Fine fare at Filini

Though there’s plenty of elegance on offer, perhaps the best word to describe Filini at Radisson Blu is ‘comfort’: the open-air kitchen of this contemporary Italian eatery almost gives the vibe you’d feel if you were hanging out at a friend’s house while they cook for you.

An interesting blend of warm metallic and wood furnishings lends the atmosphere a masculine but romantic touch. The menu is not huge – in fact, it’s restricted to one side of one page – but it’s an interesting selection and the spicy olives served upon seating are divine; a promise of flavours to come.

Contemporary label notwithstanding, there is some tradition on offer. The air-dried beef with frisee salad comes in a huge portion – the bed of lettuce was literally buried under a blanket of spicy shaved beef topped with mushrooms – and the bruschetta with vine ripe tomatoes and beef pastrami was fresh and plentiful.

Not quite as plentiful were the prawns and king scallops, featuring only two of each served with pancetta and tomato salad. In contrast, the hearty, well prepared lemon scented seafood risotto was home to a huge variety of flavours, even if they did commit the cardinal sin of failing to shell our seafood.

If for no other reason, you’ll want to come to Filini to check out their über-groovy pizza oven, which looks like something pulled from the innards of a submarine or something Willy Wonka would invent. You also can’t pass up the creamy, fluffy tiramisu, which is all the Italian we really need.

Laura Fulton

What? Filini Contemporary Italian
Where? Radisson Blu, Yas Plaza
Cost: Reasonable considering the lovely atmosphere – most items run between AED 50 and 80 with nothing over AED 130
Why? Completely non-smoking inside, smoking is only available outside. Take advantage of the Tuesday night special – pizza and two beverages for AED 70
Why not? Though Italian cuisine encompasses a lot more than spaghetti, this contemporary menu is surprisingly light on the traditional pasta favourites you’d find at most Italian restaurants
We say: Worth the drive out to Yas Island – now that the weather has cooled off, the patio looks particularly inviting
Contact: 02 656 2000