Splendido

Overpriced Italian The Ritz Carlton 3 Reviews

Meal Deal

Splendido

Dhs375(unlimited drinks). Dhs125 kids under 12yrs Timings: 12.30pm-3.30pm (Friday)

1

© ITP Images

 

• 
• Picture 1 of 2
• 

From Time Out Dubai Eating Out 2009

Is Splendido splendido? What do you think, stupido? Any restaurant that sets itself up with a name like that better deliver. Set in the plush quietude of The Ritz-Carlton, just beyond Jumeirah Beach Residence’s imposing modern fortress, it contrasts as a haven of old-fashioned gentility.

Still, despite the charms of its location, it’s the food that matters in Italian restaurants. Prosciutto with melon is good, if not outstanding, while the mushroom soup warms, without excitement.

However, a small, but perfectly formed lasagne is an exercise in simple excellence, while the veal Milanese – small rounds of baby beef served as escalope – is a satisfying bite. There are traps put down to snare you, though. The bread bowl is replaced with furious efficiency. Inevitably, the hungry will tuck in and leave little or no room for their mains. Pity.

By Time Out Dubai staff
Time Out Dubai, 19 March 2009

• Previous reviews
  • 26 March,2008- reviewed by Jeremy Lawrence
  • 08 August,2007- reviewed by James Brennan
  • 12 March,2007- reviewed by Time Out Dubai Staff
  • 12 July,2006- reviewed by Time Out Dubai
  • 30 April,2006- reviewed by TimeOut Dubai Staff
  • 01 June,2003- reviewed by Rob Orchard
  • 01 December,2001- reviewed by Time Out Dubai Staff

• Share | |
• E-mail:
• 
• Print:
• 

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

Posted by: Laurent on 19 Aug ' 09 at 06:47

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

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

Indeed, the prices have gone up, and AED295- (vs. 195 2 years ago) is bitter pill to swallow! On an other end, it's still the best brunch in town! The accent is not on the quantity of dishes available, but on the quality! I've never been disappointed! The french Patissier is a genius, and his work is not only great for your palate but for your eyes also! And the service is very good, not only towards adults but kids, whom are very welcome!!!

Posted by: Juliette on 01 Jun ' 09 at 11:45

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

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

I've only been there for the brunch but it is my favorite in Dubai. The focus in not so much on getting hammered ( 2 flutes of Veuve Cliquot and unlimited house wines), but really what sets it apart from others is the quality of the food. Yes, it's not cheap, but neither are the products they use.

The variety is good, if not excessive, eclectic, but again the emphasis is really on getting the tastes right. The food is fresh and the plates are renewed frequently so you don't have things getting soggy in the chaffing dishes. I advise booking early and sitting in the garden in the pleasant months, very pleasant atmosphere, the food is fabulous and the dessert buffet is sensational, definitely worth saving lots of space for.

Posted by: Peter Smith on 29 Mar ' 09 at 07:24

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Brunch served
• Would you go back to this restaurant? No

This restaurant used to be really good 4 to 5 years ago. The service was outstanding and the food really really good and authentic Italian. I believe it used to be Chef Veronesi who made it all happen then and there was an Italian Manager, Emanuele, who used to be very good and professional.
This attentivness to detail is now unfortunatelly missing. The food is now very "playfull", but not authentic. Once again this restaurant has an identity crisis, which had been fixed in the past.
The brunch is fine, nice terrace and good atmosphere. The price is too much and in this current situation should certainly be revised. It was never cheap, but no it seems certainly very overpriced and value for money is not given.
I hope the Ladies and Gentlemen of the Ritz-Carlton will put some thought behind this, to bring the restaurant to its old glory.

O

Add your review/feedback