Antonia Chic Review: Are the long lines worth the wait? 

Located in The Galleria Al Maryah Island, it offers pizzas, pastas and plenty of personality.  

When it comes to restaurants, queuing is one of the ultimate acts of devotion. Is the food so good, you’re prepared to wait an improbable amount of time? In an age where we can get (almost) anything at the touch of a button, few venues create FOMO. However, with the newly opened Antonia Chic in Abu Dhabi, missing out is not an option.

In 1972, Antonia’s signature sourdough was created, and it was passed on down through the generations. Fermented for 72 hours, it is made with flour, olive oil, salt and the legendary sourdough. In Abu Dhabi, the restaurants include Antonia in Mamsha Al Saadiyat and Antonia Trattoria in Al Zeina. Now, it has opened Antonia Chic in The Galleria at Al Maryah Island. The concept has been given an alcohol license and a swanky upgrade – hence, the addition of chic to the title. 

Antonia Chic combines class with kitsch, and it wouldn’t look out of place in a European capital. Drawing inspiration from the 1960s, the design is big and bold, with red velvet curtains, red hot lights, and a red logo. The walls feature monochrome lines and black-and-white photographs of Italy, from chefs to the Coliseum.

On our Friday night visit, the queue had already formed with families and friends. The crowd spanned residents and tourists, from Arabs to expats. The Girl from Ipanema played, and the vibe was cool and classy. 

The staff’s passion for the project was infectious. So much so, we’d suggest following their recommendations, as we found ourselves being dazzled by unexpected dishes. The menu spans raw, antipasti, pastas, pizza, salad, seafood, meats, sides and desserts. The food is served on brightly coloured plates, which come with the brand’s name on the side. 

We started with the Carpaccio Di Branzino, a pretty plate with a hint of chilli. The Ossobuco con Patate Arrosto is a superb signature dish. The braised veal is oh-so slow-cooked. It is soft and succulent and served with roasted potatoes and salmoriglio sauce. The highlight was the Pappardelle El Ragu di Antra, which came with braised duck ragu and pecorino. It was cooked amazingly al dente and with a creamy cheesiness. 

No trip to Antonia Chic is complete without ordering a pizza (or three), which comes by the slice. If you’re struggling with food indecision, head to the counter and look at the colourful creations. The staff made us rethink our reflex order, and we tried one of the most popular pizzas: Burrata. It boasted a bubbly base, cherry tomatoes, soft mozzarella and fresh basil.

Antonia Chic’s desserts are terrifically tempting, and range from Panna Cotta al Miele to Tiramisu di Antonia. We opted for a scoop of gelato – Pistachio, no less – which was a sweet end to a sweet experience. The drinks menu showcases Italian wines and classics including grappa, limoncello, prosecco and even Peroni beer. Plus, the mocktails range from a Berry Mojito to Lemon Iced Tea. 

Antonia Chic: playful, plush and worth the wait. 

GO: Visit www.antoniarestaurant.com for more information.