< Previous60 AUTUMN 2025 TIMEOUTABUDHABI.COM Food TOTÓ Abu Dhabi Get ready to feel like you’re in 1950s Italy TOTÓ is the brainchild of two men who you may have heard of before – they’re mega international sportstars, no big deal. Do the names Cristiano Ronaldo and Rafael Nadal ring any bells? But we’re not here to talk about matches. We’re here to talk about an Italian gem on Saadiyat that scores big. TOTÓ, which first opened in Madrid in 2020, debuted on the UAE capital’s food scene in early 2024. But while celebrity-backed restaurants can sometimes be all about the names behind them, you could very well forget this place has any famous faces associated with it – TOTÓ doesn’t need anyone speaking on its behalf. Designed to be an homage to the golden age of Italian cinema, walking into TOTÓ is like entering a 1950s Italian movie. With mood lighting, immaculately white tablecloths and black and white portraits of mid-20th century Italy, this place screams old-school glamour before you can even say ‘buona sera’. Walk in and you’ll spot an open bar and an open kitchen, busy preparing all the classics on the menu – from courgette parmigiana to traditional carbonara and tiramisu, so good you’ll want to shout ‘Siuuu’ at the end of your meal (you’ll be tempted, promise). There are a few surprises though, like the duck cannelloni lasagna and a creamy burrata cheesecake – just enough to keep diners intrigued. Prices for mains range from Dhs80 (pizzetta with fior di latte mozzarella, rolled beef bacon, pistachio, stracciatella) to Dhs395 (orecchia di elefante). If you’re feeling fancy, give the oscietra caviar a try. You can even add it to some of the pizzas. The location is also a showstopper. Overlooking Soul Beach, you can spot the turquoise sea during the day even if you sit inside (a great spot for people-watching, by the way). But if you’re lucky enough to have the perfect al fresco dining weather, then the more relaxed outdoor space, decorated with bamboo-style furniture, will have you eating to the relaxing sound of the Arabian Gulf waves – mixed with the classic Italian tunes, of course. All classy and mysterious, we suspect TOTÓ might soon become Abu Dhabi’s favourite new dinner spot for a special night. Now, we’ll go into overtime for that. O Open Sun-Thu noon-midnight, Fri-Sat noon-1am. Licenced. Mamsha Al Saadiyat, @toto.abudhabi (054 582 5222). Time Out reviews anonymously and pays for its mealsTIMEOUTABUDHABICOM AUTUMN 2025 61 Three more to try Italian restaurants Amoritalia With a repertoire that extends to stylish antipasti, crispy pizzas and richly sauced pasta, Amoritalia is a perennially popular place to dine in the capital. Specialising in Sicilian cuisine, the classically based dishes that come out of its kitchen are well-priced and full of flavour. Think an uber cheesy quattro formaggi pizza, perfect cacio e pepe and so much more. O Open Mon-Thu 1pm-10.30pm Unlicensed. Crescent Residences, Al Raha Beach, amoritaliaristorante.com (055 418 8167). Andreas Di Venezia After winning hearts as a pop-up, Andreas Di Venezia has found a permanent home at Andalus Al Seef Resort and Spa – and it’s bringing a slice of Italy with it. This cosy, family-friendly spot channels nonna’s kitchen with sunny interiors in cheerful yellows, greens and blues, plus a menu full of comforting classics. The chef keeps things traditional with blistery Neapolitan pizzas. O Open daily 7.30am-midnight. Unlicensed. Andalus Al Seef Resort and Spa, Al Muntazah (050 130 4511). Cafe Milano Big bowls of pasta and even bigger glasses of grape are the name of the game at Cafe Milano, where our life-long love affair with Italian food is more than catered to. Hailing from Washington, DC and popular with business types, city folks and proper foodies, start with a drink at the bar before sitting down to a slap-up meal of wagyu carpaccio, ravioli stuffed with veal and pizza. O Open daily noon-midnight. Licensed. Four Seasons Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island, cafemilano.ae (02 333 2444).62 AUTUMN 2025 TIMEOUTABUDHABI.COM There’s something about the Aegean region that makes you want to slow down – whether it’s because of the sun or the sea, the fact is that every meal feels a little bit like an escape. Avlu, located right in the heart of Yas Mall, manages to bottle that laid-back feeling and serve it up without the need for a boarding pass. Abu Dhabi’s dining scene has been on a roll lately and Avlu slides right in with a concept that’s part Greek, part Turkish and entirely delicious. Step inside the Yas Mall restaurant and you’ll find a space that feels like a postcard from the sunny region brought to life. Blush- pink walls are lined with murals of harbour scenes – fishing boats, sunlit buildings, bustling waterfronts – transporting you to the coast. Above, clusters of woven rattan Avlu A cute Aegean restaurant with big plates full of big Turkish and Greek flavours pendants float, casting an amber glow across curved banquettes in caramel suede. The menu is just as charming. Start with silky hummus sprinkled with sesame seeds, perfect with pillowy warm bread. Pair it with a Turkish green salad that’s crisp, bright, and dotted with sweet grilled corn and crunchy hazelnuts. Order the artichoke hearts with stracciatella for something different. Mains are satisfying. The Iskander kebab is rich with tomato sauce, cooling yoghurt and that glorious drizzle of butter, while the slow-cooked lamb shoulder with orzo offers tender meat melting into pasta grains slick with flavour. Even vegetarian options, like the aubergine millefeuille, feel indulgent rather than virtuous. There’s also a little deli inside if you fancy some cheese, tea, nuts, spreads and seeds. So make a little pit-stop by before you leave and stock up your fridge and pantry. With big portions, fair prices and olive oil straight from the Aegean, Avlu nails that sweet spot of Turkish and Greek, served up in a relaxed space that comfortably leans towards elevated. So if you do find yourself in Yas Mall, this is one mall restaurant that feels miles away from the food court. O Open Sun-Thu 9am-10.30pm, Fri-Sat 9am- 11.30am. Unlicensed. Yas Mall, Yas Island, @avlu. restaurant (058 552 8582).64 AUTUMN 2025 TIMEOUTABUDHABI.COM Small in size, huge in flavour – and Time Out Abu Dhabi’s winner of best Thai restaurant You know those hidden spots that you almost miss by walking right by – but once you find them, you never stop talking about them? Bua Thai Café at Yas Bay Waterfront is exactly that. Tiny, cosy and packed with flavour, this blink-and-you’ll-miss-it spot serves up some of the most authentic Thai food in town – complete with a Thai government stamp of approval and a heartwarming story behind every dish. Part of the award-winning Desert Lotus Group (they also run the highly commended Thai restaurant Desert Lotus), Bua Thai isn’t just a place to eat; it’s a full-on love letter to Thailand, signed, sealed and stir-fried by chef Bua herself. Her culinary journey began with preparing meals for earthquake victims in Nepal. The café embodies a story of resilience and passion. The vibe is relaxed, but don’t mistake this for quiet. This place is BUA THAI packed more often than not, whether it’s lunchtime or late dinner o’clock. You can pick from both indoor and outdoor seating. Inside, it’s cosy and intimate, seating around 20 people, in comfy blue and purple velvet chairs and sofas. Outside, it’s a prime spot for people watching or water views over the bay. But the food is the real star of the show. Things are kept traditional here, but for good reason – like they say, if it ain’t broke... Signature dishes include the classic pad Thai, but not as you know it. Go for the beef version of the unconventional pad Thai and you’ll find that it’s perfectly seasoned and topped with just the right amount of heat. But for those who don’t love spicy food, don’t worry – staff will check and adjust spice levels to your liking. In fact, the massaman curry is a good one to try if you don’t like heat in your food – rich and flavourful without burning your tongue. Portions at Bua Thai are on the smaller side, but with prices under Dhs70, it’s a great place to enjoy Thai flavours without breaking the bank. In a neighbourhood packed with delicious dining options, Bua Thai Café proves that sometimes, the best things really do come in small packages. So next time you’re strolling Yas Bay Waterfront, keep your eyes (and appetite) wide open – because missing this little spot would be a very big mistake. O Open Sun-Thu noon-11pm, Fri-Sat noon-midnight. Licensed. Yas Bay Waterfront, @buathaicafe (02 575 3158).66 AUTUMN 2025 TIMEOUTABUDHABI.COM Let’s be real. Finding Middle Eastern food in Abu Dhabi isn’t exactly hard – but finding one that feels like home? That’s where Al Farah steps in. This isn’t just another restaurant; it’s a proper local legend. For more than 25 years, the family- owned restaurant, in the OG Al Danah neighbourhood, has been dishing out Levantine classics so good, regulars could probably taste-test the entire menu blindfolded – and they’d definitely notice if any ingredient changed. Walk through the doors and you’ll instantly feel the homey vibes. Interiors are warm, welcoming and full of character. It’s all exposed brick walls, wooden framing and natural textures combined with casual and colourful furniture that add a playful element to the space. There’s also a pretty breezy outdoor terrace that’s perfect for cooler evenings. Al Farah An OG Middle Eastern masterclass served with a side of serious soul and warmth mixed grill so good you’ll be plotting your next visit before you even finish chewing. Vegetarians aren’t forgotten either – there are plenty of fresh, zesty options on offer like a smoky moutabel, the crispiest falafel in town and flavourful aubergine makdous stuffed with walnuts, garlic, red pepper and a little bit of chilli for a wonderfully spicy kick. And if you think Al Farah is just a lunch or dinner move, think again. The breakfast game here is strong... strong enough that you might just find yourself back here first thing the next morning, fork in hand, wondering how you’ve ever lived without it. In a city that’s home to plenty of Middle Eastern eats, Al Farah stands tall as the real deal – no gimmicks, no shortcuts, just delicious traditional classics. Whether you’re rolling in for a late-night grill feast or an early-morning manakeesh fix, once you find your way here, you’ll make sure you pencil in breakfast (or lunch, or dinner) here at least once a week. O Open Sun-Thu 8am-1am, Fri 8am-3am, Sat 8am- 2am. Unlicensed. Al Danah, alfarahrestaurant.com (600 570 000). The menu is a roll call of the greatest Middle Eastern hits. Think juicy shish taouk, insanely flavourful lamb kebabs and a Food TIMEOUTABUDHABICOM AUTUMN 2025 67 Pho Mo might be nestled inside the bustling food court of The Galleria Al Maryah Island, but don’t let that fool you. This Vietnamese spot punches well above its weight. While it might be surrounded by fast food chains and grab-and-go snacks, this sleek spot is dishing out bold, beautiful flavours that taste like they came from a backstreet in Hanoi, not a mall corridor. From soul-hugging bowls of pho to crispy bites that’ll have you fighting over the last piece, Pho Mo is here to prove that Pho Mo Unexpected spot that serves up the best Vietnamese bowls in the city, no reservations fast-casual can still be unforgettable – and seriously delicious. Balancing authentic flavours with a modern flair, it serves up soul-soothing bowls of pho alongside a lineup of fresh, vibrant dishes that go big on flavour and never skimp on quality. The star of the show is, unsurprisingly, the pho. Rich, aromatic broth (simmered low and slow like it should be), silky rice noodles and ultra-fresh herbs combine for a bowl that’s as comforting as it is crave-worthy. The beef version is a knockout – deeply savoury, satisfyingly slurpable and worthy of its ‘best in the city’ reputation. But it’s not just about the soup. The spicy lemongrass pho brings the heat, the chicken skewers are smoky and tender, and the calamari is crisp, golden and dangerously moreish. For those on a health kick, you’re covered too. Take your pick from light spring rolls and fresh herbs bringing balance to the bolder dishes. And if you need a jolt, the Vietnamese coffee delivers a sweet, strong hit that pairs well with just about everything. Service is warm and attentive, with staff who keep things moving without missing a beat. Prices are fair for the generous portions and quality on offer – expect to spend a very wallet-friendly amount for a wonderfully filling main course. Pho Mo has sleek branding, casual seating and a quiet terrace for when you want to escape the food court buzz. With lots of flavours, feel-good dishes and a casual, laid-back vibe, this Vietnamese gem proves that great food doesn’t need white tablecloths or a fancy postcode. Because when the pho’s this good, who cares where you’re sitting? O Open Sun-Thu 10am-10pm, Fri-Sat 10am-midnight. Unlicensed. The Galleria Al Maryah Island, phomo.ae (02 673 3630).68 AUTUMN 2025 TIMEOUTABUDHABI.COM Art Lounge A sophisticated hangout spot with an ambitious pan-Asian menu Perched high above the Louvre Abu Dhabi like a very stylish secret, Art Lounge is where chill vibes meet serious main- character energy. Effortlessly cool and easy on the eyes, it’s low-key flexing that ‘I’m on top of the Louvre’ energy. First things first, the vibe. Think Mediterranean chic meets modern Emirati minimalism. You’ve got whitewashed loungers, twinkling lights and panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf that make you wonder if you accidentally stepped into an Architectural Digest spread. It’s the kind of place where your drink comes with a side of existential reflection. Now onto the menu – a curated list of light bites and drinks that match the elegance of the setting. Don’t expect cheeseburgers and curly fries here. Instead, it’s an elevated pan-Asian menu that includes cold starters like wagyu beef tataki, gyozas, salmon teriyaki and plenty of sushi. Don’t skip the chicken bao buns – perfectly cooked breaded chicken, cushioned by a pillowy bun, smothered in spicy mayo. Service here is laid-back but attentive. Staff glide around like art-loving ninjas, always ready to suggest a pairing or bring that extra napkin you didn’t know you needed. You’ll feel fancy, but not in a ‘wait- why-is-this-drink-a-million-dirhams’ kind of way. It’s more like ‘go on, treat yourself, you deserve it’. And let’s not forget the sunsets. As golden hour hits and the museum’s dome glows like something out of a sci-fi film, the Art Lounge transforms into a dreamscape. It’s the kind of setting that makes you want to post a dozen photos… but also just sit quietly and soak it all in. The only downside? It’s popular. So if you really want to secure a prime spot at golden hour, reserve ahead. The Art Lounge is a masterpiece in its own right. Whether you’re a museum-hopper or just there for the ’gram, it’s absolutely worth the elevator ride up. O Open Tue-Sun 5pm-midnight. Licensed. Louvre Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Cultural District. @artlounge,abudhabi (052 799 4538). “As golden hour hits and the museum’s dome glows”Next >