Drawing inspiration from Italy’s stunning Amalfi Coast, Piatti by the Beach is Dubai’s newest waterfront restaurant. With stunning foliage, slick service and a dreamy setting, this Mediterranean-style spot is one of the culinary stars of the newly opened Raffles, The Palm Dubai.
At the helm is chef Batuhan Piatti, who has led acclaimed restaurants such as the first Cipriani in Istanbul and Billionaire Dubai, as well as starring in his own TV show Life is Beautiful for Batuhan and being one of the first judges on MasterChef Turkey.
What to expect and where to sit
With whitewashed stone floors, turquoise accents and clusters of bright fuchsia bougainvillea flowers spilling over from hanging baskets, stepping into Piatti feels like strolling into a Greek waterfront taverna.
The light and airy indoor space flows seamlessly through to the restaurant’s terrace, allowing the beachside appeal of this spot to be felt throughout.
Inside, there’s a fresh fish counter displaying the catch of the day, as well as trays of fresh, colourful fruit and a “Temptation Room”, dedicated to handcrafted cakes.
When the weather allows, a seat on the terrace is the best way to experience dinner at Piatti. With the Arabian Gulf just a stone’s throw away and the Dubai skyline as a backdrop, it’s beachfront dining at its best.
The menu
As is to be expected from Mediterranean-style dining, the menu features plenty of seafood and freshly sourced ingredients, but, being located in one of Palm Jumeirah’s newest luxury resorts, you can also expect a Dubai twist.
To start, my dining partner and I opt for the scallop carpaccio (Dh140). Served with large helpings of shaved black truffle, red chillies and a citrus zest, it’s an interesting mix of flavours and textures, but one we aren’t 100 per cent sold on.
We also try the Wagyu beef carpaccio with wasabi mayo (Dh190), which is delightfully rich with the perfect hit of heat, interestingly served on a fine, crispy layer of filo pastry. At our server's recommendation, we get the dynamite Carabineros prawns (Dh220), a signature dish we are glad we didn’t miss.
With pizza, pasta, grill and fish menus, there’s no shortage of choice when it comes to the main event. Sadly we miss out on the sold-out daily special — a Tomahawk steak designed to be shared — and instead opt for Wagyu beef rib-eye (Dh350), cooked as recommended, which comes with a side of seared garden vegetables. It's flavoursome, melts in the mouth, and hits the spot perfectly.
Feeling full but craving something sweet, we try the crepe suzette, theatrically flambeed at the side of the table, and served with a side of vanilla ice cream and fresh fruit, which perfectly offset the citrus tang.
Stand-out dish
The grilled jumbo Carabineros prawns (Dh220) were our favourite dish of the night. Known for their bright red colour, these deep-sea prawns are a speciality of Piatti by the Beach, and are among some of the most expensive and best shrimp in the world. Served with a light marinade and alongside a pea puree, the fresh flavour and buttery texture makes the dish feel like a real treat.
A chat with the chef
Chef Batuhan says the menu has been designed with quality at its core. “I have created a menu with freshness, taste and simplicity in mind, [but] you will taste the quality in every bite,” he says.
He says that the service at Piatti, as well as its location, enhances the dining experience.
Value for money and contact information
As you may have clocked, Piatti on the Beach is definitely set at the higher end of the price scale. With starters ranging from Dh95 up to Dh220, and mains costing anywhere from Dh135 for pizza to Dh650 for the likes of the salt-crusted sea bass or grilled langoustines. Expect the quality of the ingredients, many of which are sourced directly from Greece, and its premium location, to be reflected in the price.
Piatti by the Beach is open daily from noon-1am. For reservations, call 04 248 8889.
This review was conducted at the invitation of the restaurant
Women’s World T20, Asia Qualifier
UAE results
Beat China by 16 runs
Lost to Thailand by 10 wickets
Beat Nepal by five runs
Beat Hong Kong by eight wickets
Beat Malaysia by 34 runs
Standings (P, W, l, NR, points)
1. Thailand 5 4 0 1 9
2. UAE 5 4 1 0 8
3. Nepal 5 2 1 2 6
4. Hong Kong 5 2 2 1 5
5. Malaysia 5 1 4 0 2
6. China 5 0 5 0 0
Final
Thailand v UAE, Monday, 7am
UAE Tour 2020
Stage 1: The Pointe Palm Jumeirah - Dubai Silicon Oasis, 148km
Stage 2: Hatta - Hatta Dam, 168km
Stage 3: Al Qudra Cycle Track - Jebel Hafeet, 184km
Stage 4: Zabeel Park - Dubai City Walk, 173km
Stage 5: Al Ain - Jebel Hafeet, 162km
Stage 6: Al Ruwais - Al Mirfa, 158km
Stage 7: Al Maryah Island - Abu Dhabi Breakwater, 127km
In-demand jobs and monthly salaries
- Technology expert in robotics and automation: Dh20,000 to Dh40,000
- Energy engineer: Dh25,000 to Dh30,000
- Production engineer: Dh30,000 to Dh40,000
- Data-driven supply chain management professional: Dh30,000 to Dh50,000
- HR leader: Dh40,000 to Dh60,000
- Engineering leader: Dh30,000 to Dh55,000
- Project manager: Dh55,000 to Dh65,000
- Senior reservoir engineer: Dh40,000 to Dh55,000
- Senior drilling engineer: Dh38,000 to Dh46,000
- Senior process engineer: Dh28,000 to Dh38,000
- Senior maintenance engineer: Dh22,000 to Dh34,000
- Field engineer: Dh6,500 to Dh7,500
- Field supervisor: Dh9,000 to Dh12,000
- Field operator: Dh5,000 to Dh7,000
MATCH INFO
Rugby World Cup (all times UAE)
Third-place play-off: New Zealand v Wales, Friday, 1pm
What are the influencer academy modules?
- Mastery of audio-visual content creation.
- Cinematography, shots and movement.
- All aspects of post-production.
- Emerging technologies and VFX with AI and CGI.
- Understanding of marketing objectives and audience engagement.
- Tourism industry knowledge.
- Professional ethics.
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The specs
AT4 Ultimate, as tested
Engine: 6.2-litre V8
Power: 420hp
Torque: 623Nm
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Price: From Dh330,800 (Elevation: Dh236,400; AT4: Dh286,800; Denali: Dh345,800)
On sale: Now
Results:
5pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 1,400m | Winner: Eghel De Pine, Pat Cosgrave (jockey), Eric Lemartinel (trainer)
5.30pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 1,400m | Winner: AF Sheaar, Szczepan Mazur, Saeed Al Shamsi
6pm: Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan National Day Cup (PA) Group 3 Dh500,000 1,600m | Winner: RB Torch, Fabrice Veron, Eric Lemartinel
6.30pm: Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan National Day Cup (TB) Listed Dh380,000 1,600m | Winner: Forjatt, Chris Hayes, Nicholas Bachalard
7pm: Wathba Stallions Cup for Private Owners Handicap (PA) Dh 70,000 1,400m | Winner: Hawafez, Connor Beasley, Ridha ben Attia
7.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh 80,000 1,600m | Winner: Qader, Richard Mullen, Jean de Roaulle
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Singham Again
Director: Rohit Shetty
Stars: Ajay Devgn, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Ranveer Singh, Akshay Kumar, Tiger Shroff, Deepika Padukone
Rating: 3/5
Disclaimer
Director: Alfonso Cuaron
Stars: Cate Blanchett, Kevin Kline, Lesley Manville
Rating: 4/5
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Lexus LX700h specs
Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor
Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh590,000
The Details
Kabir Singh
Produced by: Cinestaan Studios, T-Series
Directed by: Sandeep Reddy Vanga
Starring: Shahid Kapoor, Kiara Advani, Suresh Oberoi, Soham Majumdar, Arjun Pahwa
Rating: 2.5/5
RESULTS
6.30pm Handicap (TB) $68,000 (Dirt) 1,200m
Winner Canvassed, Par Dobbs (jockey), Doug Watson (trainer)
7.05pm Meydan Cup – Listed Handicap (TB) $88,000 (Turf) 2,810m
Winner Dubai Future, Frankie Dettori, Saeed bin Suroor
7.40pm UAE 2000 Guineas – Group 3 (TB) $125,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner Mouheeb, Ryan Curatolo, Nicholas Bachalard
8.15pm Firebreak Stakes – Group 3 (TB) $130,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner Secret Ambition, Tadhg O’Shea, Satish Seemar
9.50pm Meydan Classic – Conditions (TB) $$50,000 (T) 1,400m
Winner Topper Bill, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar
9.25pm Dubai Sprint – Listed Handicap (TB) $88,000 (T) 1,200m
Winner Man Of Promise, William Buick, Charlie Appleby
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The specs: 2018 Ford Mustang GT
Price, base / as tested: Dh204,750 / Dh241,500
Engine: 5.0-litre V8
Gearbox: 10-speed automatic
Power: 460hp @ 7,000rpm
Torque: 569Nm @ 4,600rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 10.3L / 100km
