Dubai is known for its propensity to make even the most mundane things seem glamorous, thanks to the city’s towering skyscrapers, fleet of over-the-top restaurants and an amusement park which features a nine-storey high water slide that drops you off into a shark-filled lagoon (don’t worry, the nippers are kept safely behind a glass screen).
It makes sense then that even a humble pizza can be given a dusting of glamour in Dubai. Sure, pizza is delicious, filling and one of the most popular dishes across the whole world, but you would not typically associate greasy, sloppy slices of the stuff sliding out of cardboard boxes with the style and sophistication of Dubai. You would be wrong though, as Dubai is home to a whole fleet of pizza restaurants, which dress up the staple Italian dish with fine cuts of meat and mountains of black truffle shavings.
If you prefer your pizza to be more traditional, you can find that in Dubai too, as there are also a few big name Italian chefs who have opened outposts of their famous restaurants in the city, serving the authentic kind of pizza you would usually only find in its native Italy. So, if you are on the hunt for the best pizza restaurants Dubai has to offer, we are happy to report that you need look no further. In the interests of serious journalism, we have rounded up the best places to grab a slice of the action in Dubai - whether you are in the mood for a traditional thin and crispy base, fancy a deep-pan variety or want to swap out traditional toppings with luxe alternatives, Dubai’s pizza restaurants will have something for you.
Check out our pick of Dubai pizza restaurants below and don’t forget to book your table in advance in order to avoid any disappointment.
Roberto’s
Why: This chic Italian has all the sophistication of elegant restaurants in Milan, but is set against the glittering backdrop of Dubai’s awe-inspiring skyline. At Roberto’s, pizzas are traditionally Italian and you will find four options to choose from - keep it simple with a classic Margherita or if you are feeling extra indulgent, opt for the Pizza Bianca that arrives at the table topped with black truffle shavings.
How much: Pizzas from 90 AED
Brioso
Why: Part of the Crowne Plaza Dubai Deira hotel, Brioso is a loud and proud restaurant bringing some of the spirit of Italy to Dubai. Choose from a selection of oven-baked pizzas, including the Diavola topped with spiced beef salami or a four cheese option crowned with Mozzarella, Asiago, Gorgonzola and Parmesan. Staying at the hotel? There’s always the option to order a pizza straight to your room.
How much: Pizza from 48 AED
MezzaLuna
Why: MezzaLuna is arguably home to one of the most diverse pizza selections in Dubai, with eight unique varieties to choose from. Options range from the traditional likes of Margherita and four cheese all the way through to less conventional toppings including a seafood pizza and a chicken fajita variety. You can customise your order two, with the option to add additional toppings such as chicken tikka, black olives or veal bacon.
How much: Pizza from 54 AED
Alici
Why: You’d be forgiven for thinking you had been transported to the Italian riviera when stepping into Alici’s dreamy blue and white dining room, although the outdoor terrace overlooking the Dubai skyline is a bit of a giveaway. Alici’s menu is a celebration of Italian seafood and the pizza is no different - tuck into the likes of a dough base topped with cured salmon, burrata and sun dried yellow tomatoes.
How much: Pizzas from 75 AED
Torno Subito
Why: Torno Subito is the brainchild of world-famous Italian chef Massimo Bottura, his first outside of his native Italy. You can find it at W Dubai - The Palm and the dining room is a love letter to Italian excess, featuring pinstripe floors and pastel pink booths. From the pizza selection, our suggestion is to venture into the unknown - take a punt on the curious likes of high dough focaccia with burrata, beef bresaola and apple mustard.
How much: Pizzas from 80 AED
Piadera
Why: On the hunt for a quick and easy pizza place that’s free of fuss and pretentiousness? Head on down to Piadera, which boasts a casual vibe and is well suited to quick lunches or early dinners. The thin and crispy pizzas here are made with high fibre, low-rise dough so are a lighter alternative than usual - opt for a topping of grilled vegetables, a combination of grilled salmon and avocado or indulge with a helping of Italian beef salami.
How much: Pizzas from 25 AED
Capanna Nuova
Why: We can think of few restaurants in Dubai more romantic than Capanna Nouva, with its rustic decor and breath-taking terrace that overlooks the Burj Khalifa and glistening water of the Arabian Gulf. We also think that pizza is a dish worth falling head over heels for, especially at Capanna Nuova, where options include a calzone stuffed with mushrooms, smoked cheese and beef salami, plus a pizza adorned with buffalo mozzarella, tomato sauce and shaved truffle.
How much: Pizzas from 86 AED
Scalini
Why: A follow-up site to the London original, chic Italian restaurant Scalini boasts a contemporary aesthetic of crisp white linen and bold blue focal walls. There are only three pizzas on the menu here, but when they’re this tasty, three is enough. Choose between a classic Margherita, an al Tartufo with creamy white sauce and truffle or a Carpaccio flecked with raw beef, mustard sauce and rocket.
How much: Pizzas from 90 AED
Vanitas
Why: Undoubtedly one of Dubai’s most romantic restaurants, Vanitas is a love letter to Italian opulence, featuring high ceilings, glittering chandeliers and ornate crockery (in case you hadn’t guessed, it’s housed inside the Versace hotel). From the concise menu, you can enjoy Italian cast iron pan pizzas. Our top pick? The Al Tartufo with Pecorino cheese, black truffle and wild mushrooms.
How much: Pizzas from 75 AED
Pregos
Why: Like a little bit of kitchen theatre alongside your dining experience? Head to Pregos, which boasts an open kitchen so that you can watch the team of chefs at work. There are a range of housemade, hand stretched pizzas to choose from, split into three categories - tomato pizzas, white pizzas and pizzas with pork toppings. You can pimp out your pizza meal too, by pairing it with a glass of fizz from Prego’s tempting selection.
How much: Pizzas from 75 AED
Cucina Mia
Why: Cucina Mia is perhaps best known for its handmade fresh pasta dishes, but the pizzas here are worth your time too. All of the pizzas are made with pure Italian buffalo mozzarella cheese and there is also the option to make the bases gluten-free upon request. Toppings wise, you can expect everything from turkey ham and mushrooms to salmon and parsley, while there’s even the option to have pizza for dessert - a dough base spread with Nutella and topped with fruit.
How much: Pizzas from 50 AED
Splendido
Why: With its crispy white interiors, Splendido wouldn’t look out of place in the Hamptons, but it’s found a home in Dubai, serving traditional Italian cuisine. While the dining room is a stylish proposition, the outdoor terrace is a great spot for some romance over dinner. There are four classic pizzas on the menu - take your pick from a Margherita, Prosciutto di Parma, Quattro Formaggi or Ortolana (mixed seasonal vegetables).
How much: Pizzas from 50 AED
Billionaire Mansion
Why: While you don’t necessarily have to be a billionaire to enjoy a pizza at Billionaire Mansion, you can expect to pay up a lot more than you usually would to get a slice. If you’re a fan of extravagant, over-the-top dining experiences though, this is the place for you with its alternating Japanese and Italian menus. We’re not sure exactly what’s in the mysterious Focaccia "Billionaire" pizza, but with a 200 AED price tag, we’re sure it’s something spectacular.
How much: Pizzas from 151 AED
L’antica Pizzeria da Michele
Why: You can now enjoy the famous pizza from classic Julia Roberts film Eat, Pray, Love in Dubai. Found inside the City Walk Mall and therefore perfect for a post retail therapy refuel, L’antica Pizzeria da Michele serves up authentically Italian pizzas that are free of fuss or gimmicks. The options here are as simple and classic as you would expect, but keep your eyes peeled for the monthly special if you are in the mood for something a little more adventurous.
How much: Pizzas from AED
Luigia
Why: If you are looking for a family-friendly pizza restaurant in Dubai, Luigia may just be the place for you. There are a whole boatload of options to choose from here, with toppings ranging from spicy sausage to turkey ham. Need a break from the little ones to enjoy your meal in peace? Ship them off to Luigia’s very own kid’s cinema, which will keep them entertained while you stay at the table for ‘grown up’ chat.
How much: Pizzas from 69 AED
Don’t discriminate when it comes to Italian dishes? Get your fill of pizza, pasta and more with our pick of the best Italian restaurants in Dubai.