Hidden away in Khalidiya is the delightful eatery APi CAE. Sheltered from the hustle and bustle of the nearby Corniche Road, we settled down to enjoy some sumptuous Italian cuisine.
At our table we instantly felt at ease in the restaurant’s chilled ambience. Olive greens, rich dark woods and crisp cream stone offer a classic and contemporary twist for visitors to dine in; artwork from autistic students decks the walls and inject a dash of vibrancy.
From the opening page of the menu to the last it’s evident that the team here not only
take care of the customer’s dining experience, but look after their health too. Calories are counted and meals are prepared to deliver a delicious detox-like menu.
While reading the menu we were treated to some scrummy, fresh, on-site-produced breads. It would have been very easy to eat these baked beauties all night, but with the menu spoiling us for choice, we couldn’t ignore what was on offer. The team at APi CAE
are offering an iftar option alongside the usual cuisine so all are catered for during the Holy Month.
Starting with a Shakra, a passion fruit, orange and ginger mocktail we ordered the calamari while our guest chose the tomato soup. Matching the paintings, the soup was shimmering in colour and according to our friend this zesty zuppa was definitely not from a tin.
To accompany the delicate taste of the calamari was the horseradish sauce, which makes us salivate now at thought of it! And as a little sharer we nibbled away at a rucola side salad – the sundried tomatoes in this dish were some of the best we’ve tried in the capital. And with our crockery leaving the table rather clean, the mains were sent for.
Spaghetti Calabrese was our choice. The rustic homemade pasta made it easy for the rich sauce, olives, capers and spicy beef sausage to cling to its rugged texture. And for our guest, what only can be described as a crown of lamb chops on a head of creamy mashed potato graced the table in style. The tender meat partnered perfectly with the pumpkin-infused mash; our friend’s smile and silence said it all.
Pleasantly full yet just enough space for a dessert to share, we plumped for the chocolate eclaire. Soft dough coated in a cold, cracking chocolate made our evening’s dining experience that little bit sweeter.
Details
What: Healthy Italian dining
Where: APi CAE, Khalidiya, Abu Dhabi
Prices: Bread starters from AED 6 and main courses from AED 40
We say: Check out the little shop with traditional Italian treats!
Contact: 02 666 8909
