10 Reasons Why We Still #LOVE This Old School Italian On SZR 16 Years Later

Teatro, translated as ‘theatre’ in Italian, pays homage to the restaurant’s previous affiliation with the arts and theatre lifestyle. For over 16 years, Teatro Dubai has been serving contemporary, fusion, International cuisine in a fine dining atmosphere housed in the Towers Rotana Hotel on the Sheikh Zayed Road. So what’s the secret to their success?

1. Fabulous, Vibrant Atmosphere 

One of Dubai’s old favourites, Teatro is always buzzing with the steady hmmm of people enjoying themselves, whether at the bar or in the restaurant or private dining areas. Even early doors the ambiance is comfortable and familiar. And it’s one of the few places that is busy 12 months of the year, seven days a week. Making a reservation is highly recommended. 

2: Flawless Customer Service & Attention

Lack of customer service and attention to detail is one of our main bug bears at Lovin Dubai Towers. It’s something that can make or break even the newest and most exciting of concepts on the F&B scene in Dubai. 

Headed up by Pat, who I believe has been at Teatro for at least ten years, the team from the kitchen staff to the bar staff all pay constant attention to their guests. This is why Teatro has survived almost two decades in Dubai and still remains busy to this day. Customers want to be recognised, they want to feel looked after, they want to feel special and if something isn’t what they wanted, or if something isn’t quite right the staff work hard to ensure they fix it. No arguments, no delay just let me solve your concern. 

3. Wasabi Prawns & Lump Crab Salad 

Thanks to our really helpful waitress we ordered the daily special of Wasabi Prawns and the Lump Crab Salad. When they arrived we were delighted to see that the prawns were the size of langoustines and really juicy and crispy all at the same time. The wasabi sauce was extremely delicate it didn’t dominate the prawn flavor at all as it was combined with a mango salsa. It was a good dish. Not exceptional like the Lump Crab though. The Crab salad was divine, it was also a really healthy portion size but extremely delicate and light. The dressing didn’t overpower the crab and we think this is one of Teatro’s stand out dishes. 

4. Menu To Suit All Tastes & Palates

Teatro’s menu is 12 pages long, it’s vast! In fact it’s so big we strongly recommend factoring in at least 15 mins to your dining experience just to ensure you’ve got ample time to pour over the menu before making a decision as there is so many good things to choose from. Teatro works well for both intimate dinners and large groups as there is something to appease everyone whether they want pizza, curry or suishi, Teatro’s menu is not only full of appetizing choices but the variety doesn’t mean they compromise on quality.  

5. Private and semi-private dining options for large groups

This restaurant knows how to handle large groups of people and if you want peace of mind for your company off site or dinner post trade show then Teatro is the perfect place. Pat and her team make looking after 30 guests seem as easy as looking after a couple celebrating their anniversary. That’s the beauty of Teatro it really does adapt to all needs and requirements. 

6. Miso Sea Bass 

This is simply better than the Black Cod at Nobu. #FACT. And much better value for money. It’s light, fluffy and tasty. A signature dish that’s worthy of becoming your favourite dish on the menu. A word of warning though, once you try it it’s difficult not to keep ordering it when you go back! 

7. Spectacular Wine Cellar 

The wine cellar is a key part of the restaurant and its truly a thing of beauty, Teatro has an impressive but pricey wine list, featuring a wide variety of international and regional labels.  

8. Seasonal Menu Updates 

Peruvian ceviche will make an appearance in the midst of the summer heat in Dubai. Aside from the ceviche, Teatro’s kitchen, known to blend the best of East and West will also welcome in refreshing gazpachos, originating from Spain, and widely eaten in Portugal washed down with Piscos and Latin inspired cocktails, guaranteed to refresh during the hot summer months. 

9. Simply the Best Creme Caramel We’ve Ever Eaten

Creme Caramel is not something you often find on desert menus anymore and this is a huge shame. A beautiful desert combining soft, smooth custard with dark, sweet treacly caramel is a thing of beauty if done well. And the one we had at Teatro was heaven on a spoon. We don’t normally have room for desert but we were so glad we tried this, it’s fluffy, smooth, the way the almost-burnt caramel layer was

fused on, and becomes one with, the creamy custard is nothing short of magic.

10. Wood Fired Pizza Oven & Sushi Station 

The wood-burning oven in Teatro’s open-plan kitchen allows plenty of delicious aromas to escape, beckoning to hungry diners. And the sushi station provides great entertainment to those having cocktails at the bar. Whilst we feel that the decor, interior and concept could do with a refresh, these stations prove that people working to create your dinner really care about food and that’s what matters at the end of the day. 

Price $$

Style/Cuisine Japanese, Chinese, Indian and Italian 

Opening Hours Open for dinner only: 6:00pm – 2:00am (last food order 11.30pm)