WHERE: SO/ Uptown Dubai, lobby level.
THE FORMAT: À la carte restaurant and bar
THE FOOD: Italian classics with contemporary touches
BEST FOR: Dinner with friends, date night and ordering a little of everything
THE MOOD: Playful Italian dining
EXPECT TO SPEND: Starters from AED 49; pasta from AED 65; selected mains AED 125–250
The First Impression
Start with parmigiana and see where the evening takes you. Rocambolesco’s menu has the makings of the sort of Italian meal that expands as you order: a starter for the table, pasta nobody wants to miss, then a discussion about whether to share the steak or the Milanese. The sensible answer might be both.
There is a familiar backbone here, baked aubergine, homemade pasta, breaded veal, with enough unexpected touches to keep things interesting. Scamorza fondue, bone marrow butter and a cocktail list involving truffle-infused tequila suggest a kitchen and bar happy to have some fun.
What to Order
The Rocambolesco Parmigiana (AED 75) is the natural starting point. Baked aubergine comes with scamorza fondue, adding another layer of cheese to a dish already built for comfort. It is an inviting opening order, particularly with a table willing to share.
Next, the lobster fusillone (AED 165). Lobster bisque and lobster give the pasta its seafood focus, with basil sauce and datterino tomato completing the dish. It is one of the menu’s more indulgent pasta options, and a clear candidate around which to build dinner.
For the mains, the Wagyu ribeye (AED 250) comes with carrot sauce, kale and bone marrow butter. The accompaniments give it a distinct identity within the Italian menu, with the marrow butter adding to its richness.
The veal Milanese (AED 195) takes a more classic route: breaded veal with rocket, tomato confit and shaved Parmesan. Alongside the steak, it sets up an appealing contrast between two substantial mains.
If there is room, the dessert trolley keeps the decisions coming. Tiramisu and a Neapolitan babà with Chantilly cream and Amarena cherry are both AED 59.
How They Look After You
A menu spanning individual plates and larger sharing dishes benefits from guidance on portions and pacing, especially when ordering pasta alongside two mains. Service impressions will need adding after the visit, including how confidently the team helps diners build a balanced order.
Worth the spend?
There is flexibility across the menu. Pizza starts at AED 65, as does the tomato spaghetti, while lobster pasta and Wagyu offer scope for a more elaborate dinner. That range makes it possible to follow your appetite and occasion without committing to a fixed menu.
The takeaway
The four-dish shortlist is straightforward: parmigiana, lobster fusillone, Wagyu ribeye and veal Milanese. Together, they capture the menu’s appeal—Italian comfort, a little indulgence and plenty of reasons to share.
Good to Know
The cocktail list deserves a look, particularly if you enjoy savoury ingredients or a theatrical serve. Confirm portion sizes when ordering several dishes for the table.
Where To Try Next
Chic Nonna, DIFC: For another Italian evening built around pasta, comforting classics and a sense of occasion. A natural next stop if you enjoyed Rocambolesco’s balance of familiar flavours and a polished setting.
