Centuries-old Italian architecture, culture, food, and recipes have always inspired people from all over the world. So when it comes to the versatility and flavors of Italian cuisine, Abu Dhabi leads the way for having the best culinary adventures. Let’s look at every best Italian restaurant in Abu Dhabi, one by one, with our own perspective on each.
1. Prego’s Restaurant
Address: 10th St, Al Zahiyah, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 2 697 9000
Our culinary perspective: Rich Italian culinary heritage meets modern specialties at Prego’s Restaurant.
This Italian restaurant in Beach Rotana has a beautiful palm-shaded seating area outside to create a welcoming atmosphere typical of Italian restaurants.
Chef Antonio is the magician behind the diverse Italian menu, which starts from Antipasti to begin your meals and ends with dessert and beverages prepared with utmost skills and attention to detail.
The picturesque setting of the terrace offers you scenic views of the sea and lush gardens, combining true Italian hospitality with the unforgettable dining experiences of Abu Dhabi.
Prego’s is the best Italian restaurant in Abu Dhabi for when you want to experience La Dolce Vita and lose yourself to a day filled with fresh Italian herbs and unique recipes staying true to their centuries-old traditions.
2. Café Milano
Address: The Galleria Level 1, Four Seasons Hotel, Abu Dhabi Global Market St., Second Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 2 333 2444
Our culinary perspective: Café Milano’s prestigious location takes Italian fine dining to the next level
Café Milano is situated in an upscale destination in Abu Dhabi but is equally dedicated to helping you unwind, party, or relax in the most modern and exciting way.
This is a sister culinary establishment having roots in Washington, DC – the best Italian restaurant in Abu Dhabi to enjoy the freshest Italian ingredients. The restaurant takes care of the long-held traditions like Aperitivo, which sets the tone for a lovely dining experience as you and your friends gather around the table.
There are plenty of reasons why you should choose Café Milano for your weekend getaways. First, not many restaurants can beat this one for its elegant ambiance and sophisticated views of the sea. And second, the restaurant hosts many dining events like the Brunch in Tavola to taste many authentic Italian bites under one roof.
3. Marmellata Bakery
Address: Zayed Port, Al Mina, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 55 802 9355
Our culinary perspective: A very cozy and casual pizza spot in Souq Al Mina.
Piping hot pizza waits for you at Marmellata Bakery, one of the best Italian restaurants in Abu Dhabi with a neighborhood-pizzeria-style vibe and ambience. Just head over to this casual dining space and get your freshly baked pizza from the counter – no reservations, no formalities whatsoever.
There are a bunch of seats both indoors and outdoors, and four delicious pizza flavors on the rotating menu, espresso, maybe a peach soda, and a stuffed focaccia sandwich too. It’s a charming place to grab a plate of mixed focaccia and savor it while admiring the vibrant neighborhood of Souq Al Mina.
The crunch of that perfectly crisp Pizza crust will have you coming back for more again.
4. Antonia
Address: Mamsha Al Saadiyat, Soul Beach, Al Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 2 667 2554
Our culinary perspective: Pasta cooked Al Dente and pizza Al Taglio is the highlight of this restaurant
Have we mentioned any great pasta spots in this list? Forgive us for this blunder. How can we miss pasta while exploring the best Italian restaurants in Abu Dhabi?
To make up for this error, we bring to you Antonia, a place that reminds you of what authentic Italian pasta tastes like. There are many innovative and unique recipes for pasta around the world, but once you have tasted the drizzle of extra virgin olive oil on plain pasta, you will forget every other variant you have tasted before.
Antonia doesn’t mess around with their pasta-cooked Al Dente, using original recipes and serving it in generous portions for you to devour in one go. And then ask for more.
5. Ventuno Restaurant
Address: Al Reem Central Park, Al Reem Island, Shams Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 2 641 8808
Our culinary perspective: Cozy ambiance meets impeccable customer service at Ventuno Restaurant
Ventuno Restaurant caters to a variety of Italian cuisine preferences and offers everything from the nutritious and refreshing Insalata di Ceci e Peperoni and Neapolitan pizza made in true Italian fashion to decadent Italian desserts like Tiramisu and Panna Cotta.
Ventuno Restaurant has a cheerful location nestled in the Al Reem Island, with impressive views of the Al Reem Central Park to keep you company as you devour the tomatoes and mozzarella cheese.
This is indeed the best Italian restaurant in Abu Dhabi to journey through Italian flavors like never before. Here the pizza dough is as soft and supple as the toppings are fresh.
Come here to laze away your Sunday afternoons, or to drink in the stunning surroundings. Ventuno Restaurant will always prove to be your place to go for comfort Italian food in an equally cozy ambiance.
6. Spaccanapoli Ristorante
Address: Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed St, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 2 616 6261
Our culinary perspective: A warm and inviting ambiance sticking to its charming Italian roots
Spaccanapoli Ristorante in Millennium Downtown Abu Dhabi is a great place to sip on fine Italian beverages and admire the beautiful flavors of Europe.
Many people consider Spaccanapoli Ristorante to be the best Italian restaurant in Abu Dhabi where the recipes rely on genuine and simple Italian cooking methods, letting the fresh ingredients be the star of the show. The Neapolitan cuisine meets the warm hospitality of Abu Dhabi, and Spaccanapoli Ristorante’s team never misses the chance to offer you good food and an even better atmosphere.
So grab your forks and get ready to greet your lovely Italian food with a warm Ciao bella! You can also enjoy a delightful business lunch composed of a soup or salad, pasta or pizza along with soft drinks, and coffee or tiramisu for as low as AED 75.
7. Si Ristorante Italiano & Bar
Address: Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 2 697 0000
Our culinary perspective: A posh Italian dining space focusing on seasonal favorites and a modern bar
Si Ristorante Italiano & Bar is located in the upscale setting of Saadiyat Rotana Resort and Villas, which is evident from the highly modern décor, ambient lighting, dark and warm wooden interior and stunning views of the resort’s surroundings.
Si Ristorante Italiano & Bar is the best Italian restaurant in Abu Dhabi to savor traditional Italian recipes in a contemporary setting. The chefs focus on using seasonal ingredients and natural cooking techniques, because what is Italian food if not fresh ingredients?
You can also enjoy the exciting ways in which your food is being prepared from the open kitchens. Devour each bite of your favorite Italian dishes, and for a quick pre or post-dinner drink, head over to the modern and hip bar at Si Ristorante Italiano & Bar.
8. Cipriani Yas Island
Address: Building 1, Yas Marina, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 2 657 5400
Our culinary perspective: The finest Italian delicacies meet stunning waterfront views of Yas Island
Warm, ambient and outdoor seating is the hallmark of fine Italian dining, and Cipriani doesn’t miss a beat at meeting your high expectations.
This Italian culinary love affair started back in 1931, and since then it has stolen countless hearts. Cipriani is one of the best Italian restaurants in Abu Dhabi with its stunning waterfront destination, a sophisticated atmosphere, and a menu featuring the most renowned Italian dishes.
The Terrace at Cipriani can be the perfect location to take a loved one for a romantic dinner. The Yas Marina yachts and the night sky against the glittering city’s lights sweep you off your feet, as you lose yourself to the Italian-inspired menu.
The terrace can hold almost 130 people but don’t worry about it getting crowded for your special moments, as you can book it for your private events as well.
9. Talea by Antonio Guida
Address: Al Ras Al Akhdar, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 2 690 7999
Our culinary perspective: A very distinctive and unique dining ambiance serving innovative Italian recipes
Talea by Antonio Guida looks like something straight out of a Wes Anderson movie. The symmetrical layout of wall panels, dining arrangements, large frames, and bold and pastel colors makes it the best Italian restaurant in Abu Dhabi to capture stunning photos and savor memorable Italian food.
The family-friendly menu, or Cucina di Famiglia as they call it, features dearest and authentic recipes, with a hint of tradition from Italian households and a modern spin bestowed by a Michelin star culinary excellence.
The creamy and irresistible ravioli, veal shanks, and the summer delicacy, chilled veal in tuna-caper sauce, are just the beginning of all gastronomic wonders waiting for you at Talea by Antonio Guida.
One of Italy’s finest chefs, Chef Antonio Guida, makes sure to use authentic Italian products and seasonal delights to serve elegant cuisine in a casual atmosphere.
10. Paradiso
Address: The Pier, Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 50 437 2869
Our culinary perspective: Great Italian food and a musical ambiance gives Paradiso an energetic and upbeat ambiance
By The Pier, Yas Bay Waterfront, you will find a true Italian paradise, where good food and upbeat music flow day in and out. Paradiso will make a bella figura on you as you experience the Italian lifestyle in its truest form.
Paradiso is among the best Italian restaurants in Abu Dhabi where Roman heritage guides the artistic presentation and flavorful recipes of the dishes. The décor is inspired by sun-drenched Italia eateries with their bold colors, lights, and patterns.
The restaurant also celebrates every moment of your culinary adventures, from the business lunch running from Mondays to Fridays, to Italian nights where you sip and enjoy unlimited beverages and pizza.
The Eat, Paradiso and Love Brunch, and La Dolce Vita Brunch are an Italian twist on your typical brunches, ensuring that once you enter this lifestyle, you don’t leave without savoring every last bite. And once you are done admiring your food, don’t forget to take a moment to appreciate the stunning sunsets or sea views over Yas Bay Waterfront.
