Italian classic Cipriani now in pole position on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
Posted on 05 December 2010 with no comments from readers
For one week of the year the spanking new Yas Island Yacht Club’s Cipriani in Abu Dhabi is probably the busiest Italian restaurant in the world. That is the Formula One week.
Otherwise guests can enjoy the newest and classiest Italian restaurant in the UAE relatively undisturbed, and can dine like local royalty for whom the club is designed to cater. The interior is swathed in white leather seating like something straight out of a billionaire’s yacht.
Splendid service
The staff are decked out in white uniforms too as if serving on a great ocean liner. They are also to a man, and one woman, Italian nationals lending an air of authenticity and expertise to this fine dining experience.
For the winter nights the terrace overlooking the Yas Marina and Yas Hotel, and back towards the Ferarri World theme park that was officially opened this weekend, is perfect. In the summer the cool interior looks most welcoming. But let us get down to business. The food.
There is a choice of two set menus. For AED250 enjoy homemade marinated salmon with zucchini, green tagliarelle all’ Amatriciana and house desserts or ice creams. The presentation of an enormous apple pie, chocolate cake and lemon souffle to choose from adds a touch of drama to the last course.
ArabianMoney tackled the a la carte. Tuna tartare with mayonnaise sauce was beautifully light and tasty. The veal Milanese also impossible to fault and my wife’s Dover sole excellent, with portions definitely on the generous side and none of the minimalism of some fine dining establishments these days.
Pork off the menu
The menu takes you on a gentle canter through many classics of Italian cuisine, although if you want a salmon steak or Black Angus rib eye then this is available, although pork is completely off the menu which always presents something of a challenge to Italian chefs in this region.
On the other hand, the wine list is both large and prices start from a modest AED40 a glass for Cancello del Sole, Cabernet 2007. Cipriani also has its classic cocktails that hail from its origins as Harry’s Bar in Venice in the early 1930s as well as a full range of digestifs such as Sambuca and Limoncello.
The Cipriani chain has now spread worldwide from Venice to New York, London and Hong Kong and now Abu Dhabi. Its UAE manifestation is very much up to global standards and to be heartily recommended.
