The All-Italian Magic at Tomato & Basilico
Located in a quiet bylane of Dubai Silicon Oasis, Tomato & Basilico offers an authentic all-Italian menu. Owned by an Indian who migrated to Italy 40 years ago, this hidden gem brings you the best of the country’s most cherished dishes, all prepared by Italian chefs (his sons) and served with generous side of kindness and warm hospitality.
Read on to find out why this classic Pizzeria needs to get on your list of ‘Pizzas to try in Dubai’.
We started off with two favorite drinks from the menu. The Tomato & Basilico signature offered a soupy albeit refreshing and cold flavor with tomato, basil, mint and cucumber. The Finochiella combined green apple and lemon with surprisingly sweet fennel.
You know how much I love Burrata right? So how could I go to Tomato & Basilico and not have this delightful Antipasto!
Flaunting a generous portion of absolutely creamy and fresh Burrata cheese on a crunchy purple cabbage leaf, this appetizer is served alongside juicy cherry tomatoes, tangy pickled sundries tomatoes, and a tender artichoke heart. Drizzled with balsamic and olive oil, and garnished with fragrant basil, this dish brings together the wonderful flavors of Italy to Dubai, while also highlighting the restaurant’s core competencies of freshness, authentic ingredients and a quintessential Italian taste. Plus it has both the signature ingredients from the name – tomato and basil!
Creamy comfort takes on a new form with the Arancini at Tomato & Basilico.
Stuffed with risotto and mozzarella cheese, these crispy rice balls are served on a bed of arugula and lettuce along side a savory marinara sauce dip.
Ideal finger food!
Even if you aren’t really fond of eggplants, you still need to try this. The Parmigiana di Malanzane, or the vegetarian lasagna as they love to call it, comes with tender fried slices of eggplant, layered with mozzarella, tomato sauce, parmesan and basil.
It’s creamy, delicious and there’s no way you would ever know there’s eggplants in it.
A signature dish at Tomato & Basilico, this one’s a must have!
Now that’s a version of the classic Margherita I never had before. Named Tomato & Basilico to signify this pizza as a signature, it brings together mozzarella, cherry tomatoes and basil along with a very creamy dollop of Burrata cheese on their homemade tomato basil sauce base.
Look at all that goodness. Such a beauty, ain’t it?!
The pizza is baked in an electric oven which is designed to give it a wood fired smokey flavor. They have an amazing selection of pizza toppings, each one sure to tempt your taste buds. Try atleast two or three on your next visit 😀
The pasta at Tomato & Basilico is all homemade in their Italian kitchen by their Italian chef. This picture shows a collage of two different and contrasting varieties of pasta dishes we tried at the restaurant. The red hued pappardalle in Bolognese sauce featured a meaty mix topped with a pretty basil twig. The white hued tagliatelle on the other hand featured creamy mushrooms in a rich white sauce topped with parmesan shavings.
The pasta could have been more al denté, however the sauces and presentation were impressive.
They have an extensive selection of homemade pastas including ravioli, tortellini, penne, spaghetti and more so make sure you try a couple of options.
There are some classics that just can’t be given a miss. So even after being absolutely stuffed with the good food and friendly hospitality at Tomato & Basilico, we had to try out the Tiramisu.
This homemade dessert is generously dusted with Italian espresso. As you go deeper to the bottom of the dessert, you find yourself indulging into the creamy mascarpone, rich chocolate and espresso soaked lady fingers.
There couldn’t be a better way to end an authentic Italian dinner.
The restaurant is dotted with references from Italy, be it the color scheme, the decor or the walls.
Make this quick trip to your nearest Tomato & Basilico. This restaurant has two outlets located in Dubai Silicon Oasis and Motor City. They offer delivery to nearby areas as well, and if you ask me, this restaurant is worth a visit.