Vespa Ristorante

Vespa Ristorante is the à la carte Italian kitchen at DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island, styled with checked linens, photographs of old Napoli and a casual trattoria warmth rather than the high-gloss treatment the neighbouring speciality rooms get. The indoor dining room is modest; the terrace is where to sit whenever the weather allows. The menu holds to recognisable Italian territory - wood-fired pizzas, a strong antipasti selection, daily chalkboard specials, fresh pastas and a handful of grilled mains. The pizzas draw the biggest praise, the fish mains punch above their weight, and the risottos are worth ordering. Portion sizes are generous by hotel standards and the wine list, while priced as resort wine usually is, has enough Italian depth to work a proper pairing. Service is where Vespa earns its return visits. Several long-tenured front-of-house staff recognise returning guests across their stays and remember preferences, which turns an expected Italian dinner into something more personal. It's a natural fit for families, unhurried couple's dinners and anyone in the resort wanting a cuisine change from the buffet. Book the terrace in advance; the indoor room lacks atmosphere on quieter nights.