Dubai’s love for stylish seafood restaurants knows no bounds, situated on the Arabian Gulf and with access to some of the best (local and international) seafood in the world. So, when another seafood restaurant opens, there’s immense pressure to stand out from the crowd. L’Amo Bistro del Mare does just that, paying homage to the bounties of the ocean and the cuisines of Southern Italy, in a luxurious, waterside spot on the sparkling new Dubai Harbour development. Diners are in exceptionally safe hands, the restaurant being the latest opening from Dubai-based Sunset Hospitality Group – operators of Sushisamba, Dream and Aura Skypool –; and Mine & Yours Group, another homegrown hospitality company set to launch Chic Nonna in DIFC later this year.

L’Amo Bistro del Mare occupies a striking spot on the waterfront of the talked-about new Dubai Harbour development. The setting is superlative: right on the Arabian Gulf, surrounded by gleaming yachts and with 360-degree twinkling city views. Guests are greeted by a bright and airy open-plan dining room which effortlessly combines the feeling of a Mediterranean bistro and a metropolitan hotspot.

Floor-to-ceiling windows, a soaring ceiling, natural tones of beige and wood and terrazzo-style tiles add to the chic Italian vibe and ensure that indoor dining is not second to alfresco: cementing it as a year-round destination. The terrace, however, is the spot to capitalise on L’Amo’s stunning setting. A handful of tables are dotted around facing the Ain Dubai – ensuring all guests enjoy spectacular waterfront views – and offer an impossibly romantic setting for intimate and group dinners. For something more laid-back, a central outdoor bar with low-lying lounge tables offers the same mesmerising views and is filled with good-looking guests sipping on Italian aperitif cocktails. L’Amo Bistro del Mare has already cemented itself as one of this end of the city’s most stylish and versatile hangouts, and anything from a quick drink or lunch to a romantic dinner or business meeting is welcome.

With an army of Italian wait staff, managers and sommeliers, service is impeccable, attentive and full of personality and flair. Leave your wine choices in the hands of the charming and knowledgable sommelier, who champions both Italian and global wines, and put your trust in waiters willing to oblige to any (within reason) menu adaptation or dietary request.

Part of the new Dubai Harbour development, L’Amo Bistro del Mare is a short drive from Dubai Marina, the Palm Jumeirah and on the doorstep of the new Dubai cruise terminal. There’s plenty of parking, be it for a car, scooter or yacht, and the spacious and still largely underdeveloped harbour area gives a sense of calm not often found in Dubai, especially not at one of the city’s most buzzing new restaurants.

Sunset Hospitality Group has once again proved its prowness as a leading concept-led hospitality group, showcasing its ability to not just conceptualise a theme, but to deliver and carry it with excellence and vigour. Everything from the setting and service to the pleasing yet playful menu is perfectly executed, with diners delighted by unique and daring dishes like cacaio e pepe with uni. Come at night to grab a romantic terrace table with a side of ocean and Marina views, or during the day for a long, rosé-fuelled lunch in the sunlit dining room.

Source: cntravellerme.com