Bussola at Jumeirah Golf Estates greets you with a quiet sense of belonging with its thoughtful interiors. We visited on a sunny Saturday for the Brunchissimo brunch and found a table bathed in soft daylight streaming through the tall windows. Golden pendant lights glowed above, their reflections dancing across pale brick walls and wooden accents. Olive trees added a touch of the Mediterranean, and the fusion of curved seating and airy curtains made the room feel calm and slow-paced.
With views stretching over the golf course, Bussola feels like a peaceful yet fun-filled hideaway from the city, a place to slow down and savour every bite while swaying to soulful old school music.
Highlights
The antipasti arrive first, the Tartar di tonno is delicate yet punchy, with yellowfin tuna dressed in capers and a hint of strawberry that adds an unexpected sweetness. The Polpette Siciliane are tender Wagyu meatballs simmered in a fragrant tomato and basil sauce, paired with crisp polenta fritters that soak up every bit of flavour. Fresh Ostriche are served with a shallot vinaigrette and a squeeze of lemon, each bite briny and bright. The Carpaccio di Barbabietola Dorata delights with its tender heirloom beetroot, tangy orange dressing, pistachio crunch, and silky goat cheese mousse.
At the Caprese stand, the combination of ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and burrata, finished with a drizzle of pesto, is simple but irresistible. Over at the Affettati stand, Italian cold cuts are sliced thin, accompanied by condiments and artisan breads, a perfect start to nibble while sipping a glass of grape or one of Bussola’s beautiful concoction selections.
For primi, the sharing plates begin with Bucatini cacio e pepe, glossy, rich, and perfectly balanced with pecorino and black pepper. The warm Risotto al limone e zucchine con gamberi is creamy, with a subtle lemon zing lifting the zucchini and sweet prawns. Cappelletti di guancia di maiale are little parcels of braised non-halal meat, dressed in sage butter and Parmesan cream was delicious. The Pizza diavola follows, with melted mozzarella, veal salami, and tomato sauce on a soft yet slightly crisp base, each slice disappearing far too quickly. A Sgroppino palate cleanser brings an end to our course, the lemon sorbet and sparkling grape, refreshing before the mains.
The Steak al gorgonzola is a tender striploin served with parsnip gorgonzola cream, glazed carrots, and a rich red grape sauce, indulgent but not overwhelming. My partner went for the Polletto ripieno di ricotta e spinaci, featuring corn-fed baby chicken stuffed with ricotta and spinach, resting on creamy polenta and morel mushrooms, the pan jus tying everything together beautifully.
We end our meal with a range of classics. The Tiramisù Classico is decadent yet airy, the espresso-soaked layers melting into creamy mascarpone. Finally, the Assortimento di Dolci Italiani offers a parade of bite-sized desserts, my favourite was the Crème brûlée.
It’s the kind of family-friendly brunch that makes you want to stay until the very end, and easy to enjoy from the first bite to the last dessert.
Book now
Every Saturday, from 1pm to 4pm. Brunchissimo package: AED570 per person, inclusive of sparkling beverages. Call +9714 586 7760 or email jgebookings@bussola.ae. Visit dubaigolf.com/jge/promotions-events/brunchissimo-by-bussola.