Italian cuisine has been one of the most sought-after delicacies served all around the world because it has attracted the taste buds of numerous travellers and food lovers. The idea of creating an artificial environment to replicate a particular place creates a long-lasting perception in person mind.

This similar concept had been admirably implemented by Casa Da Venice, which is a small family run restaurant serving some of the best Italian delicacies. The restaurant is beautifully tucked within the JLT Cluster C facing the artificial lake with a lot of passive shading due to greenery in close proximity.

The entire set-up resembles the Gondola’s (Rowing boat) along the canal of Venice in Italy.  By now it might be clear that the overall ambience of the restaurant is completely inspired by the Italian design philosophy in terms of the decor and colour usage. Two seating configuration with sofa and individual chairs was utilised. Lighting levels were uniform and a lot of wooden furniture have been used. Only the 2 front side of the restaurant has a glass facade which provides a direct view of the artificial lake also bringing in the right proportion of daylighting.

We had the opportunity to try the following dishes –

1. Fondue Con Paprika – Main Course
2. Bruschetta – Appetizer
3. Naples Pizza – Main Course
4. Barbeque Pizza – Main Course
5. Margherita Pizza – Main Course
6. Monalisa Pasta – Main Course
7. Maple Pumpkin Risotto – Main Course
8. Lotus Killer – Dessert
9. Tiramisu – Dessert
10. Watermelon Mint Juice – Drink

Finally moving on with the food critics, I was was very impressed with the Monalisa pasta as its sauce was very creamy, tangy and topped with basil leaves which were grown in-house. The Barbeque pizza was same as a traditional Italian pizza with thin crust tomato sauce and a generous amount of cheese being also pretty nice. I was amazed by seeing the Maple Pumpkin Risotto which could be first of its kind in Dubai. Bruschetta seemed to be mouthwatering as it was generously topped with chopped tomatoes, basil, olives and cheese on toasted french bread. Watermelon Mint Juice was pretty refreshing as the combination of mint with watermelon complimented each other.

Now with the desserts, the tiramisu was extremely creamy with nice espresso powder notes with smart packing container. The lotus killer had an amazing blend of touch as lotus matches nicely with vanilla ice cream.

I also appreciate the healthy and environmentally friendly approach embarked by the restaurant by growing in-house basil and oregano free from any chemicals and pesticides. But this approach also plays a role in enhancing the indoor air quality and human perception of space. Eliminating plastic bottles is an environmentally friendly approach because glass is easy to recycle while plastic bottles are dumped in landfills which produce a lot of toxic chemicals causing pollution and climate change.

From overall dining experience, I would highly recommend all the food lover to try out Casa Da Venice.

Food Taste – 4.5/5          Presentation – 4/5            Price –  3/5           Ambience – 5/5