With the festive spirit fast kicking in, most of us are already making plans on where to have that euphoric festive dining experience (of course if we are not hosting at home). And since Dubai is a haven for foodies, you can easily get spoilt for choice. So, to make things slightly easy for you, with some tried and tested experiences, we had the chance to try out festive dining at Luigia, a truly authentic Italian restaurant, with a ‘Best Pizzeria in Dubai Gambero Rosso Award’ located at the Rixos Premium in JBR. It was not our first time there or the second, but it was a definite first when it comes to breaking bread in the spirit of the holidays.

In a truly festive spirit, and based on our own experience, we’ve put together some 5 reasons why you should consider trying out a festive meal at Luigia, which highlights the best of Italy at Christmas, with true Italian recipes.

Festive Dining at Luigia

1. Unpretentious Festive Menu

Since Luigia believes in the Italian way of bringing loved ones together over a delicious feast, their menu features hearty, homemade dishes that are perfect for sharing. They have 3 Christmas set menus available throughout December. Option 1 is the Luigia Christmas Menu, priced at AED 200, option 2 is the Sapori di Mare Christmas Menu, priced at AED 350, and option 3 is the Gourmet pizza Menu for two people sharing, priced at AED 350 (my favorite is Langarola pizza, made of Fresh spinach, beef carpaccio, buffalo’s burrata, Grana Padano shaves, and honey citronnette). These menus include 3 different starters, 1^st, 2^nd, and a hearty main course, and finally a chocolatey dessert. It is also perfect for big groups, so head over there with family and friends, and enjoy Christmas the Italian way.

2. The Main Course

It’s an Italian restaurant, so great pizza is a given. The choices we had on the main course was either Miracolata pizza, or Branzino al Sale con Puree, which translated to an oven-baked salt-crusted sea bass fish, served with creamy mashed potatoes. But since we were only two, we could not order both, so we decided on the sea bass, which is great for sharing. It was cooked to perfection, and not to mention, quite tasty. The staff are kind enough (as always) to ‘clean’ it for you, so you won’t end up fighting with the fish trying to separate the flesh from the bones. As for the miraculous pizza, that’s a story for another day (because we didn’t try it).

DON’T MISS: Tips on Surviving the Festive season

3. Christmas Aperitivo

On Tuesday 18^th December, from 7 PM to 9 PM, to ramp up your festive dining at Luigia, they will be hosting a ‘Christmas Special’ Aperitivo night. This is a beloved Milanese tradition that provides the perfect occasion to bring friends together and savor great beverages and delicious Italian bites over lively conversation. The Christmas Aperitivo night, which is priced at AED 120, will give you a chance to indulge in a plethora of Italian dishes at the buffet and delicious cocktails – a perfect treat for a unique festive experience.

4. Kids’ Christmas Movies

If you are planning a festive dining at Luigia, you won’t have to leave your little people behind. This is because starting from 1^st of December and right up until Christmas, the eatery will be screening Christmas movies at the Luigia cinema (located in the kids’ are) for your kids to enjoy, giving you time to enjoy the adult feasting.

5. New Year at Luigia

At Luigia, the fun doesn’t end on Christmas evening. You can ring in the New Year at the restaurant, with a beautifully crafted four-course culinary celebration at a pocket-friendly price of just AED 350.

If you plan on having a festive dining at Luigia (which starts on 1^st – 31^st December 2018), then keep in mind that due to the specialty of the dishes offered on the Christmas and NYE menus, a 48hr advance booking policy has been put in place to ensure the kitchen has adequate time to prepare. Also, they are a first come, first serve kind of restaurant.