Enjoy an authentic taste of Italy in the heart of Abu Dhabi at modern Italian restaurant, Roberto’s. The restaurant is presided over by 2 Michelin star chef Enrico Bartolini who is imparting his gastronomic expertise as chief culinary advisor to Roberto’s executive chef Francesco Gurracino. The duo have created a menu together that pays homage to their homeland, bringing modern techniques and flair to classic Italian dishes.
The stylish restaurant centres around an open kitchen where guests can watch the chefs at work; the hustling noise of pots and pans adding to the convivial charm. The long marble Crudo bar with live seafood and fresh fish supports the restaurants ethos of using only the freshest top quality ingredients, sourced from the local area. The spacious outside terrace is a more peaceful dining space, overlooking the waterfront and complete with climate control to ensure diners don’t get too hot.
The menu is extensive but accommodating for all dietary requirements, and separate vegan and children’s menus are a welcomed addition for many. From the a la carte its recommended guests commence with a selection of antipasti for the table to share – look out for the signature slow cooked roasted octopus with artichoke and a classic cacio e pepe sauce. Next diners are invited to choose from a broad selection of soups, salads, pizza, pasta, fish and meat dishes. For some gastronomic theatre the fettuccine al pesto di basilico is prepared tableside with a liquid nitrogen basil pesto and homemade ribbons of pasta. Other highlights include Roberto’s risotto bosco with wild forest mushrooms and shaved black truffle; sea bass with lime sweetcorn, fish foam and fennel mayonnaise; and Roberto’s signature pizza – a crispy base topped with beef carpaccio, wild rocket, and parmesan shavings, finished with lashings of black truffle.
For dessert look out for Il Pistacchio – a pistachio ice cream with savoiardo biscuit and extra virgin olive oil or La Panna – a classic panna cotta with berry compote and a black sesame tuile.
This is high-end Italian cooking at its most innovative, but judging from Roberto’s long list of accolades it’s well worth a visit.