The breed, prized for profitability and an ability to adapt to climate change, garners celebrity status in the Central Asian country
asia2 hours ago
The first time I walked into Ravioli & Co at DIFC about seven months ago, it was still being fitted out and set up. Back then, the space was covered with plastic and there were cans of paint everywhere. So, walking into the Italian restaurant last week, and seeing it transformed from that gritty space to its current classy-but-homely avatar, was pretty surreal.
Diffused lighting cast shadows everywhere, giving the restaurant a welcoming glow. The tiles, I remembered, were a tribute to one of the owner's grandmother's kitchen in Italy. And that's exactly the kind of attention to detail that's hard to miss at this place. It has that traditional trattoria feel down pat - from the decor to the music.
At 8pm on a weekday, we were the first there, but were relieved to see many others walk in over the course of the evening: girlfriends on a night out, executives entertaining clients... Chefs could be seen whipping up the homemade pastas that are the restaurant's USP at the live cooking station. As for the food? Mamma mia! Everything was so wonderfully rustic and comforting. Top scores to their Funghi Gratinati (baked stuffed mushrooms in a shallots creamed sauce) and Tiramisu Con Nutella. We felt like we needed to fast for a week after all the cheese we had - but good food has no regrets.
Taste
If I weren't guilty about overdosing on cheese, their Funghi Gratinati would be my go-to comfort food. Ditto for the Gnocchi Carbonara with beef bacon (caution: this dish is meant to be shared!). As for the tiramisu with its Nutella twist: unbeatable. DO NOT leave without tasting it.
Ambience
I wasn't crazy about the choice of cushions or cast iron seating (should've opted for the chairs, as I kept bumping my head on the latter!), but the overall rustic vibe was great. That's the feel I know the owners were gunning for - so it was a pleasure to walk in and see they'd achieved it.
Service
Professional and... entertaining! One of the waiters reminded us of Joey from Friends, and the manager delighted us with stories of how seriously Italians take their cooking. He even busted out a guitar at one point, serenading guests both inside and outside the restaurant. Such fun!
Presentation
Some really neat presentation here. Yes, we're partial to being served food on wooden platters, but even the dishes that weren't served that way merited points for plating. If you like to eat with your eyes, this is one place you can be sure you'll be tucking right in.
Value for money
Starters run the range from Dh40-100 and mains can be had for about Dh60-70 on average (excluding tax). A meal for two here clearly comes at a price, but considering the area the restaurant is located in, it also seems to be par for the course.
Ravioli & Co, Burj Daman, DIFC
For reservations: 04-2411616
Average cost for two: Dh400
Rating: 4/5
karen@khaleejtimes.com
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