NOLU’S CAFÉ ROSINA BELLINA There’s no denying the almost mafiosa motto of Corniche-front casual Italian restaurant Rosina Bellina – ‘she cooks, you eat’ – is in keeping with the country of culinary origin. The food is similarly faithful: we can recommend the lobster ravioli. Now is the perfect time to sample the spacious outdoor dining area before summer peaks, although there is a smaller indoor space once the mercury rises. The eponymous old lady could soon welcome a sister to Abu Dhabi too, with plans afoot for a second branch. Al Shahil Beach Gate 3, intersection of Khaleej Al Arabi Street and Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi, daily 10am to 10.30pm. Tel: (02) 6390587. rosinabellina. webs.com
THE ONE This Khalidiyah stalwart’s reputation precedes it, having picked up enough accolades – including multiple What’s On Awards – to cram a trophy cabinet. Unusually situated above The One’s furniture showroom, its hearty mains ensure that any comparisons to multinational flatpacks and snacks giant Ikea are blown clean out the water. Parking is usually a breeze as well, in one of the few Khalidiyah areas yet to be painted black and blue by Mawaqif. Sheikh Zayed The First Street, Khalidiyah, Abu Dhabi, Sat to Thur 8am to 9pm, Fri 10am to 9pm. Tel: (02) 6816500. theone.com
Opened last October, Nolu’s is named after chef/ co-founder Marjon Ajami’s two children, Noah and Lujayn (“I guess if I have a third child I only have the letter ‘s’ to play with,” she jokes). East meets west on the menu, which combines the best of Afghani and American cuisine in a relaxed, airy café-restaurant split into two sides. It’s a top location for breakfast, lunch or dinner, and we’d particularly recommend delving into the Afghani options during the latter two mealtimes: the filled bolani pastries and mantoo dumplings are particularly tasty. Add in free wifi and you’ll definitely get the impression that Nolu’s wants you to linger for hours rather than wolf down your food before being chivvied out the door.
MARJON AJAMI
CHEF/CO-FOUNDER How did the idea for Nolu’s originate? I moved to Abu Dhabi from California seven years ago. I would sit with friends, and we always had the same complaints: there was no restaurant to grab a simple meal, or a laidback café to visit. My parents have owned restaurants since the early 1970s, so I know nothing except food. I put all of my cravings together with the need that I saw, and created the concept. Before you know it, I was signing a lease. What’s the concept? I wanted a café that was healthy but also unique. There’s nothing like going to breakfast with the family on a weekend morning, so that’s how the American breakfast menu was created. My background is Afghan, and there are no good Afghani restaurants in Abu Dhabi, so I thought some of the cuisine would be a great introduction. Trying to replicate what I know in this region has been a very difficult task. But with patience and perseverance I hope I can attain my goal and expand. Why did you choose Al Bandar? I truly don’t think there’s a location as lovely as Al Bandar in all of Abu Dhabi. It’s the only place you can come as a family and not be interrupted by cars. Your children can run around and you know they are safe. The architecture is beautiful and the ambience is peaceful. Al Bandar, Abu Dhabi, Sat to Wed 8am to 10pm, Thur and Fri 8am to 11pm. Tel: (02) 5579500. noluscafe.com maY 2012 WHAT’S ON 33