on 16 Jul ' 09 at 13:37

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

This is the only restaurant in Dubai where my husband and I go back again and again. We are always put in our corner table near the beautiful see-through wine vault. The decor is mature and classy, the food is always fantastic, and the service is unbeatable. After our first meal we were impressed by the staff, then we walked in for a second time and our waiter immediately remembered the special cocktail I ordered a month before! Management always checks on your satisfaction and the chef usually sends over an amuse bouche on the house. You feel as if you are in a very high-end restaurant until the bill comes - best value in dubai as far as I'm concerned.

Posted by: Saeed on 02 Jul ' 09 at 18:09

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

the food is great, I love the place and I am going to eat there in weekly basis, it is amazing

thanks

Posted by: helen on 16 May ' 09 at 06:02

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Would you go back to this restaurant? No

We went for a Friday brunch yesterday...paid 190 dirhams each for a '5 course meal' and 'bottomless' house wine. There was a menu and everything on it sounded fab. However, the reality was that waiters brought round big platters of every dish on the menu, but if you wanted something, you only got a tiny portion (ie a spoonful of risotto, a tiny slice of pizza etc). Then you had to wait 20m at least for another tiny portion of something else. So yes, it was 5 courses - but they were absolutely miniscule & didn't fill anybody up. Not good enough when you are paying that much money, AND the quality of the food was very average given the restaurant's reputation (risotto undercooked, chicken overcooked, etc etc)!! Also, we had to keep asking for them to refill our wine as the service was slow & pretty unattentive. Overall, maybe Certo do a great lunch & dinner but the brunch was a big disappointment....my advice? Don't go!

Posted by: Lelia on 06 Apr ' 09 at 11:40

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

My partner and I dine at Certo on a weekly basis practically and it's a must when friends come to visit from back home. We've tried everything on the menu and there is not one dish I could fault. The service is always spot on but I would recommend sitting away from the entrance as it does feel like you're eating in the hotel foyer.

Posted by: Nicola on 31 Mar ' 09 at 11:17

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Business lunch
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Food is cooked in front of you. As an Italian I can witness all the products used with no exception is Italian 100%. The Manager takes care of every smallest detail and make sure everything is just perfect. The value of the meal for it's bill its probably the best deal in town. I personally dine in Certo at least 3 to 4 times a week when I am in town.

Posted by: henna on 30 Mar ' 09 at 12:13

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Family friendly
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Posted by: Joanne Bolton on 28 Mar ' 09 at 20:11

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Brunch served
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

This is my second visit to Certo, and I must say that I am just as impressed the second time as I was the first!!
I frequent many high end restaurants in Japan, and I have been accustomed to receiving the best quality, taste and presentation of all chosen food. Certo certainly ranks amongst the very best that I have ever experienced in the world!
The service was really top class, and the manager was highly aware of each and every individual customer's needs, and he was highly skilled in management of all affairs at all times.
I was very impressed!!!!

Thank you very much for an extremely enjoyable experience once again.I will most certainly come back the next time I visit Dubai!

Posted by: Karen Costigan on 28 Mar ' 09 at 20:00

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Certo is my favourite restaurant in Dubai. I have been to many restaurants however the ambience and service is always consistent. It's a pleasure to see people who care about their customers. Talking with passion about the food and the fact that so many Italians eat here is a clear demonstration of how authentic the food is.

You can't beat the pizza - only Naples pizzeria's come close.

Then there's Giovanni - he makes you feel like you are at his mamma's house but it still feels like a high end restaurant- that's pretty unique!

Posted by: Fabio on 28 Mar ' 09 at 19:46

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Business lunch
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Certois by far the best restaurant in Dubai and should definetely win a prize for best food and service in the category. Is the only restaurant where you can find a friendly atmosphere with the elegant touch of a fine dining restaurant. A very enjoyable place.

Posted by: alexandra on 20 Mar ' 09 at 12:16

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

great atmosphere best italian in dubai favorite app- asparaguso with caprino

Posted by: aldo on 20 Mar ' 09 at 09:56

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Family friendly
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

excellent food autentic italian flavour very good chef

Posted by: kim on 20 Mar ' 09 at 09:53

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

very good food staff friendly and nice alwsome well priced !!!!!!

Posted by: alex on 20 Mar ' 09 at 09:50

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Business lunch
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Well done guys a really italian restaurant love it

Posted by: Claire on 19 Mar ' 09 at 05:26

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Business lunch
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Delicious real Italian food combined with great atmosphere and excellent service makes this restaurant my favorite place to go to, whether it's for business lunches and more formal occasions or for a relaxed night out with friends. Always good value for money.

Posted by: mario ross on 18 Mar ' 09 at 20:18

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FoodAmbienceValue

extremely good, the chef, the manager, the staff are always kind and welcoming, making us feel important and missed. The food, thanks to the new Chef is unmatched. Keep up the good job guys!

Posted by: Damian on 05 Feb ' 09 at 12:57

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Not sure that I would agree that it is too business hotel like.

If you sit outside overlooking the golf course - it is very romantic, although too dark.

But great food, great service and very reasoanbly priced for a top end restaurant.

I would have no hesitation in receommending this place.

One tip - order a cab for a time when you arrive; as it can take a long time to get a cab after a meal.

Posted by: Loz on 29 Dec ' 08 at 10:26

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Excellent service, quality food and great for a night out with friends. Well priced and a great wine menu.

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