Entering the super-chic dark, varnished wood surroundings of Bice, you half expect to see the likes of Dean Martin and Sinatra holding court at the bar, whilst Sammy Davis Jr entertains the diners with a few show tunes. This is super-sophis dining that harks back to a more glam age, so we’d suggest donning a fab frock and heels to compete with the elegant black and white stills of movie stars of yore on the walls. And complementing the chic surroundings is a menu – and extensive, yet not intimidating wine list – that mixes traditional and modern takes on Italian dishes, so you can be as experimental or comfort food-loving as you like!

The bread basket arrives first – a carb-busting, impossible to resist mix of crunchy sticks and cake-like soft foccacia along with oil, balsamic vinegar and tomato and olive tapenades to scoop up. For starters the goats cheese salad is a flavourful lighter option, although if your dining companion orders the crab cake or signature dish of lobster carpaccio, be prepared for a dose of major food envy!

Mains are plentiful, so take your time choosing – and carnivores will be thrilled – and opt for the classic Sicilian rigatoni, sesame encrusted blue fin tuna or black and white tagliolini with tiger prawns, asparagus and garlic oil. Desserts are a typically gooey affair, with the chocolate fondue soufflé an absolute must-eat, although if you’re all pasta’d out and haven’t left much room, tiny moreish biscuits are served at the end of the meal – and there’s always room for those!

Hilton Jumeirah 04 399 1111