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On the sparkling shores of Bluewaters Island, Alici has become one of Dubai’s most captivating dining destinations. Inspired by the coastal towns of Southern Italy, it brings together Mediterranean sophistication and the city’s cosmopolitan energy, offering you an evening that feels both like an escape and a celebration.
From the moment you arrive, there’s a sense of ease and occasion. Breezy terraces and elegant interiors open out onto panoramic marina views, setting the stage for an experience that is as much about atmosphere as it is about cuisine. By day, sunlight fills the space with a calm, coastal charm, while at night, candlelight flickers against the water, and the skyline glows beyond. Alici captures this shift beautifully, ensuring every visit feels special.
A Setting Steeped in Coastal Charm
The interiors carry the spirit of the Amalfi Coast – whitewashed walls, pale blues, and natural textures that evoke airiness and warmth. Spread across two levels, the dining rooms flow out onto terraces that take full advantage of the waterfront setting. The mood is refined yet relaxed, striking that balance where you feel comfortable lingering over lunch or dressing up for an evening occasion. It’s this blend of serenity and vibrancy that defines Alici’s ambience and makes it memorable.
A Menu Rooted in the Mediterranean
Seafood is the heart of Alici’s menu, with a raw bar that immediately sets the tone for indulgence. Options range from Dibba Bay and Gillardeau oysters to tuna tartare and sturgeon caviar – all presented with the kind of care that underlines their freshness.
Homemade pastas showcase both authenticity and flair. The Spaghetti “Gentile” alici e mollica is a nod to the restaurant’s name, marrying anchovies with capers, olives, and the crunch of toasted breadcrumbs. Trenetta scampi pairs langoustine with a rich datterino tomato sauce, while Spaghetti alla “Chitarra” con ricci e ricciola combines sea urchin, amberjack, and a lift of Amalfi lemon zest for a dish that feels indulgent yet bright.
For mains, the Branzino al sale is a standout. The salt-crusted sea bass is presented with quiet theatre at the table, before being filleted to reveal delicate, aromatic flesh. Other highlights include Dentice rosso with aubergine caponata, grilled salmon, and the indulgent Tagliata di Wagyu, which brings a rich counterpoint to the lighter seafood plates.
Desserts lean into southern Italy’s love of citrus and balance. Plates arrive with freshness and restraint, often layering fruit, gelato, and sponge to deliver clean flavours rather than heavy finales. The drinks menu, meanwhile, is built around crisp European wines and Mediterranean-style cocktails that complement rather than overwhelm.
Service with Subtle Elegance
The service strikes a balance between warmth and precision. Staff are approachable and confident, whether recommending a raw bar pairing or explaining the details of the day’s catch. Timing between courses is carefully considered, giving the meal a natural flow that feels leisurely without dragging. Small touches – like presenting the catch of the day at the table – emphasise freshness and add to the experience without feeling staged.
Mediterranean Spirit in Dubai
Alici captures what makes the Amalfi Coast so alluring: light, freshness, and understated glamour. In Dubai, it translates into a place where you can settle in for a long afternoon, toast to an occasion over oysters and pasta, or simply enjoy an evening where food, service, and setting align seamlessly.
It isn’t just about what’s on the plate – though the cooking is consistently thoughtful – but about the way Alici makes you feel as a guest. With its refined ambience, attentive service, and menu that celebrates the best of the Mediterranean, it delivers more than a meal. It offers you a moment of escape, a taste of Italy by the water.
Location: Marsa Dubai, Bluewaters Island, Dubai.
