Roberto’s DIFC, the popular Italian restaurant has built its reputation (and business plan) on catering to the sharp-looking clientele of the financial district. Due to the thousands of bespoke-suited high-fliers walking past its doors on a daily basis, it makes sense. However, despite a stellar reputation, the restaurant is not immune to the DIFC weekend slowdown.
The truth is, when it’s not a workday, people simply don’t go into the area. Well aware of this issue, Roberto’s is hoping to change this dynamic with a brunch inspired by the idyllic summers of the Amalfi coast in the south of Italy.
The Andiamo brunch — which happens each Friday afternoon — offers guests a speciality menu designed just for them, and features a mixture of shared starters, followed by à la carte mains. It begins with a large ‘seafood tower’ — an amalgam of lobster, ceviche, king crab, oysters, prawns, clams and mussels, followed by hot and cold antipasti. Guests choose one main each at the start of the meal, with food ranging from rock-salt-baked sea bass, slow-cooked Wagyu short ribs and, if you’re happy to share, a huge grilled tomahawk steak designed for two. Emphasising the coastal Italian flair, the drinks package also includes bottomless Aperol Spritz and Bloody Marys.
The food is good, the service stellar, and the experience is well worth another trip back there, even — dare we say it — on a weekend away from the office.
Roberto’s, DIFC, Dubai. 12.30pm to 4pm. Dhs450. robertos.ae
