A guide to the famous italian café: what to try, when to go, and is it worth It?
Cipriani Dolci in Dubai Mall is more than just a café. It’s a portal to another reality, an island of understated Venetian chic amidst the bustling ocean of shopping. A direct descendant of the legendary Harry’s Bar, it beckons with its prestigious name, impeccable style, and the promise of "the real" tiramisu. But does this promise justify the queues, high prices, and hustle of one of the world’s largest malls? This guide will help you make the most of your visit to Cipriani Dolci and avoid disappointment.
An old European atmosphere at the heart of shopping
The first thing that captivates at Cipriani Dolci is its visual contrast with the surrounding space. Forget Dubai’s flashy luxury. The interior of Cipriani Dolci whispers rather than shouts.
Design with a venetian soul
Here, calm sea and cream tones reign supreme, along with the warmth of natural wood and the cool gleam of polished chrome. Instead of rigid chairs, there are elegant armchairs that invite you to sink into after a long stroll through the mall. And at the heart of it all shines the pastry display case—a true centerpiece and aesthetic magnet of the establishment, vividly showcasing the pastry chefs’ skill.
Philosophy in detail: Unlike many establishments in Dubai, Cipriani Dolci focuses on understated European elegance. Its value lies not in gold and glitter, but in the brand's heritage and refined simplicity, which together create a genuine sense of exclusivity.
Service at Cipriani Dolci: Between white gloves and an assembly line
The service at Cipriani Dolci is a story of two realities. On one hand, there are impeccably trained waiters in elegant uniforms, flawlessly knowledgeable about the menu and fluent in English. On the other hand, there’s constant hustle and bustle, which during peak hours turns this place into a nerve-wracking experience for both guests and staff. To ensure your visit isn’t spoiled, it’s important to understand this duality beforehand.
The main challenge: a live queue and peak hours
Cipriani Dolci is an open space located in the heart of the bustling Fashion Avenue gallery, operating on a first-come, first-served basis. Attempts to book a table for two or three will most likely result in being offered simply to come and wait.
- Atmosphere: On weekday mornings and afternoons, it’s the perfect spot for a business meeting or a quiet break while shopping. In the evenings and on weekends, the café transforms into a buzzing social hotspot with a steady stream of people behind you.
- Waiting time: During peak hours, be prepared to wait. You won’t find privacy here for a long, quiet conversation—you’ll always be at the center of the crowd.
The trap of popularity: Be prepared for the service to slow down significantly during peak hours (evenings and weekends). Due to the huge influx of guests, staff don't always manage, leading to long wait times for orders and reduced attention. If impeccable service is a priority for you, avoid these times.
Gastronomic focus: What do people really come for?
The Cipriani Dolci concept stays true to its roots: time-tested Italian classics, with a primary emphasis on desserts. It's precisely these that serve as the café's hallmark and the main reason for its overwhelming popularity.
The sweet display case — the heart of Cipriani Dolci
It's this very display case that serves as the main star and magnet for guests. Brightly lit, featuring impeccably arranged cakes, pastries, and fresh baked goods, the display case creates that quintessential "Instagrammable" image and whets your appetite even before you sit down at the table.
What you must try
- Desserts: The desserts here are what turn ordinary visitors into devoted fans and have earned them their reputation. The taste is authentic, and the ingredients are of impeccable quality. And the local tiramisu, in particular, unofficially holds the title of one of the best in town—and it's safe to say, quite deservedly so. Be prepared for high prices and small portions.
- Main Courses: Classics like Tagliolini pasta are prepared with quality and good ingredients. Nevertheless, the menu options are limited, especially for vegetarians, and the price-to-portion-size ratio often draws criticism.
- Drinks: They serve excellent Italian coffee here, which makes a perfect complement to dessert.
So what’s the point of coming here?
Our verdict is clear: come for the desserts and coffee—Cipriani Dolci is nearly flawless in this regard. The main courses are well-prepared, but if your goal is a full and satisfying meal, the price-to-portion-size ratio might disappoint you.
Think of this place as the best pastry shop in the mall, rather than a full-fledged restaurant.
Cipriani Dolci or competitors? Comparing and choosing
Dubai Mall has other premium cafés as well. How do you decide which one to choose?
| Establishment | Who Is It For? | Atmosphere | Price Range | Main Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cipriani Dolci | For those who appreciate brands with history, lovers of Italian classics, and Venetian chic. | Lively, social, open | High | Legendary desserts, brand prestige |
| Ladurée | For those dreaming of a Parisian atmosphere and adoring the famous macarons. | More intimate, Parisian salon | High | Macarons, French pastries |
| Eataly | For those seeking a more affordable and vibrant setting with a wide selection of dishes. | Democratic, lively, bustling | Medium / High | Wide selection, authentic products |
Planning your visit: Everything you need to know
To ensure your visit to Cipriani Dolci goes perfectly, use these practical tips.
How to get there
- By Metro: Get off at Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall station (red line), then walk about 10-15 minutes through the covered, air-conditioned passage.
- By Taxi: Ask the driver to drop you off at the entrance to Fashion Avenue—this is the closest entrance to the café.
- By Car: Use the free Fashion Avenue Parking or the paid valet service.
Dress code, reservations, and best time to visit
- Dress Code: Smart Casual is recommended. Beachwear and sportswear would be inappropriate here.
- Reservations: Almost unavailable for small groups; a live queue is in effect. For larger groups, it’s worth trying to book a table in advance.
- Smoking: Strictly prohibited both inside the café and throughout the entire mall area.
- Children: Children are welcome, and high chairs are provided for them.
The secret to a perfect visit: Want to fully enjoy the atmosphere of Cipriani Dolci? Come on a weekday between 10:00 and 15:00. At this time, it's much quieter here, the service will be more attentive, and you can leisurely enjoy coffee with the legendary dessert.
Verdict: Is Cipriani Dolci worth your time and money?
Cipriani Dolci is a place of contrasts. On one hand, it boasts a renowned name, impeccable style, and desserts that leave a lasting impression. On the other hand, it comes with high prices, the hustle and bustle of a shopping mall, and inconsistent service during peak hours. Let's weigh all the pros and cons clearly:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Legendary brand and an atmosphere of European chic | ❌ Quite high prices, especially for main dishes |
| ✅ Stunning desserts and high-quality coffee | ❌ Can be noisy and crowded during peak hours |
| ✅ Prestigious location in Fashion Avenue | ❌ Lack of privacy and secluded areas |
| ✅ Perfect spot for beautiful photos |
Our advice:
- Definitely worth visiting if you: appreciate brands with history, want to try one of the best tiramisus in Dubai, and are looking for a stylish spot for a quick break while shopping.
- You might want to choose somewhere else if you: are traveling on a tight budget, seeking a quiet place for a long conversation, or aren't prepared to deal with potential waiting and crowds.
Ultimately, a visit to Cipriani Dolci is a trade-off, and you should understand its terms. You exchange privacy and a hefty sum from your wallet for the perfect Instagram shot, the taste of tiramisu you'll tell your friends about, and that fleeting feeling as if you've momentarily found yourself in Venice rather than right in the middle of bustling Dubai. Judging by the never-ending lines, for many, this exchange is more than worthwhile.
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