The elegant single white rose, that stands tall at the entrance of Vanita’s captures the sense of romance and charm, that is Vanita’s.
The waterfront, signature Italian restaurant at the Palazzo Versace Hotel overlooks the Dubai Creek. It’s an utterly luxurious restaurant, that is a tribute true to Versace grandeur. There’s something rather endearing about Vanita’s from the moment you enter. The gentle glow from the candle light, and abundance of red roses just fills you with joy.
The Versace Rosenthal tableware is absolutely stunning and it was quite clear from the start, the evening was to be exemplary.
The platter of warm assorted breads included a deliciously light focaccia with sun blushed tomatoes and bread sticks. Served with a zucchini and chickpea accompaniments this was a perfect start.
The amuse bouche was a unique light, saffron crisp, encasing a green basil sponge and topped with a cooling creamed cheese.
There was something rather regal about the presentation of the starters. Each dish, served as a plate of art. The creamy Burrata “Caseificio Artigiana” was surrounded by a crown of pinzimonio vegetables and a green curry jelly, and just looked phenomenal.
The Orto was a circle of deliciously fresh seared and gently steamed vegetables on a bed of brocolli puree, with seaweed chips. Each plate was arranged meticulously and served with finesse.
The extensive menu is predominantly seafood, sourced from all corners of the world. For our first encounter with octopus, we were rather satisfied with the grilled Piovra Grigliata, served on a bed of citrus infused fennel.
Between courses was the Tortelli di Ricotta. The fresh egg tortelli, topped with tomato coulis and a basil oil was beautifully buttery and boasted immense flavour. With herbs picked fresh from the hotels’ gardens, it was so fresh and delicious.
The Sogliola in Crosta di Nocciole del Piemonte was a lovely Dover sole, with hazlenut crumble, red currants and an intriguing purple foam. It was as much a feast for the eyes as the palate.
The Glacier 51 al “Cartoccio” saw the cod piled high on a buttery, crispy fondant potato, with a drizzle of “Puttanesca” sauce, topped with a squiggly black ink spaghetti.
The chocolate bomb seems to be finding it’s way on the menu in noteworthy restaurants around the world. The Affogato was surrounded by edible flowers, and the theatrics of the dissolving chocolate sphere is a delight that we will never tire of. As the hot decaffeinated coffee shot was poured over it, the chocolate disappeared, revealing the vanilla ice cream centre. The molten chocolate muddled with coffee and edible flowers was just a delight.
The tiramisu merely had a hint of coffee, with mascarpone cream, a dusting of cacoa powder topped with golden chocolate beans was light and moreish.
This was an evening we really didn’t want to end. A beautiful restaurant with impecible service and outstanding food, what more can one ask for?
Totally blown away by the culinary experience at Vanita’s, it certainly is the perfect setting for a grand romantic gesture for a fairy tale proposal on one knee. Whether it’s a birthday, or an anniversary, Vanita’s is one to keep up the sleeve for a special occasion in Dubai. Saying that, we can’t wait to make any excuse to go back.
Vanita’s, Palazzo Versace Hotel, P.O. Box 128431, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
*Disclaimer: Concierge Angel were complimentary guests. However, all opinions and photos belong to Concierge Angel, unless otherwise stated and remain a trademark of Concierge Angel.