Have you ever walked into a joint and just known from the first ten seconds that you’re in for a good evening?
Sole is that kind of place. And given it replaced an old favourite when it opened in the capital and the end of 2020, we couldn’t be more relieved. Or delighted. Or, frankly, ready to re-book.
Effortlessly classy, this Italian ristorante is as sophisticated as it is welcoming – no easy combination to nail, but Sole makes it all feel effortless.
Located below the reception of Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers, the restaurant overlooks the waters of the Arabian Gulf, which roll and glitter away in the distance while an impressive dining experience gets going closer to home. And it really is one to beat.
From an assortment of individual starters, it might be tempting to crack a lone bowl of calamari and a plate of carpaccio, but don’t tip-toe around – get straight into the We Need Antipasti platter (because you do). Loaded with prawns, calamari, bruschetta, arancini, burrata and bresaola, it’s a resounding crowd-pleaser.
What’s worth noting, however, is that Sole is no trattoria – pizza is off the cards, but there’s no shortage of Italian staples to swirl your fork through, regardless.
Without doubt, one of the standout dishes here – and possibly on the Corniche right now – is the veal with creamy polenta. It’s valiantly rivalled by chargrilled steak, accompanied by duck fat roasted potatoes. Get stuck into the sides, too, if you know what’s, erm, good for you. (Truffle fries are good for you, right? Asking for a friend.).
If there’s any room left in the tank, dessert is full of sweet Italian classics – and we encourage you to be too.
Specifically a dark chocolate and almond carprese torta with vanilla mascarpone.
A thoroughly enjoyable dining experience that’s good for the stomach, and the Sole.
Open Tue-Thu 6pm-11pm, Fri 12.30pm-11pm, Sat noon-3pm, 6pm-11pm. Licensed. Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers, Corniche Road (02 811 5666).
