The heart of Sicily now beats in Downtown Dubai, as Mamabella Dubai officially opens its doors at Kempinski The Boulevard. Conceived as both a restaurant and a living archive of Italian heritage, Mamabella Dubai brings to life the flavors, traditions, and soul of Italy through the vision of acclaimed chef Alessandro Miceli.
Mamabella Dubai is is the culmination of a story that began decades ago, in a Sicilian kitchen where a young boy stood on a stool beside his mother, learning the rhythms of food, family, and love. Today, the story comes full circle as his very own mother will be the first of many Italian “Nonnas” to join him in Dubai, cooking side by side with her son and passing on the spirit of Cucina della Mamma to Mamabella’s guests. Each month, the restaurant will welcome a new grandmother from Sicily, who will fly in to share her own recipes and rituals.
The menu celebrates Italy’s timeless traditions while embracing the sophistication of Dubai’s dining scene. Fresh pasta made in-house daily, Crudi di Carne, from Angus tartare to beef carpaccio, celebrating the Italian art of raw meat dishes. Secondi di Mare such as Branzino al Sale. Secondi di Carne, including Costine Wagyu – 72-hour slow-cooked short ribs and Agnellino, baby lamb slow-roasted Sicilian-style for 5- 7 hours. A Pizzaiolo program featuring extra-crispy pizzas, the Sicilian specialty pizzolo (a stuffed flatbread), and scrocchiarella, a thin Roman-style pizza with long fermentation for a shatter-crisp crust. No Italian table is complete without dolci: classic Tiramisu, Sicilian Cannoli, Baba, Delizia al limone, and Alessandro’s nostalgic Grandmother’s cake of the day, a tribute to family kitchens across Italy.
Every evening, Mamabella comes alive with the vibrance of Sicily, complete with traditional entertainment – from dancers to live instruments and the iconic tarantella – as flower petals rain across the room. For those seeking a more intimate experience, a private dining kitchen with a panoramic view of the Burj Khalifa hosts up to 12 guests for exclusive cooking classes led by the visiting Nonnas. Guests can cook, learn, and dine together – transforming Mamabella into a school of life as much as a restaurant.
