Graciously portioned pasta and pizza al taglio beside the beach.
Mamsha Al Saadiyat is fast becoming Abu Dhabi’s foodie hub. The beachfront promenade offers diners a plethora of international and homegrown brands, including Black Tap, NIRI Restaurant & Bar, Beirut Sur Mer and the soon-to-open Ting Irie and Pickl.
Antonia brings a touch of Rome to the Arabian Gulf. The casual yet homely restaurant specialises in pizza, pasta, and everything in between, and comes to us from chef and restaurateur Simone Federici, who many will recognise from his stint at Jumeirah Saadiyat Island Resort’s Mare Mare.
Influenced by a self-proclaimed combination of Italian authenticity, modern refinement and a touch of Abu Dhabi glamour, the restaurant encapsulates a retro beachfront vibe, mere steps from the sandy shores of Soul Beach. Decked out in monochromatic stripes, pops of cherry red and colourful bursts of green can be found throughout Antonia’s alluring interiors.
Baked in rectangular trays, Antonia’s gourmet pizza slices are laden with delicious toppings and displayed on the glass counter to be sold by the square, half-tray or full-tray. Each portion of pizza is made with a special dough that’s fermented for 72 hours, made with 80% water, rustic Italian flour, olive oil, salt and a 50-year-old sourdough that has been passed through generations. The traditional Italian street food can be eaten wherever you are, but always and unconditionally with your hands.
Antonia’s menu also includes antipasti, organic salads and desserts, alongside an affordable selection of Italian grapes, hops and Aperitivo.
Weekly specials at Antonia include Vongole Mondays, where you can enjoy a plate of spaghetti with fresh clams imported directly from Venice for AED 95. Gnocchi Tuesdays encourage diners to indulge in a bowl of freshly made ricotta gnocchi for AED 85, while Sea Urchin Wednesdays involve plates of spaghetti with Sardinian sea urchin for AED 120. Each of the specials are available from noon until they run out!
For an authentic taste of “la dolce vita”, a trip to Antonia is encouraged.
GO: Email info@antoniarestaurant.com or call 02 667 2554 for reservations and more information.
