More than a mouthful

When we found out that Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi’s Italian restaurant, Amalfi, had updated its menu we were keen to check it out.

We arrived for a late lunch and couldn’t help but begin to relax as the quiet hum of the restaurant enveloped us. We caught a glimpse of a chef rolling out fresh pasta dough from behind the bar and it was as if we had just stepped into Italy.

The decor is modern with dark woods and large open windows. From where we were seated we could see the view of the pool and palm trees, although, if you prefer a more intimate setting you can also reserve rooms for private functions or lunches.

The server brought out rolls and olive oil with balsamic vinegar, sundried tomato paste and olives for us to nibble on as we decided what exactly it was we fancied. We settle on an eggplant parmesan appetiser that was dripping in tomato sauce and generously sprinkled with melted cheese.

We then decided to be a bit adventurous and try the pappardelle pasta stuffed with gorgonzola cheese in a pumpkin fondue sauce.

One of the items that had been updated on the menu by head Chef Mauro Pio Sanna, this pasta dish was absolutely and completely perfect.

The long ribbons of pappardelle pasta were filled with just the right amount of gorgonzola to satisfy our cheese fetish without leaving us stuffed and heavy. The pumpkin fondue was our favorite part of the pasta and the most surprising. How Chef Sanna managed to make the sauce slightly sweet yet surprisingly savory is beyond us.

We rounded out our meal with a vanilla and lemon panna cotta dripping in berry compote. Delicious.

Sawaiba Khan

What? Amalfi, Le Royal Méridien Hotel
When? Open from 12.30-3pm for lunch and 7-11pm for dinner
Cost: Appetisers AED 50-75, mains AED 100-170
We say: Belissimo!
Contact: 02 695 0460