A Tale of Two cities

A Tale of Two Cities: Italian Dining at ‘Public’ in Dubai and ‘Chianti’ in Bangalore  

Italian food is celebrated worldwide for its simplicity, authenticity, and ability to evoke comfort and luxury in equal measure. Recently, I had the chance to experience Italian dining in two very different cities: Dubai and Bangalore. One meal was at Public, an upscale eatery in the heart of Dubai Mall, while the other was at Chianti, a charming Italian restaurant nestled in Bangalore. Both offered Margherita pizzas, yet the experiences couldn’t have been more different.  

Let me take you on this delicious journey of comparing not just the taste and texture of the food, but the ambiance, cultural adaptations, and, of course, the prices that came with them.  

The Taste of Italy: Familiar Yet Distinct

In Dubai, at Public, the Margherita pizza arrived looking like a work of art. The crust was perfectly blistered, a hallmark of a good Neapolitan pizza. It was airy yet chewy, with just the right amount of char for that smoky flavor. The tomato sauce was tangy, fresh, and vibrant, complemented by creamy mozzarella that melted in perfect harmony with the slight pepperiness of fresh basil leaves. To round it off, we had a serving of golden fries dusted with parmesan—a fun, modern twist that made the meal feel indulgent yet light.  

Chianti’s Margherita pizza in Bangalore, on the other hand, was a little different. The crust was denser and less airy, with a heartier, more rustic quality. The tomato sauce leaned towards a sweeter profile, and the mozzarella was less melty, giving it a firmer texture. While it didn’t have the smoky charm of Public’s wood-fired crust, it had an undeniable warmth, like something you’d find in an Italian grandmother’s kitchen. The meal began with a breadbasket filled with soft rolls, slices of crusty bread, and a dollop of herbed butter—a simple but elegant starter that added a touch of coziness.  

Both pizzas delivered on the Italian promise of fresh ingredients and bold flavors, but they catered to slightly different expectations. Public’s was a tribute to modern Italian fine dining, while Chianti’s offered a more homely, comfort-driven version.  

Ambiance: The Heart of the Experience

Dining at Public in Dubai is an experience in itself. Nestled in the iconic Dubai Mall, the restaurant exudes a modern, cosmopolitan vibe. Sleek interiors, a lively crowd, and the soft hum of conversations create an upscale, energetic atmosphere. The view of the Dubai Fountain adds an almost cinematic touch to the experience, making every meal feel like an occasion. It’s the kind of place where you can imagine having a fun group outing while enjoying refined food.  

Chianti in Bangalore offers a starkly different ambiance but one that’s equally memorable. The restaurant feels warm and intimate, with its rustic decor and dim lighting creating a cozy atmosphere. The soft strains of Italian music in the background set the mood perfectly, making it an ideal spot for a quiet dinner with a loved one or even a contemplative solo meal. Unlike Public’s grandiosity, Chianti’s charm lies in its simplicity—a testament to the saying that less is more.  

The Price Tag: Two Worlds Apart

Of course, no dining experience is complete without discussing the price tag. In Dubai, the bill for ten people came to a hefty AED 1,100 (around ₹25,000). While expensive, it’s a reflection of Dubai’s international dining standards and its penchant for luxury. The average cost per person was AED 110 (around ₹2,500), which is not uncommon for a premium dining experience in the city.  

In Bangalore, a meal for two at Chianti cost ₹3,200, translating to ₹1,600 per person (around AED 70). By Indian standards, this is on the higher end for Italian dining, but when compared to Public, it feels like a steal. The difference in cost is not just about the food but also about the location, ambiance, and the overall cultural context of dining out in these two cities.  

Cultural Adaptations: Italy Through Two Lenses

Italian food has a remarkable ability to adapt to its surroundings, and both restaurants reflected this. Public’s menu embraced authenticity with an eye for precision and presentation, catering to Dubai’s cosmopolitan clientele. The pizza tasted like it had been plucked straight out of Naples, with no compromises on tradition.  

Chianti, while staying true to its Italian roots, offered a slightly localized version. The sweetness of the tomato sauce and the firmer texture of the cheese seemed to cater to the Indian palate, which leans towards bold, balanced flavors. This subtle adaptation made the experience feel uniquely Indian while still delivering the essence of Italy.  

Final Thoughts

Dining at Public in Dubai felt like stepping into a modern culinary art gallery, where every dish and every detail was designed to impress. It’s an experience of luxury, from the ambiance to the carefully crafted flavors. On the other hand, Chianti in Bangalore felt like a warm hug—a place where the food is heartfelt, the atmosphere unpretentious, and the experience intimate.  

Both restaurants, in their own ways, showcased the universal appeal of Italian food. Whether it’s served in the glamorous heart of Dubai or the charming streets of Bangalore, Italian cuisine continues to connect people through its timeless simplicity.  

So, which experience was better? That depends on what you’re looking for. If you want a taste of high-end Italian sophistication, Public is your place. But if you’re after a cozy, comforting Italian meal with a touch of local flair, Chianti is the clear winner. Either way, Italian food wins. Always.