No matter how diverse or modern Italian cuisine has become, its roots all lead back to Rome. This calls to mind the ancient phrase “all roads lead to Rome,” that was born from the empire’s sprawling road network, a reminder that no matter the variation, the essence of Italian food remains deeply grounded in its history..
Italian cuisine, as we know it today, is the result of nearly two millennia of cultural layering. Over the centuries, waves of influence have reshaped the Italian palate. Trade with the Arab world introduced citrus and spice, while the post-Roman Middle Ages saw a more uniform European cuisine, with Italian recipes nearly indistinguishable from those in France or England. At that point, there was no strong local identity in cooking, no pasta alla Norma, no Tuscan olive oil culture, no Neapolitan pizza.
Today, this legacy of adaptation, refinement, and simplicity lives on. The Italian restaurants of Abu Dhabi, from Michelin-starred venues to coastal trattorias infused with local spirit, reflect that same journey of transformation.
Read on as we round up some of the best Italian dining rooms in Abu Dhabi, with some lit by marina views, and others wrapped in warm wood and soft lights.
Talea by Antonio Guida
Emirates Palace, Mandarin Oriental
Talea, Abu Dhabi's only Michelin-starred Italian restaurant, brings Milanese precision to a beachfront palace. Under the guidance of Chef Luigi Stinga, mentored by Antonio Guida, the restaurant reimagines “cucina di famiglia” in an elegant yet unpretentious setting. Dishes like maccheroncelli alla Genovese and vitello tonnato reflect deep technical mastery without overshadowing the comfort of Italian tradition. The signature tiramisu, flambéed at the table, is as much a performance as it is a dessert. Talea is a celebration of culinary heritage with a modern edge.
Cipriani Yas Island
Yas Marina
Cipriani Yas Island carries the DNA of Venetian glamour, translated into a waterside experience on Abu Dhabi’s most dynamic marina. Inside, the mood is sleek and nautical, with polished wood, crisp white linens, and quietly attentive service. The menu stays true to Cipriani’s legacy, the simple and elevated classics. Highlights include Carpaccio alla Cipriani, perfectly timed risottos, and handmade pasta. With a terrace overlooking the yachts, it’s a refined sojourn that feels truly timeless.
Villa Toscana
The St. Regis, Corniche
Villa Toscana feels like stepping into a Tuscan home, if that home happened to sit at the edge of the Arabian Gulf. It’s warm and distinctive, with rustic touches and a deeply comforting atmosphere. The menu pays tribute to central Italian cuisine, featuring dishes like pappardelle with lamb ragù, truffle-infused pizzas, and seasonal burrata. The dining room, softly lit and tastefully appointed, offers the ideal backdrop for both quiet dinners and celebratory meals.
Café Milano
Four Seasons, Al Maryah Island
Café Milano is where power lunches and slow brunches share the same waterfront view. Located in the Four Seasons, its interior blends modern luxury with Italian leather seating, curated art, and soft light wood. The kitchen delivers classic staples like tagliatelle al ragù, spaghetti alle vongole, and a seasonal rotation of seafood-forward dishes. It’s a restaurant that thrives on a balance between elegance and simplicity.
Amalfi Ristorante
Le Royal Méridien
Amalfi Ristorante captures the essence of coastal Italy with touches of warmth and confidence. The space feels inviting, with wood-panelled walls, soft lights, and an intimate ambiance. The menu leans southern Italian comfort, from seafood platters to creamy risottos and oven-baked Neapolitan pizzas. There’s a timeless rhythm to the experience here, where the service is genuine and the flavours stay true to their roots.
Antonia Trattoria
Mamsha Al Saadiyat
Antonia is fresh, bright, and effortlessly stylish. It has an artisanal trattoria atmosphere, which is steps away from the beach. With its coastal décor and light-filled interior, it delivers a breezy take on Italian simplicity. The kitchen focuses on handmade pasta, seasonal vegetables, with quality ingredients that speak for themselves. It’s a relaxed dining experience and a boutique alternative to the capital’s hotel-based establishments.
Amoritalia
Al Raha Beach
Amoritalia at Al Raha Beach captures the spirit of the Italian table. Its candlelit dining room, with wood accents and a soft coastal breeze, sets the tone for an unforgettable Italian-style meal. The menu emphasises homemade pasta, olive oil-driven preparations, and time-honoured recipes from Italy cooked with love.
The above restaurants take you on a journey of authentic tastes, inside kitchens of Emilia-Romagna or Liguria where the handmade pasta is rolled out on a wooden board and tossed with a drizzle of golden olive oil, or where sun-ripened tomatoes, torn basil, and curls of aged Parmigiano are folded into dishes that taste just like the gardens and traditional dairies they came from.
