Mezzaluna

Award-winning Italian restaurant in the Emirates Palace 3 Reviews

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From Time Out Abu Dhabi Eating Out 2010

Located in the opulent Emirates Palace, diners certainly don’t head to Mezzaluna for a slice of pizza and spag bol. Its take on traditional Italian fare borders on the lavish, but with a classier, more under-stated glamour than the brash glitz of the rest of the hotel. Greeted by the gentle tinkling of the ivories, this is a place for hushed romantics who can keep embarrassingly audible hunger pangs at bay by nibbling at the finest breads, oils and chunks of parmesan. Take plenty of time to peruse the menu – it changes regularly – but old favourties are constantly upgraded with delightful new twists, such as the bouillabaisse-style soup – a more elegant version of the rustic French classic with scallop, prawn and tender whitefish served with a velvety broth on the side.

Main courses are arty (read small) and beautifully presented with the handcrafted spinach ravioli with ricotta cheese, hazelnuts and caramelised onions perhaps the best pasta we’ve tasted. But you’ll thank Mezzaluna for its frugality once you make it to dessert. The tiramisu is just like mama used to make, only, we suspect, much neater, while the devilishly delicious chocolate combo of warm chocolate pudding and chocolate and passion fruit zuccutto will bring tears of joy to the eyes of chocoholics. Given its location, Mezzaluna is naturally on the pricey side, and the wine list is impressive, if expensive; but for a dash of romance with some pasta on the side, it takes some beating.

• Previous reviews
  • 03 January,2009- reviewed by Time Out Abu Dhabi staff

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