Rave Dines: Savor the Flavors of Il Gattopardo, DIFC’s Hidden Gem
A Taste of La Dolce Vita in the Heart of Dubai
by Khadija Husain
10 Jan 2025

Flashy restaurant interiors are not hard to come by in Dubai, but an indulgent meal in a jazzy, sophisticated setting is a rare luxury. So, how does newcomer Il Gattopardo in Dubai measure up? Inspired by the spirit of 1960s Italy and named after the iconic novel Il Gattopardo, this restaurant in DIFC pays homage to that golden era while joining the family of other prestigious international names such as Coya, Zuma, and Amazónico.
Il Gattopardo brings the elegance of Italian dining from London’s Mayfair to ICD Brookfield Place in DIFC, Dubai. Perched on the 51st floor, the restaurant offers breathtaking views of Dubai’s skyline, including the majestic Burj Khalifa. From the moment you step inside, Il Gattopardo transports you to the heart of Italy, enveloping you in an ambience that seamlessly blends glamour, sophistication, and warmth, embodying the refined luxury of the Italian Riviera.
As we entered, we were greeted by a striking leopard sculpture—a nod to the restaurant's literary namesake. Designed by the acclaimed Lázaro Rosa-Violán, the interiors combine the cosmopolitan energy of Milan with the romance of Venice. With a warm colour palette, bold splashes of cobalt blue, glossy wood, chrome accents, and elegant leopard motifs enhance the space, while Italian-inspired art and artisan murals celebrate Italy’s rich cultural history. Whether for lunch or dinner, the ambience remains intimate and inviting, with lowered dining areas ensuring every guest enjoys a stunning view of the Dubai skyline.

However, the true showstopper is the menu, curated by Executive Chef Massimo Pasquarelli, a native of Italy’s Abruzzo region. Designed to be shared, the à la carte offerings celebrate modern Italian cuisine with a focus on Sicily, Amalfi, and the Southern Isles. The attentive staff waited to enhance the experience, making the dining journey even more enjoyable.
We were treated to a parade of dishes, each a modern interpretation of Italian classics crafted from seasonal ingredients and local produce. Our meal began with the refreshing Pere e Noci salad, a delightful combination of sweet pears, toasted walnuts, and baby spinach, elevated by the bold flavour of Gorgonzola. This light, refreshing dish set the perfect tone for what was to come.
For the Antipasti, the Carpaccio Manzo stood out. Thin slices of black Angus carpaccio were elegantly paired with truffle shavings, Parmesan, and pink peppercorns, creating a perfect balance of textures and flavors. As a nod to Italian tradition, we also shared a Margherita Pizza—a bite of tradition with its simple yet sublime mozzarella fior di latte, Datterino tomato sauce, and basil oil. The pizza was a comforting bite of tradition, where each ingredient shone through—a true Italian staple.

Moving on to the Primi Piatti, the Roasted Pumpkin Ravioli left us in awe. These pillowy ravioli, filled with sweet pumpkin and smothered in a luscious Parmesan cream, were further enriched by the texture and nuttiness of toasted pumpkin seeds adding depth to the dish.
For the Secondi, we had the Milanese Veal Tomahawk. This generously sized veal cutlet, Tender and cooked to perfection, was accompanied by caper & lemon brown butter and anchovy cream, offering a balance of richness and brightness.
To finish the meal, we were served the cheese selection, Tagliere, showcased the best of Italy’s artisanal cheeses—a must-try for any cheese lover. The combination of robust, creamy, and tangy flavours was a delightful way to end the savoury portion of our feast.
But the triumph of the evening was the dessert menu, curated by Head Pastry Chef Galileo Reposo. We indulged in two decadent options: the classic Tiramisu, with its espresso-soaked ladyfingers and airy mascarpone cream, and the Vanilla Crema Cotta, paired with a scoop of pistachio ice cream. Both desserts were a perfect sweet ending to an unforgettable meal. Chef Reposo’s creations, particularly the Tiramisu, have garnered a viral following, and for good reason—it lingered in our minds for days afterwards.

To accompany our meal, we enjoyed a refreshing Pina Colada—a tropical, fruity contrast that paired beautifully with the rich flavours of the evening.
The dining area exudes quiet elegance with plush seating, warm lighting, and statement chandeliers that add character to the space. The open kitchen infuses energy into the main dining room. As the sun sets and Dubai's lights twinkle, the atmosphere becomes even more magical, making it an ideal setting for a romantic dinner or an intimate gathering with friends.
For those seeking exclusivity, Il Gattopardo also offers private dining rooms—Sofia and Gina—named after Italian cinematic icons Sophia Loren and Gina Lollobrigida. These rooms provide a perfect setting for intimate gatherings, while the vibrant lounge, with its resident DJ spinning retro Italian hits and tracks from the La Dolce Vita era, transforms into a lively late-night destination.

Final Thoughts
In a city brimming with Italian flair, Il Gattopardo stands out as a luxurious yet welcoming dining destination. Offering an unparalleled experience that transports you to Italy while embracing the glamour of Dubai, it’s perfect for any occasion—whether it's a leisurely lunch, a late-night aperitivo, or a private celebration. Il Gattopardo is a place to see and be seen, capturing the essence of la dolce vita. The space, the service, and the food—all shine brightest when Italian simplicity is celebrated. To paraphrase the adage, a leopard never changes its spots—and neither does a great Italian recipe.
Opening Hours:
Restaurant: Lunch 12–3 PM | Business Lunch 12-3PM I Dinner 7 PM–1:30 AM
Lounge: 12 PM–1:30 AM
Contact Information:
Website: Il Gattopardo Dubai
Reservations: reservations@gattopardo.ae or +971 4 498 1727
Image courtesy of Il Gattopardo.