Italian restuarant social unveils new menu and a refreshed, laid-back concept at waldorf astoria Dubai palm Jumeirah

Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah is celebrating the reopening of Social, the authentic yet modern, Italian restaurant with magnificent Palm Jumeirah views.

Social is welcoming diners back to experience a refreshed concept which blends authentic home-style dishes with innovative flavours and cooking techniques, all served up in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

The new menu is a modern yet playfully quirky take on authentic Italian peninsular cuisine, where hearty favourites combine with innovative flavour pairings, that have been inspired by Italian Chef Carmine Faravolo’s work around the world – and also by his childhood.

The menu features antipasti, soups, pastas, and risotto, along with meat, fish, and vegetarian dishes, some of which are inspired by dishes he first witnessed his Nonna prepare with love and passion, in his hometown, the culinary hotspot, Naples. Guided by her expert hands, he learned the secrets of authentic cooking at an early age. Lovers of fine dining will be captivated by Chef Carmine’s astronomic artistry, which offers a feast for the senses, while still maintaining an approachable nature.

Commenting on the new offering at Social, Chef Carmine said: “With the new menu, I wanted to show that Italian cuisine is much more than just pizza and pasta- and to showcase the culinary history, architecture, and romanticism of the country in my cooking,” he said. “My Nonna Maria is the Chef de Cuisine of my life, she has been my biggest culinary influence and cheerleader and along with my experimental creations, I am delighted bring some of her traditional dishes – and my childhood – to the diners.”

The extensive menu begins with tasty Crudi dishes such as Norwegian Salmon Tartare with sweet pomegranate, and aromatic herbs, and Battuta di Manzo – hand-cut prime beef with herbs, poached quail egg and topped with Osceitra caviar, and a delicious meeting of local and Italian produce in a dish of Dibba Bay Oysters served with Prosecco sorbet.

The Zuppe course is next, with Porcini Mushroom, Pumpkin Truffle or San Marzano Tomato to choose from, before an Antipasti course with mouth-watering plates such as the Burrata Pugliese served with relish tomatoes, rocket, and aged Modena balsamic, the La Parmigiana di Nonna Maria – rolled dark eggplant, served with tomato sauce, mozzarella and basil, and the Chef‘s Sandwich, a tasty combination of Beef cecina, complemented by smoked cheese, sweet onion jam, and a zing of lime frisée, topped with sun-dried tomatoes, served on toasted sourdough.

The comforting pasta course features all-time favourites such as Lobster Tagliatella, Lasagna, Bolognese, and Spaghetti Vongole Verace, which sit alongside inventive dishes such as Sous Chef Eugenio Risotto – a smoked risotto, paired with broccolini and delicate bluefin tuna with and a decadent touch of Calvisius caviar.

Il Secondo courses offer plates for every discerning tastebud, with options including the delicate Atlantic Black Cod served with potato foam, capsicum, and parsley essence, a melt-in-the-mouth Wagyu Beef Fillet which comes with a medley of wild mushrooms, crisp white roots, and sweet caramelized plum, and Da Amalfi to Dubai, a tender flaky sea bass, paired with sun-ripened tomatoes, creamy baby potatoes, and crunchy savoy cabbage. Sharing options are also available, such as the Stockyard Beef T-Bone,​ Milanese Veal Cutlet and​ Sea Bream in Crust Salt all served with a selection of potatoes and vegetables.

Between September 1st and October 31st, diners can also have the opportunity to try the Blind Black Truffle Tasting menu available exclusively during truffle season. They can choose from a five-course menu of delicious truffle-themed dishes (priced at AED 550 for food only, or AED 950 with wine pairing) or select the seven-course set menu which (priced at AED750 for food only or AED 1450 with wine pairing.)

The menu will continue to evolve to satisfy the tastes of Italian cuisine enthusiasts, with pizzas being introduced for the first time ever over the next couple of months.