Alici Dubai — A Taste of the Amalfi Coast on Bluewaters Island

Your guide to the premier Italian cuisine and seafood restaurant on Bluewaters Island

One step from Dubai’s sun-drenched streets, and it’s as if you’ve passed through a portal. The scorching air of the metropolis fades behind you, giving way to the cool sea breeze and the delicate scent of lemons. Forget that you’re in the Emirates. Alici is not just a restaurant—it’s more like an embassy of the legendary Amalfi Coast, opened right in the heart of Bluewaters Island. It’s a place where every detail serves a single purpose: to give you the feeling of serene relaxation on the Italian Riviera.

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Atmosphere and hospitality: Feel like you’re on the Italian Riviera

At first glance, Alici captivates with its lightness and freshness. Behind the elegant design, which transports guests to Amalfi, stands the renowned international firm Sundukovy Sisters, immediately setting a high standard. The interior features a palette typical of southern Italy: white and blue tones reminiscent of the boundless sea and coastal villas immersed in flowers. The space is filled with light and air thanks to the use of natural materials—light wood, hand-painted ceramics, and gleaming brass. Yet, the soul of Alici lies not in ceramics or brass, but in the people. The art of Italian hospitality here is reflected in a "smart casual" style of service—attentive and professional, yet free from unnecessary formality. Staff fluent in English, Italian, and sometimes Russian create an atmosphere of genuine warmth. It's these little details that come together to form a unique experience: panoramic windows offering breathtaking views of the Persian Gulf, walls adorned with a collection of painted plates, and waiters who don't just take orders but happily assist with selections, sharing their knowledge of the menu. For your comfort, the restaurant space is thoughtfully divided into distinct zones:

Main Hall: Perfect for an elegant lunch or dinner with friends and family.
Terrace: The ideal choice for a leisurely brunch or evening cocktails outdoors with a view of the sea.
Private Cabins: Designed for special occasions, romantic dinners, or business meetings requiring privacy.

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Alici hospitality philosophy: Alici's philosophy is simple: the design sets the stage, but it's the service that creates the real magic. The team operates according to the principle of 'sprezzatura'—the art of making complex things appear effortless and natural. Their goal is not just to serve you, but to anticipate your every wish, making you feel not like a customer in a restaurant, but like a long-awaited guest at a villa hosted by old friends.

The taste of southern Italy: What to try at Alici

Alici's gastronomic concept revolves around the freshest seafood and classic recipes from Southern Italy. The menu is updated seasonally, ensuring that only the finest ingredients available on the market are used. Your culinary journey might look something like this:

The start: To whet your appetite, begin with light appetizers. Be sure to check out the tartares, carpaccios, and, of course, the freshest oysters from the raw bar, temptingly displayed on an ice counter.
The heart of the kitchen: Move on to homemade pasta and risotto. Among these, there are two dishes that people keep coming back for again and again: the classic linguine alle vongole, where the briny freshness of shellfish perfectly complements the aroma of garlic and white wine, and the tenderest crab meat pasta, in which the sweetness of the sea literally melts in your mouth.
The main stars: For the main course, choose seafood delicacies. A whole baked sea bass or Sicilian-style grilled octopus will reveal the full spectrum of Mediterranean flavors.
A sweet finale: For dessert, don't hesitate to order Sicilian cannoli. Here, they're made to perfection: a crispy tube that crumbles with the ideal snap, and a delicate, not overly sweet ricotta cream inside.

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Recommendations:

Must-try: Oysters and crudo (a selection of raw seafood), crab pasta, cannoli.
The perfect drink: The signature Alici Spritz cocktail will be a wonderful way to start your evening.

Tip: If you're visiting Alici for the first time and love seafood, start with the raw bar assortment. Many guests consider it one of the best items on the menu, perfectly setting the tone for the entire dinner.

Now, let's talk about some nuances you should know in advance. First, the portions at Alici are more elegant than filling—this is a place for foodies, not those looking to eat their fill. Second, while the wine list is excellent, the prices will make you think twice before ordering a second bottle. However, this is typical for establishments of this caliber in Dubai.

Your visit to Alici: A practical guide

Now that you're inspired by the atmosphere and cuisine at Alici, let's plan your ideal visit. Here’s all the practical information you’ll need.

Location and how to get there

The restaurant is located on the picturesque Bluewaters Island, right next to the famous Ain Dubai Ferris wheel.

Taxi/Uber: The easiest and most convenient way to reach the restaurant.
Private car: Free valet parking is provided for restaurant guests. There is also a public multi-level parking lot on the island.
Public Transportation: You can take the metro to DMCC station and then grab a taxi from there. Another option is to walk across the bridge from the JBR area.

Fact: The restaurant is located on Bluewaters Island, one of Dubai's newest and trendiest tourist destinations. After dinner, you can stroll along the waterfront with stunning views of the Dubai Marina skyscrapers.

Table reservation

Reserving a table is strongly recommended, especially if you plan to visit in the evening or on weekends.

Timing: On weekdays, it's best to book a table 1-2 days in advance, while a spot on the terrace on weekends should be reserved 5-10 days ahead.
Methods: You can make a reservation by phone, on the restaurant's official website, or through popular booking apps.

Booking tip: When making your reservation, don't hesitate to mention your preferences: a terrace table with the best view or a cozy spot by the window. No guarantees can be given, especially on weekends, but the staff here really goes out of their way and, if there's even the slightest possibility, will fulfill your request to make your evening special.

Dress code and rules

The restaurant has a Smart Casual dress code, which means smart everyday attire.

What to Wear: Men should opt for trousers or chinos paired with a shirt or polo. For women, a dress, skirt, or smart trousers would be an ideal choice.
What to avoid: Beachwear and sportswear; shorts and flip-flops for men are not recommended.
Additional information: Guests with children are welcome; high chairs are available for little ones. Smoking is permitted only in the designated area on the terrace.

Budget and prices

Alici belongs to the premium price segment. The average bill per person, excluding alcoholic beverages, is 350–500 AED.

Budget planning: Alici falls into the premium price category. Simply put, it's expensive here. Prices are above average even by Dubai standards, so be prepared. We strongly recommend checking the current menu on the official website before your visit to avoid an unpleasant surprise when you see the bill.

Alici: Is the visit worth it?

So, is it worth it? If you're just looking for good Italian food, there might be more interesting options in Dubai for the same money. But if you're seeking a flawless escape from reality, if you need the magic of a place where every detail transports you from the bustling metropolis to the serene Riviera—then the answer is clear: yes. Consider the bill at Alici not as payment for dinner, but as a ticket to another life for a few hours. And such "journeys," as a rule, are remembered for a long time.

Who is this place perfect for:

For those who appreciate "quiet luxury" and prefer it to loud parties.
For those for whom the view from the window and the atmosphere are just as important as the high quality of the cuisine.
For the perfect first date, anniversary celebration, or other special occasion.

If you want to "breathe in" the air of Amalfi without leaving Dubai—book a table. It’s that very breath of fresh sea breeze that sometimes feels so missing in the heart of the metropolis.