Copyright © 2025 Motivate Media Group. All rights reserved.
A new trattoria in Dubai sets artisanal quality at the centre of its menu and its design
We love a homegrown concept and Monno Ristorante is the latest venue on our radar: an artisanal Italian eatery in the heart of Dubai’s Jumeirah neighbourhood.
The villa is charming and rustic, and the restaurant prides itself on its honesty, be it in the ingredients of its curated menu compiled by the owners – who are both pilots – and head chef Federico Bartoli, or in the design, which is not unlike a classic trattoria found on the back streets of quaint Italian towns.
The love for Italian design and cuisine clearly informs the overall experience, which oozes a rustic simplicity that suspends one reality’s of being in the hustle and bustle of urban Dubai. The bar area features a live pizza oven, while the main dining room and covered terrace are bathed in natural light and adorned with tables and chairs made from natural wood, as well as nostalgic chequered flooring, olive trees, jade green furnishings and cream linens.
“To capture the nostalgic Italian style, the materials form a key part of the design,” shares Andrew Theunissen, head of design and founder of Aces of Space. The honed stone floor is sourced from Italy and has been hand cut and laid in a contemporary version of a traditional Italian marble floor. European oak wood was used throughout the space, and sandblasted to achieve an aged look, while the walls have been manually patinated to allow for the rustic style to set.
“The plaster, wood and stone finishes form the backbone of the classic look of the restaurant. From classic Italian moulding details on the tabletops to the classic slatted bar counter finish – they all come together to speak the same aesthetic and design language,” Theunissen concludes.
Read more features here.
Marcantonio’s Terra pouf for Natuzzi Italia is a statement of conscious craftsmanship
Not to be underestimated, here’s where side tables take centre stage
The project combines both commercial office spaces and industrial warehouses
Paul McClean and Michael Webb explore the art of liveable modernism in their latest Rizzoli book
Kettal’s Pavilion H blends aesthetics and functionality
Held in partnership with Saudi Arabia’s Architecture and Design Commission of the Ministry of Culture, the fair will take place at JAX District from 20-23 May.
Baituti Home develops Zuha Island’s most inspiring design projects
Versace Home announces the grand opening of its boutique at Dubai Mall Zabeel
Designed by Aline Asmar d’Amman, the Dream of the Desert train seamlessly blends modern elegance with the rich heritage of Saudi Arabia
OBEGI Home designs a breathtaking mansion on Jumeirah Bay Island through thoughtful curation and bespoke elements
The strategic partnership officially signed during Milan Design Week, will enable collaboration, knowledge sharing, industry networking, and joint initiatives.
This Dubai Hills villa by MWM Studio integrates comfort, functionality and refined aesthetics