Dubai’s culinary scene continues to flourish with the arrival of TOTÓ, an Italian-Mediterranean restaurant backed by global icons Cristiano Ronaldo and Rafael Nadal. Located in Downtown Dubai at Hotel Boulevard, Autograph Collection, just across from the iconic Dubai Fountain, TOTÓ promises to bring the flavours and flair of Italian cuisine to the city’s vibrant dining landscape.

TOTÓ: A Taste of Italy with a Touch of Cinema

TOTÓ is, in essence, a celebrity restaurant that takes inspiration from the golden age of Italian cinema in the 1950s and 1960s. The restaurant’s décor is smart, with walls adorned with cinematic stills that transport diners to the charm and elegance of classic Italian film. The ambiance is designed keeping in mind Italian sleek aesthetics while offering a modern twist on traditional Italian dining.

This Dubai location is the latest in a series of ventures by Ronaldo and Nadal, following the opening of TOTÓ Madrid in 2021 and TOTÓ Abu Dhabi in March 2024. The Dubai branch aims to continue the legacy, offering a curated menu that blends Italian culinary traditions with Mediterranean influences.

At the helm of TOTÓ’s kitchen is Chef Angelo Santi, known for his mastery of Italian cuisine, and Pizzaiolo Chef Vincenzo Palermo, a specialist in crafting authentic Italian pizzas. Together, they have created a menu highlighting the best Italian flavours, prepared with precision and passion.

 

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TOTÓ’s menu offers a variety of dishes that cater to both casual diners and culinary enthusiasts. For starters, guests can enjoy the Crostini al caviale—toasted bread layered with rich burrata cheese and topped with Tradition Prestige caviar. Another must-try appetizer is the Carciofi alla carbonara, featuring charcoal-braised artichoke flowers with duck carbonara, offering a unique twist on a classic dish.

For pizza lovers, the Tonno Rosso is a standout. This pizza is topped with mozzarella from Napoli, Delfino Battista red tuna, yellow datterino tomatoes, capers, and red onion, providing a delightful blend of flavours. Meat lovers will appreciate the Controfiletto di wagyu, a grilled wagyu striploin served with crispy potato dices and finished with freshly grated black truffles.

To end the meal on a sweet note, the Burrata Cheesecake is a must-try dessert, served with honey-infused ice cream and topped with honey sauce and honeycomb—a dessert that balances rich and delicate flavours perfectly.

From 5 pm to 8 pm, TOTÓ offers a unique selection of Italian-inspired drinks, each paired with complementary chef’s bites. The drink menu features the Aurea Gran Rosé from Frescobaldi, a selection of classic cocktails, and Mediterranean-inspired beverages, all setting the perfect mood for a relaxing evening. Additionally, TOTÓ boasts a well-curated selection of Italian wines.

It’s worth noting that TOTÓ is not Ronaldo and Nadal’s first culinary venture in Dubai. A few wee ks prior, the duo launched Tatel Dubai next door, offering traditional Spanish cuisne. With these two establishments, Ronaldo and Nadal have created a dynamic dining duo in one of Dubai’s central locations. ◼

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© This article was first published online in Aug 2024 – World Travel Magazine.