We’ve been desperate to check out the aperitivo deal at Amici for a while.
Offering three hours of unlimited Italian bites and free-flowing drinks for Dhs69, we’re half expecting there to be some kind of catch. It just seems too good to be true, doesn’t it?
But we’ve always been in awe of the Italian tradition of aperitivo, which involves a few early evening drinks and tasty antipasti.
It’s just what’s required in order to ward off the hunger pangs until it’s time for dinner.
When we arrive at the bar and restaurant at Yas Hotel, the outdoor area is packed.
We’re all here for aperitivo, and the place is full of groups who must have come straight from the office for some post-work beverages, and even the odd family and couple out for a few relaxing sundowners.
There’s a great atmosphere, and it’s brilliant to see somewhere so full of life.
The staff are taking it all in their stride, clearly used to seeing the crowds descend for this popular deal, which runs every Wednesday and Thursday from 5pm until 8pm.
We’re seated at one of the only free tables, and soon the place is full to capacity and the servers have to start borrowing chairs from the neighbouring restaurant.
We’re handed a drinks list that includes a couple of traditional Italian mixed drinks, grape, sparkling and hops.
We order and within a couple of minutes our beverages are in front of us, as is our first board of charcuterie, filled pastries and bread sticks.
The weather is perfect and both the snacks and the cooling drinks go down perfectly.
Before we have chance to ask for a refill, our server approaches us to ask if we’d like another one, and this pattern continues throughout the night.
The views perhaps aren’t as picturesque as the ones you’d get by the canals of Venice or on the Amalfi coast, but the light bites taste totally authentic.
We sample Italian omelettes, arancini balls, calamari, bruschetta and loads more. It’s all pleasantly informal, with the
chef appearing periodicly to hand out the snacks in paper bags.
There’s also an option to order a margherita pizza for Dhs25, but we have more than enough.
We love the chilled-out vibes and we definitely get our money’s worth out of the brilliant deal.
It could well become a weekly tradition from now on.
WHAT IS IT…
An Italian bar and restaurant right by Yas Marina Circuit
WHY GO…
To experience three hours of total joy at the aperitivo nights, held every Wednesday and Thursday
