Brunch of the Month: The Sabato Riviera brunch at Torno Subito

W Dubai – The Palm’s restaurant proves that MICHELIN meals can be fun and fabulous.

If you thought MICHELIN meals were a stuffy affair, Torno Subito is here to change that. Chef Massimo Buttura is behind the one MICHELIN-starred restaurant in W Dubai – The Palm, which offers a fun foodie experience. The place is packed with personality, thanks to the brightly coloured décor, themed nights and Sabato Riviera brunch. 

Massimo is the mastermind behind the three MICHELIN-starred restaurant, Osteria Francescana in Modena, Italy. He could easily have created a pretentious place, but Torno Subito masters being relaxed yet refined. In Italian, the name of the restaurant means I’ll be right back, and can often be found on signs in local shops at lunchtime. 

The Sabato Riviera brunch transports you to the Italian Riviera in the 1960s. Paul Bishop is behind the restaurant’s bold and bright design, which offers good vibes by the bucket load. The floor-to-ceiling windows and terrace boast beachfront views, which put you in the holiday mood. The features include lime chairs, orange sofas and a pink Vespa. And, it’s easy to chill, especially when you see pictures of the chef himself in playful poses.

The Sabato Riviera brunch is great for groups, and includes superb sharing dishes and plentiful portions. The starters included Calamari Fritti, Italian Cold Cuts and Polpette. The cheese platter’s moreish selection was finished fast. Plus, the Pizza Fritta and Pizza Margherita combined a bubbly base with juicy toppings – it was so good, that we ordered more. 

The mains included Gnocchi Ai Gamerbi, Orata All’Acqua Pazza and Pollo Alla Romana, which were all served at the table. The highlight was the Pollo Alla Romana with its soft and smoky chicken mixed with peppers. Warning: our vegetarian guests had to make do with additional antipasti.

The desserts excelled with Italian favourites, which included Cannoli and the Insta-worthy Tiramisubito. What set this tiramisu apart was that it was lighter than most versions of the dessert. Plus, the crowd pleasers included a selection of ice creams and seasonal fruit. 

The Sabato Riviera’s drinks list showcased Italian spirit(s), from the Bellezza welcome drink with Prosecco, peach and elderflower to the Spritz station. The friendly staff are on hand – literally – to top up glasses, and were suitably stylish and smiley throughout the meal.

The Sabato Riviera’s drink packages start from AED 325 for the soft package and go up to AED 725 for a premium package. As most MICHELIN-starred restaurants could cost as much as this without drinks, here you can get free-flowing Champagne along with critically acclaimed credentials.

Torno Subito, we’ll be right back.

GO: Visit www.tornosubitodubai.com for more information.