Dubai is well known as a sociable place to live. Dining out with family and friends is almost a way of life and something a lot of people do more often in Dubai than in many other places.
When restrictions were in place, and dining out was not possible, many restaurants took the opportunity to have a look at their menus and spent the time coming up with something new for when people were allowed to dine with them again.
One restaurant that created a new food experience was Larte in the Studio One Hotel
If you have not visited the Studio One Hotel, then you are missing out. A four star boutique hotel, which opened around a year ago, really punches above its weight when it comes to dining options. The hotel located in Studio City boasts 6 dining outlets for its in house guests, as well as for the many Dubai residents from the surrounding neighbourhoods, that are within easy reach.
One of the outlets, Larte, situated on the ground floor just by the entrance, describes itself as an Italian neighbourhood bistro and does not disappoint.
Set in a large open space, with additional outside area, the contemporary and relaxed outlet is great for meeting up with friends for a drink, grabbing a coffee in the afternoon or enjoying a lunch or evening meal with family.
The new menu has just the right amount of choices to not confuse and give enough options that satisfy everyone in the family, and with a good selection of pizzas and pastas, children and adults are sure to be kept happy.
For starters we shared the bruschette pomodoro, fried calamari and the misto mare - a wider selection of fried seafood bites including shrimp and whitebait.
As starters go, they were vey generous portions full of flavour. The tomatoes in the bruschette were juicy and tasty, and the garlic was just enough to give the taste and not overpower any of the other flavours. The seafood combination, brought the different flavours of the sea together, all encased in a crispy coating.
For mains we opted for fettucine bolgnese, penne arrabiata and a diavolo pizza. Bolognese is probably most peoples favourite pasta sauce and with every favourite, there is a always a risk of disappointing, however this was good, really good. A meaty ragu that coated every bit of pasta and made sure all the flavours were in every mouthful. It had that home cooked feel to it.
The penne arrabiata was good and also a perfect amount of sauce to cover every spoonful, however in a country where spice is popular, it could have done with a little bit more of a kick to it.
Pizza is all about the topping, and the diavolo pizza is perfect to keep any fussy teenager happy. Well topped with spicy beef pepperoni and good layer of mozzarella cheese on a thin crispy base would leave the children, and adults, more than satisfied.
If you have the appetite for dessert, then the tiramisu is a must. A beautifully spongy and moist base, with a fluffy cream and the great chocolate flavour of the cocoa powder.
A three course meal not including drinks would come to around Dhs 130 per person.
Call 04 5816870