Simplicity takes center stage at Leonardo Italian Restaurant, Dubai

"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." - Leonardo da Vinci

The above lines of Da Vinci aren't just a maxim at the newly launched Leorndo Restaurant at Stella De Mare – it is a philosophy and way of life.  Walk into its simple, cosy interiors and you will be transported to another world. A world where simplicity abounds.  Inspirations of art can be found in everything, but nothing is really overpowering. The space just serves as a canvas without necessarily interfering with the greatest art Leonardo restaurant has on offer – the food.

Wooden flooring and touches of green in the form of faux foliage -  a giant tree dominating the centre of the restaurant giving the space a very earthy look and feel. There are nuances of Da Vinci quotes and even an insignia from an erstwhile royal palace of Italy.

A bar on the left side as soon as you enter the restaurant takes care of the human watering needs (read drinking) and a hydraulic water pump signifies the traditional methods of agriculture which was once practiced in Italy. There’s a huge white canvas wing on the ceiling – presumably bat wings which leaves a touch of white in the otherwise brown confines. 

Leonardo serves simple traditionally inspired dishes without much of the sophistication we see in most fine dining Italian restaurants in Dubai.  Everything you try is paired with some of the finest in Italian vine, so needless to say - dining is enjoyable.

We started off with the classic Burrata which is my all time favorite appetizer when I dine Italian.  The burrata was one of the prettiest dishes served and it wasn’t just good to look at, it was remarkable in taste. Garnished with pistachio powder, basil and olive oil and decorated with heirloom tomatoes, it was a pleasant dish and a great way to start the evening of indulgence.

I was then served with Battuto di Manzo – raw beef smoked fresh in front of my eyes. The beef tartare drizzled with hazelnut, cacao and black truffle tasted remarkable. Possibly one of the best ever raw beef I’ve ever tasted in Dubai. All credits to the chef extraordinaire at Leonardo!

In pasta we had their Linguine al Ricci de mare which had fresh sea urchin garnished with asparagus and drizzled with coffee dust. The pasta was creamy and scrumptious. My dining companion enjoyed her Gnocco al pesto which was a signature home made potato gnocci.

For the main course I ordered Baked Seabass which came garnished on a creamy bed of tomatoes, capers and taggisca olives. The whole thing was wrapped in butter paper and served fresh.  As the paper was unfurled and as I slit through the seabass fillets, the aroma of freshness wafted through my nostrils. The taste was remarkable. I give it a full 5/5.

After main course we were offered a digestive drink called Pistacchiello which had vodka as base.

How could we dine in an Italian restaurant and not enjoy Tiramisu in dessert?!  So I ordered tiramisu while my adventurous dining partner went for rum soaked sponge cake. Both the desserts were extremely delicious and served as a perfect end to an fabulous and romantic dinner.

Special thanks to head supervisor Gloria Thresia who ensured that every bit of our time spent at Leonardo was truly memorable and enjoyable. Also special thanks to Restaurant manager Gioacchino for the invite and for ensuring his staff took care of us well.

This new restaurant in the heart of Dubai Marina is highly recommended!