A Big City Trattoria
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Cuisine Style: Italian
Average Price: $$
Overall Rating: 4/5
Article Updated: July 26, 2018
By Sean Overpeck (CFE)
**A full article and index glossary of restaurants, wines, recipes and travel for
Wine, Dine, and Play are in the pages section above, or by following these links:
BiCE Restaurant Zomato rating:
Executive Chef:
Davide Gardini
BiCE Restaurant, (pronounced b-ee-ch-AI) at the Hilton Jumeriah Beach Resort in Dubai, is part of the network of BiCE restaurants under the BiCE Group which began in 1926 in Milan, Italy by Beatrice Ruggeri – also know as Bice. The family agreed to open a "trattoria" — loosely translated as a friendly gathering place with a farm to table approach. With Bice in the kitchen and her brothers and sisters serving in the dining room, il Ristorante "Da Gino e Bice," began. Today there are seventeen restaurants in seven countries included Argentina, Iran, Japan, Kuwait, The United States with six locations (Florida, California, and New York), and the UAE with four locations.
Menu:
- Cold Starters
- Hot Starters
- Taste of Summer Prefix
- Gourmet Pizza
- Pasta and Risotto
- Mains
- Sides
- Desserts
BiCE is listed as #1 of the 82 Italian Restaurants in Dubai (2013 figures) and has held that rating for two straight years, along with being rated at #24 of 5,618 Restaurants in Dubai by Trip Advisor. I was planning a big dinner, so I ate an early lunch here at BiCE and though the menu had so many good choices I limited myself to a starter and entrée only. Before I had a chance to order, the usual assortments of bread were brought to the table, but what I really liked were the dipping sauces for the bread. Commonly in most Italian Restaurants across the world, they bring olive oil, which my server did provide, but also included a tomato sauce, and a black olive puree.
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| Dip starters |
My starter course was a classic Italian comfort dish of calamari. I have had different variations with sauces in the past, but was surprised by this one. The calamari included a few fried shrimp (prawns), and some slivers of fried zucchini, with a spiced tomato sauce and tartar sauce on the side. The only downside to the dish, in my opinion, was that the calamari only had the rings and no tentacles, which is my favorite part of the dish. For the main entrée the waiter, who was from Nepal recommended to me the “Totelli di spinaci e ricotta alla crema di tarufo bianco e nero,” translated to homemade ricotta and spinach Tortelli with creamy white sauce and truffle sauce garnie, with a black truffle brunoise. Let me tell folks, that I was in heaven. It was a very rich dish, with the sum of all flavors coming together collectively to entice your taste buds and demand more. Truffle oil and black truffle, in general, are not for everyone as it can be very overpowering even in the smallest amounts, but I love it and I had to recommend the dish to the table o next to me it was so good.
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| BiCE Dubai / Ricotta and spinach tortelli |
Dessert:
I did not have room for dessert as the two courses were very rich. On their menu, however, they do have selections such as a lavender crème brûlée, basil pannacotta, warm chocolate fondant, and a rhubarb & strawberry soup with frozen Greek yogurt. As I requested the bill, to my surprise they brought out a small plate of Petits fours with cookies and chocolate. In my future travels, if I run across another BiCE Restaurant, I will be trying them to compare. I live in Florida where there are four within a three-hour drive from my home.
Please see these guidelines for Tipping in Restaurants and on following proper etiquette, customs, cultures, and avoiding assumptions when you dine out.
Other Noteworthy Italian Articles and Restaurants similar to BiCE:
Italian cuisine is noted for its regional diversity, especially between the northern and the southern Italian peninsula. It offers an abundance of taste and is one of the most popular in the world. It has influenced several cuisines around the world chiefly that of the United States.
Alioto’s Restaurant Historic restaurant serving Sicilian-infused seafood in San Francisco, California
BRIO Tuscan Grille Relaxed Tuscan-inspired Italian chain eatery, reviewed in Sarasota, Florida
Carrabbas Italian Grill An Italian-American chain from Texas with original family recipes reviewed in St. Petersburg, Florida
FarmTable Cucina organic, sustainable, and local with a focus on Italian and New American themes in St. Petersburg, Florida
FarmTable Kitchen Casual Cal-Italian cuisine and chef tables in St. Petersburg, Florida
Feola’s Italian Ristorante Relaxed eatery for pizza and pasta in Treasure Island, Florida
Gigi’s A small beachside Italian spot and neighborhood gem on St. Pete Beach, Florida
Gino’s East Pizzeria Chain serving Chicago-style deep dish pizza and other Italian eats in Chicago, Illinois
Gino’s Restaurant and Bar Old-school and modern genial Italian eatery in Tampa, Florida
Gratzzi Italian Grille Traditional and classic Italian plates in St. Petersburg, Florida
Greystone CIA Restaurant CIA School restaurant formally called Wine Spectator now GateHouse in Calistoga, California
La Petite Maison Relaxed French-Italian restaurant at the DFIC in Dubai, UAE
Locale Seasonal Northern Italian at the De Bortoli Winery in the Yarra Valley, Australia
Noble Crust Modern contemporary Italian and Southern dishes in St Petersburg, Florida
Pia’s Trattoria Tuscan-themed old-school Italian restaurant In Gulfport, Florida
Pizza Republica Trendy Italian trattoria and pizza restaurant in Centennial, Colorado
Ponte Vecchio Fine dining Italian classics in the Fallsview Hotel, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
Portofino’s A family-owned Italian Restaurant near Maximo serving great pizza in St. Petersburg, Florida
Prato Rustic Italian bistro with modern takes on classic dishes in Winter Park, Florida
Roberto’s Ristorante A walk into the Piemonte with a contemporary twist at the DIFC, Dubai, UAE
Sea-Guini Chic restaurant with seafood and Italian-inspired cuisine in Clearwater Beach, Florida
The Garlic An old-world approach to Italian with Mediterranean classics in New Smyrna Beach, Florida
See the whole list by visiting “The Wine Dine and Play Article Glossary”
Other Dubai restaurants and articles on Wine Dine and Play:
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“Mastic” Ice-cream
Deira, Dubai, UAE
|
A French Style Wine Bar at the Conrad Hotel
Dubai, UAE
|
Take a tour of the tallest building in the world
Dubai, UAE
|
|
Turkish culinary journey with an eclectic European twist
Plaza Versace Hotel, Dubai, UAE
|
A walk into the Piemonte with a contemporary twist
DFIC, Dubai, UAE
|
An eclectic taste of Asia with buffets at the Burj Al Arab
Dubai, UAE
|
See the whole list by visiting “The Wine Dine and Play Article Glossary by country”
Final notes, review basics, observations, and more pictures:
Most reviews are subjective, depending on the writer; but they should also be responsible, and respectfully written, upholding the truth, and accurately conveying the experience to the best of the writer's knowledge, even if it includes metaphors the restaurant may not like to read about. My ratings are by the stars I award (from 0 to 5). The rating is calculated on a point accumulation of six separate factors based on individual experience. They include wine and other beverage selections, plate presentation, customer service, restaurant or café ambiance, food quality, and wow factor.
To see more details of this rating list, read this article:
Scores are detailed in the factor chart below:
Formula Factor Conclusions and Overall Ratings for BiCE
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Max Points Possible:
|
Total Points Awarded:
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Total Points deducted:
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Ambiance
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9.5
|
9
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0.5
|
Food quality
|
10
|
7
|
3
|
Plate presentation
|
8
|
8
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0
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Customer service
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6.5
|
5
|
1.5
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Alcohol and other beverages
|
8
|
6
|
2
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Total regular points awarded
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42
|
35
|
7
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Total percentage Before Bonus
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0.833333333333333
| ||
“Wow” factor BONUS
|
5
|
1
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0
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Total bonus percentage
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0.0238095238095238
| ||
Total percentage with a bonus for the final star rating
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0.857142857142857
| ||
Stars Awarded (see chart below)
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0 - 5
|
4
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**A full break down and explanation of the observations and point disbursement is available in the linked article above. To receive a detailed copy of your score, feel free to contact me at any time and I will provide it to you.**
***
Overall Star Rating:
|
4 of 5 Stars:
86% Rating with a 1 point “wow” bonus
An Outstanding Dining Experience
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Wine rating:
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5.5 of 10
Old World selections:
France, Spain, Italy, Sardinia
New World selections:
Argentina, Chile, Australia, California
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Corkage fees:
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BiCE does not list any corkage fee’s however, most American restaurants charge
$25.00 per bottle
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Restaurant-style:
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Conservative dining
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Cuisine style:
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European-Continental, Italian, Mediterranean, Seafood, Upscale Chain
Allergen or dietary accommodations:
Gluten-Free, Halal, Local, Pescatarian, Vegan, and Vegetarian Options
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Reservations:
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Not Required
Walk-Ins:
Accepted
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Dress code:
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Casual or Conservative attire
|
Child policy:
|
The Restaurants reviewed on this site may have a kids menu or cater to them; however, for full enjoyment of food and wine, it is recommended that kids not to be in attendance, unless they have been trained in proper etiquette.
If not then:
Hire a Babysitter!
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Experiences:
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A place for foodies, Contemporary, Great bar, Great outdoor dining, Good for special occasions, Scenic views, Upscale, and a Neighborhood Gem.
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Payments:
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Cash, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express
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Parking:
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Valet, Private lot, or Street meter parking
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Wifi
|
The restaurants reviewed on this site may have Wi-Fi, but do not require you to go online, because the excitement of the food and wine alone will keep you too entertained instead of checking your social media and emails.
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Noise level:
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Low to Medium
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Smoking:
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BiCE is a non-smoking restaurant
WARNING: With a smoking patio
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Patio or terrace:
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Yes
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Food Prices
(excludes, alcohol, taxes & 20% gratuity’s)
$£€¥ - Under 50.00 (inexpensive)
$£€¥ x 2 - 51.00- 99.00 (moderate)
$£€¥ x 3 - Over 100.00 (pricy)
$£€¥ x 4 - Over 200.00 (expensive)
$£€¥ x 5 - Over 400.00 (very expensive)
**Currencies reflect the world’s major travelers, restaurant, or wine connoisseur’s**
Currency:
|
Price
|
Arab Emerites Dirham (AED)
|
د.
|
United States Dollar (USD)
|
$$
|
Great Britain Pound Sterling (GBP)
|
££
|
Canadian Dollar (CAN)
|
$$$
|
Chinese Yuan (CNY)
|
¥¥¥¥¥
|
European Union (EUR)
|
€€
|
BiCE Ristorante:
Hilton Dubai Jumeriah
Festival BLVD
The Walk, JBR
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Contact Information:
Restaurant website:
| |
Maître d or host:
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+971 4 318 25 20
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Online reservations
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Email Contact:
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Serving hours:
UAE Standard Time
(GMT, Zulu, or UTC - BST Offset + 4:00)
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Mon-Sun
12:30 pm - 11:30 pm
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Social Media
&
Accolades:
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****
The world's best restaurants is a subjective list of who is writing it and changes on a regular basis. The Wine Dine and Play best experiences are based on my highest rated stared restaurants, meaning that the visit was an outstanding or extraordinary experience. From cafés, chains, mom + pops, hole in the walls, to fine dining including a few Michelin spots. Visit the Top 100 page to see the entire list.
A few to tease you with…
|
Rustic New American Fare
St. Petersburg, Florida, USA
|
Contemporary, African-French Tasting Journey
Franschhoek, South Africa
|
Haute Gastronomique French restaurant & bistro
Bordeaux, France
|
Other Pictures:
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| BiCE Dubai / Picture courtesy of BiCE Restaurant |
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| BiCE Dubai / Assorted bread starters |
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| BiCE Dubai / Olive and other oils |
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| BiCE Dubai / Calamari dish |
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| BiCE / Picture courtesy of BiCE Restaurant |
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