Generous Italian cooking lands in Al Barsha with warmth, confidence and an easygoing spirit
Words: Thomas Woodgate
The spot
Image: Provided
Falcone has arrived in Al Barsha and if neighbourhood Italian is your thing – think unpretentious, yet top-of-their-game dishes served amidst a backdrop of comfort and generosity – then you’ve arrived at your culinary home. The room hums from the moment you step inside and the welcome is warm. The decor leans into warmth with bright colours that scream Capri afternoons in the sun and the pace is fast without feeling rushed. It’s bright and bustling and immediately gives you that lived-in, comforting feeling.
The food and drinks
Images: Provided
The menu is built for sharing and the table fills easily. In fact, it fills a little too easily because you’re likely over-order as you work your way through the crowd-pleasing menu. We begin with insalata di pollo, crisp and balanced, followed by Nonna’s meatballs, which are tender, rich and exactly as comforting as promised. Fritto misto arrives hot and light and hitting all the right notes. Pasta holds its own alongside the pizza-heavy billing. Fusilli alla vodka is indulgent without excess, glossy and warming with just the slightest kick on the tastebuds (the little ones will say it’s too spicy, but that means more for you!), while the chicken parm arrives unapologetically generous and designed for passing around, which you will do begrudgingly, such is the moreish nature of this winner. Oven-roasted potatoes are quietly excellent – super-crisp and fluffy inside. Satisfying in the most simplest way. Then there’s the pizza. The margherita hits all the right pizza notes: the crust crackles, the tomato sauce bursts with freshness and the cheese ratio is spot-on. Nothing feels overworked. Dessert brings things to a gentle close. Tiramisu is standard, but moreish, while the freshly in-house spun gelato is a sure-fire winner with the little guests as they queue to make their selection.
The service
Service mirrors the food: warm, capable and unfussy. Plates arrive with gusto and with confidence, it’s as if they’re in a hurry to get the food tableside, even though they do so without feeling rushed or hurried. You’ll be thankful for their determination.
What’s on the bill
For a family of four, expect to pay around Dhs400-500, depending on the dishes, but prices are standard, though there is the inevitable overordering to consider…
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What’s On verdict
A confident new neighbourhood Italian that balances pedigree with approachability. With assured pizza, generous plates and an atmosphere built for gathering, Falcone feels already established despite being newbies in Al Barsha and it’s destined to become a neighbourhood favourite in no time.
Location: Falcone, Galleria Mall – Ground Floor, Al Barsha 2
Times: Mon to Fri 12-11pm, Sat and Sun 10 am to 11pm
Contact: (04) 575 1336 @falconedxb
Images: Provided
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