Tucked away in a poolside corner behind the Habtoor Grand, you’ll find Luciano’s – the sort of intimate trattoria you often stumble across on a holiday in the Med, but never think to look for in Dubai.

With fairy lights twinkling romantically in the palms outside and rustic charm oozing inside, the décor is simple and welcoming, although the easily-intimidated may not wish to dwell on the restaurant’s photographic display. Namesake Charles ‘Lucky’ Luciano, along with black and white mugshots of his fellow celebrity mobsters, squints down from the walls, just daring you to not enjoy your lasagna al forno (many of his contemporaries got bumped off in restaurants, and his advice was to always get a table with a good view of the door!)

But rest assured, there’s no hitmen here – the three-foot long pepper-grinder is the only concealed weapon on the premises and only the menu is, of course, an offer you can’t refuse. Food is fresh, satisfying and plentiful – the way traditional Italian grub should be – and served with fresh walnut bread, straight from the oven. Unbutton your belt as you slap on the olive tapenade, or you’ll regret it later.

Luciano’s is justifiably proud of its pizzas – thin, crispy delights, smothered in toppings – and its seafood specialities. The creamy seafood risotto pops with plump prawns, while vegetarians will be more than happy with the equally chubby mushroom tortelloni. If you can still squeeze in the tiramisu afterwards, you’ll find it light and fluffy, perfect for washing down with a cappuccino. Best of all, when the bill comes, you’ll think you’ve been subject to the sort of creative accounting the likes of Lucky Luciano would have been proud of!

Habtoor Grand 04 399 5000