Dubai: There’s something fascinatingly nice about Náis and it’s not just the name. This chic eatery near the Al Mas East lake on the ground floor of HDS Tower in JLT takes you on a north Italian trip through their authentic Italian cuisine with a modern twist.
Take their tajarin al pesto di rucola e porri fritti (Dh60) or tajarin (a tagliatelle-like thin ribbon pasta) with arugula pesto and fried leeks, for instance. This visually remarkable sea green pasta, topped with golden fried leeks, may be a traditional dish from the Piedmont region but certainly a novelty as far as Dubai is concerned – both looks-wise and taste-wise.
I was, however, welcomed with a caprese di burrata fresca (Dh52). Many Italian restaurants in Dubai today offer this signature Italian fresh cheese made from mozzarella and cream and imported from its origin in Puglia. However this one, served with fresh beef tomatoes in a slightly sweetish balsamic dressing and basil makes for a far fresher experience.
If you are eating Italian, pizzas certainly can’t be far away. So it was time for their beautiful four slice oven-baked margherita pizza (Dh30). Made with nothing but just tomato sauce and topped with golden baked mozzarella cheese, it was a showcase of how an old classic can be wonderfully recreated. I had a couple of slices, sampling two of their signature drinks (Dh22). For me, their Beet the Heat made from fresh ginger, lemon juice, honey, sparkling water and organic beetroot juice scored over their Apple Cooler made of organic apple juice, lemon grass and soda for its nutrient-packed richness.
Next to follow was their lasagna classiche (Dh58). Made of layered pasta with old-fashioned beef ragout sauce, it was delightfully baked and perhaps the best of the afternoon.
Finally, a spoonful of their coffee-flavoured tiramisu (Dh35). made of freshly whipped cream on Savoiardi or sweet, light sponge cakes called ladyfingers will tell you why the dessert literally means ‘pick me up’ in Italian!
Details:
Lunch for two: Dh240 (approximately)
Location: Ground floor, HDS Tower, Cluster F, JLT
Timing: 11 am to 9 pm
Bookings: 04-452 9991
We recommend: Tajarin al pesto di rucola e porri fritti, caprese di burrata fresca, Beet the Heat, lasagna classiche
