Casa Mia Italian Restaurant - Dubai

As many of you have requested that I post reviews of restaurants I have been to, I thought: Yes, why not share some thoughts that might help you decide where to go for nice dinners with friends? Reviews are tricky though, as people's palates are different, and what they are looking for in terms of overall experience can vary substantially. I am not a food critic as such! Therefore, my reviews are based on my palate, expectations, and take on the overall dining experience. Bear with me though, as I get excited talking about food experiences, and would get a bit descriptive lol

With that said, we are blessed here in Dubai to have such an abundant array of choice, when it comes to food, dining and specialty restaurants. We are very blessed to have access to many great Chefs' works. Hats off to the wonderful Chefs, who are colouring our plates with excellent works of art, and flavouring our evenings with the cream of their experience. Chefs give a bit of themselves in every dish they prepare in order for you an I to have a good time. I know exactly what it takes, behind the scenes, to produce 'the plate' that comes to the table with a big smile and a note of welcome. Trust me, it is no easy task!

Therefore, and before I begin, Thank you Chefs for the wonderful work, and for seasoning our dining experiences ♥ ♥

Photo from Google

CASA MIA - Dubai
Italian Restaurant

As soon as you get to Le MERIDIEN Village, you are instantly put in a social mood. The many outdoor venues with different offerings, and the sounds of people chatting, laughing, the clink clanking of plates, the dimmed lighting, music... all give you the impression that it will be a fun social night. Casa Mia, did not fail to deliver on that note. The atmosphere was relaxed, it was a fun night with lots of laughs, chats and welcoming smiles throughout.

Poggio ai Santi Olive Oil

The first thing that grabbed my attention were the Tuscan Olive Oil bottles, placed on the table. I was delighted to find a bottle of Poggio ai Santi Olive oil, authenticated by the unmistakable label design by Monique Maday. That set the expectations for the whole food experience for me. Before I go further, let me tell you a bit about this outstanding olive oil. This oil comes from the Poggio ai Santi organic farm on the picturesque spurs of the Tuscan hills overlooking the sea. This farm, and until just a few years back, was producing only 1500 olive oil bottles a year! Therefore it wasn't surprising that this oil was to be found at exclusive restaurants and hotels, only in: Switzerland, France and, of course, Italy. It is in the past few years that the 1997 planted olive trees have started producing more olives, therefore slightly increasing the number of bottles produced. Bear in mind that the number is still very low, and hence still hard to find!
And there it was, at Casa Mia, demanding to be opened and devoured! The restaurant has an olive oil list to choose from as you desire, which includes other brands and flavoured oils too.

Presented with the menu: I have to say was very impressed. Many of the offerings caught my eye, and appealed to my taste buds. It included the all time favourites and popular cold | Hot starters. But best of all, it also included options for the fancier palates. I was undetermined by 2 of the options:


Tonno marinato alle erbe, crostini, trito di olive Kalamata,  
cipollotto fresco e salsa al limone 
Marinated sako tuna fillet with herbs, bread croûtons, 
Kalamata olives mousse, spring onions and lemon sauce 

&
Carpaccio di salmone e capesante servito con agretto di olive nere  

Salmon carpaccio and sea-scallops served with tapenade sauce


What eventually closed the deal for me is Kalamata Olives Mousse in the tuna platter, and went for that option to start with.

For the main course I decided to stay on the same note and order a fish plate. The Saffron sauce sealed the deal so I went for
Filetto di orate al forno con asparagi cozze e salsa allo zafferano 
Roasted sea-bream fillet with asparagus, mussels and saffron sauce
With Raineri Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Liguria)


Casa Mia, also had an expansive wine list to choose from, we went for the Savignon Blanc, it was a warm night, and the cool of the white wine, lightened up the atmosphere.

When the starter was presented, I loved the laid back yet fine dining-like presentation. From the looks of my Tuna plate, you could tell it was made with care, yet without stress. It was very inviting, and you can smell a hint of citrusy aroma. The only thing though, my plate had a Kalamata olives and tomato tapenade, or salsa if you wish, but no Kalamata mousse, which I was actually looking forward to. I was a bit disappointed there, but soon forgotten as the dish delivered on flavour big time. It was simply a joy to eat. It was light, refreshing and delicious.

Since I was out with a group of friends, who ordered other options, I got the chance to try out other starters. The Carpacio, bruschetta, trio di pasta were all very good. The green fusilli pasta was a little bit too rich for my taste and described by some as a bit "eggy".

Come main course, I loved it. The fish was cooked to perfection, flaky, with a crisp exterior, that mingles harmoniously with the saffron sauce. Combined with an ever so slight bite to the asparagus, it was Heavenly. One thing though, the menu did say mussels included, and my plate had non! I was, full after all that, and couldn't try more, but everyone was enjoying their selections, and expressing admiration. From fillets, pastas, pizzas... there was a look of indulgence on all faces.

After that meal, the lemon Sorbet was to die for! For a frozen dessert that contains no cream, it was exceptionally creamy, and a delight for the taste buds. That closed the evening with a sweet note.

After all, the night was smooth, fun and definitely delicious.

This is one restaurant that has a lot to offer, and I will definitely have seconds there. I can say, when dining out, I would without a doubt recomend Casa Mia to Italian cuisine lovers, and would choose to take my friends there.


Thank you Chef Maurizio Lazzarin & Kitchen Staff for an excellent taste, and a very impressive menu :)