Italian Restaurants in Abu Dhabi

The Best Italian Restaurants in Abu Dhabi

Italian

 

High End

Mezzaluna $$$

Emirates Palace +971 2 690 9000

For an elegantly romantic evening with the finest of ingredients, Mezzaluna will keep you smiling but probably not when the bill arrives – however, it’ll be worth it!  Standard pasta can’t be found here – instead devour on squid ink tagliatelle and finish off with the best tiramisu ever. 

 

Cipriani $$$$

Yas Island +971 2 565 0010

The sophisticated chain of restaurants has just opened on Yas Marina, however this is one of those restaurants where you go to ‘be seen in’ rather then debate on what to eat because you love food.  The food is actually very good, just slightly overshadowed by the glamour of the Cipriani brand.  The difference between this Italian restaurant and the others is that all the chefs here are Italian. Service is always with a smile and the waiting staff are all good looking.   The only downer is the extortionate pricing, but that doesn’t matter if you find yourself sitting a few chairs away from Lady Gaga. 

 

Mid Range

Amalfi $$$

Le Royal Meridien +971 2 674 2020

Amalfi is always a sure winner.  This trusted Italian restaurant has been around for a while and recognised as one of the cosiest Italians in town.  Food is deluxe and their anti pasti selection is impressive especially seafood.  Ambience is romantic with even a live singer on some nights. 

 

BiCE $$$

Hilton Abu Dhabi +971 2 681 1900

Simple elegance and fine dining is what comes to mind with BiCE.  Away with fussing about what to wear at dinner and just enjoy quality time at BiCE with a loved one.  The food here is top notch on quality, and uses the finest of ingredients such as the risotto with squid ink and octopus carpaccio. The steak is also probably some of the best sourced meat in the Emirate.  The atmosphere is relaxed, with attentive service.  You can’t go wrong here.

 

Pregos $$$

Beach Rotana Hotel +971 2 697 9000

An ongoing favourite with expats and locals alike is Pregos.  The locality of the restaurant makes it easily accessible if you are residing in Abu Dhabi city.  There is always a lively friendly buzz at this eatery, perhaps it’s the way the restaurant is designed and is almost always booked at the weekends so call in early to avoid disappointment.  Service sometimes tends to slip on the busier occasions, but all in all food is great.  

 

La Mamma $$

Sheraton Abu Dhabi +971 2 677 3333

La Mamma is all about homely ambience and heart warming food.  The restaurant has been around for quite a few years now and recently overshadowed by the more hip and glam hotels and famous chain restaurants, but sometimes one just needs a venue which is understated and whips up comfort classic Italian dishes without the frills. Service is friendly and the price is fair. 

 

Budget

Il Porto $$

Breakwater,+971 2 635 9956

This unusual combination of Italian and Japanese cuisine may sound strange but is actually gaining popularity.  The Italian cuisine is definitely a hit with us and their pasta is all home made with beautifully made sauces.  Initially a bit of a challenge to find but continue behind Marina Mall and you’ll pass the Marina Villas and Mirage Marine, a Lebanese eatery.  Il Porto is above Mirage Marine on the 1st Floor.  Great food and beautiful views of the marina make this a good value venue.  They even serve shisha on the terrace! Unlicensed.

 

Briccocafe $

Al Wahda Mall: +971 2 443 7751

Khalidiyah Mall: +971 2 635 4162

Mall dining can sometimes be hit and miss, but Briccocafe is certainly a hit with good quality Italian favourites and friendly service.  Kids will love to observe how the meals are cooked at the open kitchen.  Family friendly and a bright, cheerful setting make it worth the visit to one of Abu Dhabi’s new malls.  There is also a smaller branch at the Khalidiyah Mall.  Unlicensed.  

 

Grapeshisha Choice:

Frankie’s $$$

Fairmont Bab al Bahr, +971 2 654 3333

Very few restaurants can rave they reach full house almost every night soon after opening and Frankie’s is one of them..  A joint venture with Frankie Dettori – the horse jockey and celebrity chef Marco Pierre White, you know it’s bound to be class.  The trendy but not pretentious interior makes you comfortable but not out of place.  If you are crazy over Italian cuisine you’ll be in food heaven with their home made pastas and pizzas and take note, their portions are generous.  The atmosphere is classy family friendly, but not overtly quiet especially when the TV screens are on.  There is also live music and a pianist playing on some evenings.   Seating also available on the terrace. See also our kid friendly review section.