Sometimes you want a fancy night out, and sometimes you just want to chow down on your pasta in peace. And sometimes you want a robot to take your order. (But we’ll get to that bit in a minute.)
Dolci & Capricci is a great place to leave the glitz at the door and enjoy some no-frills authentic Italian food – without compromising on quality.
Located in the heart of Abu Dhabi, Dolci & Capricci is the kind of place where you stop by for a quick coffee on a whim and find yourself returning for all kinds of occasions – breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert – thanks to its varied menu and an ambience that quickly makes you feel like a regular.
With high ceilings that allow sunlight to stream in, colourful artwork adorning the walls and a robot waiter who sometimes makes an appearance to assist with the ordering process, this place is all the right kinds of quirky. You might even find yourself here on a night when there is live singing, but the roster is unpredictable.
Peruse the shelves to choose from a wide variety of gelato, or get stuck into an Italian pastry if you’ve dropped in for a quick bite and a coffee. But we’d recommend coming for lunch.
Start with the bruschetta for a fresh bite of juicy chopped tomatoes, garlic, onion, and a little olive oil on crispy bread.
Pasta al pomodoro is made fresh daily with tangy tomato sauce, heaps of spaghetti and parmesan with simple flavours that make you feel like you’re right at home.
Fans of gnocchi will love the alla sorentina, featuring soft potato gnocchi, tomato sauce, and loads of buffalo mozzarella.
Finish off with a coffee and a cornetto of your choice (fans of chocolate should not miss out on the Nutella).
Sure, dishes are simple, but don’t be fooled, when it comes to authentic Italian food and a homely ambience, Dolci & Capricci is a well-oiled machine (and we’re not just talking about that waiter on wheels).
Open daily 9am-midnight. Unlicensed. Al Istiqlal (02 631 1030).
