FACT Review: Savour signature Italian staples at Signor Sassi Dubai

Expect slick service and signature dishes but no signs of sass.

Signor Sassi is in good company. Dubai’s latest restaurant opening adds irresistible Italian charm to the repertoire of dining destinations at the newly inaugurated St. Regis Gardens, joining fancy French restaurant Chez Wam, the two-MICHELIN-starred Trèsind Studio, and the soon-to-open Leña on the chicest rooftop in Palm Jumeirah.

Signor Sassi’s arrival in Dubai is no surprise given the success of SUSHISAMBA, an international brand brought to Dubai by Sunset Hospitality Group (AURA Skypool & Lounge, L’Amo Bistro Del Mare and Mott 32) and given an elevated twist, thus breathing new life into the brand. Sunset Hospitality Group looks set to replicate the same formula with Signor Sassi Dubai, taking a beloved Italian restaurant from London (and more recently Riyadh) and giving it an Insta-worthy polish for Dubai’s discerning diners.

Having first opened in London’s Knightsbridge in 1984, Signor Sassi prides itself on creating simple Italian staples such as Burrata with Datterino Tomatoes (AED 155), Spaghetti with Clams and Mullet Roe (AED 160), Tagliolint with Lemon Sauce and Caviar (AED 245), and the Famous Spaghettini with Lobster (AED 260).

The Dubai locale boasts a warm and welcoming aesthetic anchored around an elevated bar, wine cellar, and an olive tree that splays out across the charming dining room. Designed by Fettle, Signor Sassi Dubai’s interiors skillfully blend classic Italian design elements with plush furnishings, embracing a spectrum of pastel tones juxtaposed against dark woods and white Carrara marble. Lush foliage softens the interiors, connecting the venue with the soon-to-open outdoor terrace. Judging by the packed restaurant on Signor Sassi’s second day of opening, the restaurant is already a trendy choice.

Service is slick despite the demands of a full house, although menus are snatched away by the keen staff with alarming frequency. Broken down into Antipasti, Insalate, Special Signor Sassi, Dal Pescatore, Dal Macellaio, Zuppe, and Pasta & Risotti – the Signor Sassi menu showcases Italian classics executed with finesse. While wine connoisseurs will find delight in the extensive selection featuring the finest Italian wines.

Our meal starts with the Vitello Tonnato (AED 95), featuring delicate veal tenderloin slices accompanied by capers, sundried tomatoes, and a subtle hint of lemon. It’s a dish that melts in the mouth and has understandably become a cherished Signor Sassi signature. Equally enticing is the crunchy Gamberetti & Calamari Fritti (AED 160), offering moreish morsels of seafood with a spritz of lemon to be ceremoniously dunked in a creamy tartar sauce.

The main course offerings span house-made pasta to proteins. However, the pizzas (not even the decadent truffle one) that have proved popular in Riyadh do not appear on the menu in Dubai. Pizza aside, one dish that captured our attention was the Ravioli Tartufo (AED 240), presenting generously stuffed silky egg-yolk pasta topped with shaved truffle for extra indulgence. It’s a delicate contrast to the Veal Milanese (AED 320), which was a touch too heavy and a dry mouthful despite its Insta-worthy adornment with spirals of potato julienne.

While we typically lean towards savoury choices, the dessert selection at Signor Sassi piqued our interest. While tempting options like Black Cherry Meringue (AED 70) and Chocolate Profiteroles (AED 75) vied for our attention, we ultimately chose the Classic Tiramisu (AED 65). Adorned with the Signor Sassi logo in chocolate, this portion of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and luscious mascarpone cream turned out to be an extravagant indulgence. Elsewhere, the stacked Pistachio Gelato (AED 130) served with homemade brioche is a treat for both your tastebuds and InstaStories. 

Signor Sassi has welcomed royalty and celebrities from across the world. Now, it’s your chance to check out the famous restaurant, which we can expect to attract an A-list crowd. 

GO: Visit https://signorsassidubai.com for reservations and more information.