Instagram-promised nonnas, comfort and chaos – we discover if this Italian eatery lives up to the hype
After months of anticipation, Instagram hype and the promise of Italian grandmothers cooking your dinner, Mamabella in Dubai opened its doors. We went in hungry (and curious) to see whether this much-talked-about spot is more than just a PR stunt.
The vibe
Walking into Mamabella feels like stepping into a well-dressed Italian family home rather than a polished Dubai restaurant. It’s warm, bustling and full of life, the kind of place where chatter bounces off the walls and you’re encouraged to linger rather than rush through courses.
For those wanting to have an extra special experience, there is a private dining area that looks exactly like you are stepping into the kitchen of the nonnas. Think coloured tiles, fun tablecloths and one big table to share food over. The grandmothers are front and centre, rolling pasta, stirring sauces and occasionally chatting with guests like they’ve known them for years — if you speak Italian, that is. It’s charming without feeling gimmicky and there’s a genuine sense of comfort here, like you’re sitting at the table in your own grandmother’s kitchen.
It’s not quiet, it’s not moody and it’s definitely not a place for whispering over candlelight. Mamabella is about togetherness, noise, laughter and plates being passed around.
The food and drinks
The menu leans heavily into classic Italian comfort food, and honestly, that’s exactly what you want it to do. Portions are generous, flavours are bold and there’s nothing trying too hard to be OTT.
The recipes taste like they’ve been made with decades of practice (because, well, they have). The homemade pasta is the star of the show. The pizza is equally satisfying, with a crisp base and toppings that keep things traditional rather than experimental.
If you’re a meat lover, you’ll be glad to know everything is wood-fired, leaning into the history and heritage behind the restaurant.
The drinks menu keeps things easygoing. Italian wines dominate, cocktails are unfussy and everything feels designed to complement the food rather than distract from it.
The service
The service is friendly, relaxed and occasionally a little chaotic, but in a way that suits the restaurant’s personality. Staff are happy to explain dishes, make recommendations and lean into the story behind the concept without overdoing it. And while the nonnas aren’t tableside entertainers, their presence adds a warmth you can’t manufacture. You’ll find some incredible performers floating around, too, as they dance traditional Italian dances and get everyone up on the floor.
What’s On verdict
Mamabella isn’t trying to reinvent Italian food and that’s exactly why it works. It’s comforting, lively and genuinely enjoyable, delivering on its promise of soulful cooking and feel-good dining. Come with friends, come hungry, and don’t be in a rush to leave. This is Italian dining the way it’s meant to be: loud, loving and full of heart.
The details
Location: Mamabella, Kempinski Hotel, Downtown Dubai
Times: 12pm to 2am
Contact: (04) 430 8999 @mamabelladubai
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