Azza Explores Mezzaluna, Emirates Palace For this month’s feature the team at Dining and Nightlife Abu Dhabi invited me to review Mezzaluna located in the stunning Emirates Palace. Designed to conjure the grand tradition of trattorias throughout Northern Italy with their tree-lined roads, undulating hills and sun-kissed fields. Mezzaluna was my destination and I was looking forward to my dining experience that is consummately Italian. Mezzaluna serves hand-crafted, regional Italian specialties, with a wide selection of cuisines from paccheri pasta with lobster, langoustine and asparagus, stuffed baked lamb loin with cerignola olives, pizza margherita and even special dishes, such as gluten free pasta. Dishes here are designed to suit every palate. You can dine al fresco on Mezzaluna’s expertly designed terrace and indulge in inspired dishes. The menu is rife with the finest ingredients sourced throughout Italy, from seafood and artichokes from Sardinia, blood orange and fine sea salt from Sicily, olives and olive oil from Liguria, all complemented by glorious views of the picture-perfect sandy beach, crystal blue waters of the Arabian Gulf and the Emirates Palace Marina. Mezzaluna has the wow factor, from the moment you walk through the doors, the interior of the restaurant and the vibe feels so authentic, which I love. The staff are friendly and attentive, the scene is set to discover true Italian cuisine. For my drink selection, I order the bestselling drink which is the Moskito, it consists of, lime, mint, brown sugar and ginger ale, it is very refreshing and tasty. For my starter, I opt for the antipasto misto, perfect for two people as it is served sharing style. This platter is just divine and flavorsome. The platter consisted of vitello tonnato, burrata cheese, grilled octopus, shrimp in spicy tomato sauce, marinated scallops, chili and lemon marinated olives, yellowfin tuna tartare and lastly beef carpaccio. The burrata cheese and yellowfin tuna tartare are my favorites, full of flavor and delightful to taste. For the main course, I decide to order a true Italian dish and keep it authentic with the basic spaghetti bolognese. The portion size is generous and the bolognese is mouthwatering, an enjoyable and a good-tasting dish. The service is efficient and very professional throughout my dining experience. For my dessert, I opt for the chocolate fondue and the mango and pistachio sorbet.The chocolate fondue is toothsome, the chocolate is concentrated and flavorful. An enjoyable way to end my culinary journey at Mezzaluna, Emirates Palace. The verdict, if you are looking for authentic Italian cuisine in luxury surroundings look no further than Mezzaluna at Emirates Palace. From the menu, the service to the location Mezzaluna has that luxury element and authentic ambience which brings Italy to Abu Dhabi in more ways than one. Mezzaluna, Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi, 02 690 7999 Words by Azza Al Mughairy
Half Emirati, half Omani, born and raised in Abu Dhabi, Azza Al Mughairy is one of Abu Dhabi’s top social media influencers. Boasting over 13,300 Instagram followers Azza loves exploring the best our city has to offer. By day Azza works as Guest Experience Manager for the luxurious Saadiyat Beach Club. Azza’s previous experience is nothing short of impressive, having worked as a TV reporter for Abu Dhabi TV morning show, a Radio host for StarFM afternoon show, a freelance MC, personal speaker and even had her own show ‘Keep it Real with Azza’ an online radio station, White Cube Radio. Follow Azza as she explores Abu Dhabi www.instagram.com/azzaalmughairy
24 | Dining and Nightlife Abu Dhabi