Drawing inspiration from Italy’s stunning Amalfi Coast, Piatti by the Beach is Dubai’s newest waterfront restaurant. With stunning foliage, slick service and a dreamy setting, this Mediterranean-style spot is one of the culinary stars of the newly opened Raffles, The Palm Dubai.
At the helm is chef Batuhan Piatti, who has led acclaimed restaurants such as the first Cipriani in Istanbul and Billionaire Dubai, as well as starring in his own TV show Life is Beautiful for Batuhan and being one of the first judges on MasterChef Turkey.
What to expect and where to sit
With whitewashed stone floors, turquoise accents and clusters of bright fuchsia bougainvillea flowers spilling over from hanging baskets, stepping into Piatti feels like strolling into a Greek waterfront taverna.
The light and airy indoor space flows seamlessly through to the restaurant’s terrace, allowing the beachside appeal of this spot to be felt throughout.
Inside, there’s a fresh fish counter displaying the catch of the day, as well as trays of fresh, colourful fruit and a “Temptation Room”, dedicated to handcrafted cakes.
When the weather allows, a seat on the terrace is the best way to experience dinner at Piatti. With the Arabian Gulf just a stone’s throw away and the Dubai skyline as a backdrop, it’s beachfront dining at its best.
The menu
As is to be expected from Mediterranean-style dining, the menu features plenty of seafood and freshly sourced ingredients, but, being located in one of Palm Jumeirah’s newest luxury resorts, you can also expect a Dubai twist.
To start, my dining partner and I opt for the scallop carpaccio (Dh140). Served with large helpings of shaved black truffle, red chillies and a citrus zest, it’s an interesting mix of flavours and textures, but one we aren’t 100 per cent sold on.
We also try the Wagyu beef carpaccio with wasabi mayo (Dh190), which is delightfully rich with the perfect hit of heat, interestingly served on a fine, crispy layer of filo pastry. At our server's recommendation, we get the dynamite Carabineros prawns (Dh220), a signature dish we are glad we didn’t miss.
With pizza, pasta, grill and fish menus, there’s no shortage of choice when it comes to the main event. Sadly we miss out on the sold-out daily special — a Tomahawk steak designed to be shared — and instead opt for Wagyu beef rib-eye (Dh350), cooked as recommended, which comes with a side of seared garden vegetables. It's flavoursome, melts in the mouth, and hits the spot perfectly.
Feeling full but craving something sweet, we try the crepe suzette, theatrically flambeed at the side of the table, and served with a side of vanilla ice cream and fresh fruit, which perfectly offset the citrus tang.
Stand-out dish
The grilled jumbo Carabineros prawns (Dh220) were our favourite dish of the night. Known for their bright red colour, these deep-sea prawns are a speciality of Piatti by the Beach, and are among some of the most expensive and best shrimp in the world. Served with a light marinade and alongside a pea puree, the fresh flavour and buttery texture makes the dish feel like a real treat.
A chat with the chef
Chef Batuhan says the menu has been designed with quality at its core. “I have created a menu with freshness, taste and simplicity in mind, [but] you will taste the quality in every bite,” he says.
He says that the service at Piatti, as well as its location, enhances the dining experience.
Value for money and contact information
As you may have clocked, Piatti on the Beach is definitely set at the higher end of the price scale. With starters ranging from Dh95 up to Dh220, and mains costing anywhere from Dh135 for pizza to Dh650 for the likes of the salt-crusted sea bass or grilled langoustines. Expect the quality of the ingredients, many of which are sourced directly from Greece, and its premium location, to be reflected in the price.
Piatti by the Beach is open daily from noon-1am. For reservations, call 04 248 8889.
This review was conducted at the invitation of the restaurant
