Slap bang in the middle of Airport Road is this latest branch of Pizzaro, which opened in January.
The outdoor seating area overlooks the car park and road, so we take a seat inside. The interior is decorated with plants, colourful lampshades and a white brick wall.
Friendly staff present us with focaccia, butter and olive oil as we browse the extensive menu.
We start with calamari fritti – fried calamari. It costs the same as a pizza but lacks flavour and is chewy rather than crispy as the menu promises. The accompanying avocado sauce is tasty, but not enough to save the dish.
The panzerotto di gamberi isn’t much better. The fried pizza dough patties are allegedly stuffed with prawn ragout, but the filling resembles mushy peas and we can’t see or taste the prawns. They come with a generous portion of tasty arrabbiata sauce, which has a hint of spice.
However, the chef – who’s from Milan – ups his game and our mains are a hit. We tuck into parmigiana – a margherita pizza with fried aubergine and a dusting of Parmesan to which we add goats’ cheese and pesto. It’s hot, crispy and delicious.
Our companion opts for integrale al pollo piccante, a wholewheat base topped with marinated chicken, spicy chillis and red pepper. It’s tasty and filling so we forgo dessert and get what we can’t finish to take away.
Pizzaro lacks surprises and it’s menu needs tweaking but it’s not bad as a budget family-friendly option.
Details
Location: Opposite Mister Baker, near Al Wahda Mall
We say: Ditch the starters and go for cheap, tasty pizza
Cost: AED 180 for two courses for two, including soft drinks
Opening times: Sun-Wed 11am-1am, Thu-Sat 11am-2am
Contact: 02 447 6031
www.pizzaro.me
