24-04-2025
Carna Dubai in Dubai
It's the side to your steak you didn't realise you needed – a story. And this one dates back to 1976 in the Chianti region of Tuscany, Italy.
Let us set the scene for you. Legendary butcher Dario Cecchini takes over his family's business with a noble mission – to uphold the art of butchery, crafting a properly cooked piece of meat every time whilst eliminating waste and promoting sustainability. Dishes jam-packed with flavour coupled with minimum carbon footprint? We're in.
So, where does sparkly Dubai come into this? In May 2021, Cecchini opened Carna by Dario Cecchini, a European Contemporary Steakhouse, on the 74th floor of the SLS Hotel overing Business Bay and beyond. Tapping into the foundation of the family business's early days, it adds in that Dubai twist the right way – with elegance, pizzazz and drama.
(Credit: Carna Dubai)
From the second you enter, it all delivers. The lift zips you up the SLS's lift before arriving to a lounge-like foyer, where you're greeted by a pleasant host before weaving through an lantern-lit hallway before walking through a plush curtain. It feels exclusive and special. You'll be happy you adhered to the smart elegant dress code.
Step inside the main dining room and you'll thank yourself even more. With chandeliers lined the room, forest green wall ties, statement artwork and sky-high windows, it's all very fabulous. But better yet, a tree placed in the middle of the room offers. Once you're done admiring the tree, look outside. The illuminated wheel at JBR and Burj Al Arab steal your attention – they're crystal clear.
Take your seats at a white linen-covered tables, complete with table lamps. There are hints of art deco, a welcome contrast from the typical dark steakhouses. It's giving vibrant yet cosy.
When ordering we take the lead from our friendly and attentive server. First up is Dario's beef tartare for a starter, prepared tableside to expose the aromatic elements, from special salt to herbs and spices. It's one of those Instagram moments, but in the best way. Have no shame in filming as the dish is whipped up before your eyes.
(Credit: Carna Dubai)
Burrata arrives at the same time, with shaved zucchini, piquillo pepper, espelette oil, eggplant caviar and toasted sunflower seeds. It's an unexpected yet fantastic combination. Chicken liver parmentier, oxtail croquettes and a candy tomato salad, with watermelon radish black olives and bergamot vinaigrette, are all on the list, making for a strong start to the evening.
But onto the main event.
Few go to a steakhouse and not order the steak. The server elaborates on the different cuts with ease, from the leanness of the tenderloin, an Australian black angus long fed filet steak weighing in at 200g, to the marbling of the 250g Australian wagyu flank steak. Both grace our table, with pristine presentation.
If you really want to splurge, opt for the 420g rib-eye, but beware, it will set you back Dhs495. These don't come with sides, but make sure to add them to your order. Opt for cremed spinach and whipped smoked potatoes to complete your sizzling meal.
Every last morsel went down a treat. The requested 'medium' was aced, the staff was knowledge and seemed to mind read (water top ups at the ready). Talk about service.
We guarantee you'll be in the best kind of food coma. And if that's not the best bedtime story, we don't know what is.
