OUR FIRST GLIMPSE AT ROBERTO’S RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE IN ABU DHABI

Roberto’s is the new gastronomic spot to visit in Abu Dhabi

Long awaited, Roberto’s Restaurant and Lounge has finally made its debut in Abu Dhabi on Maryah Island. A popular dining destination in Dubai, Roberto’s offers authentic Italian food in a sophisticated setting.

We were invited to join an intimate dinner preview prepared by Chef Francesco. The place was packed on a Thursday night with a vibrant atmosphere throughout the night. When we were leaving at 11pm, waiters were still busy preparing tables for a new round of visitors coming to enjoy a refined Italian dinner.

We started with a nice appetizer in the outdoor lounge area that opened mid-October. Facing the sea and the walking promenade, we definitely enjoyed the contemporary design while bespoke cocktails and mocktails came along with refined ‘amuse-bouche’ called Stuzzichini.

Moving indoors for dinner, we were in awe as our table was facing the open kitchen, undoubtedly the best spot in the house and can watch the Chef and his team hard at work.

We were surprised about the decor contrast between the lounge that looks quite contemporary while the restaurant has a more intimate and traditional ook, with dark wooden panels covering walls, tables dressed with white ironed tablecloths and a ballet of waiters dressed with either assorted white or black collar shirts & aprons.

For our starters, we got to try a Wagyu beef tartar prepared with mustard mayonnaise and truffle pearl. Every bite was truly flavorful and won us over.

The slow cooked roasted octopus came as a hot starter and was the winner of the night. Served with artichoke and cacio pepe sauce, it smelled amazing and the octopus was soft and paired so well with the artichoke. We were told that this dish is a bespoke creation for Abu Dhabi tailored with the approval of two star Michelin Chef Enrico Bartolini.

For our mains, our ravioli was brilliant and all about the Italian essentials : prepared with homemade pasta, it was filled with burrata cheese and and a simple but delicious fresh datterino tomato sauce and basil.

Moving to the mains, the grilled Canadian lamb tenderloin served rosé was very tender, accompanied with some polenta on the side, black truffle, porcini mushrooms and green asparagus cut in flakes that added a refined touch.

To end on a sweet note, the Crema Bruciata, this classic Italian dessert got the guests’s approval. Looking like the French Creme brûlée with its caramelized crust, the custard foam cream is much softer and hides a surprise with the amarena cherry.

Roberto’s Restaurant and Lounge is definitely a must visit with friends and we cannot wait to be back as they have many appetizing options such as the newly launched business lunch, aperitivo from 4pm to 8pm with special bites on the menu or their upcoming brunch.

Book your seat, it is worth it!

ROBERTO’S ABU DHABI | The Galleria Mall, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi | + 971 2 627 90 09