Cafe Milano at times feels as though it’s from another era. As new openings across the capital – and rest of the UAE – lean ever further into urban or bistro aesthetics, and reinvent cuisine, this stalwart on Abu Dhabi’s Italian dining scene only underscores its commitment to classic dishes and elegant plating, and it’s part of the reason that diners keep coming back for more.
Ever popular, Milano hooks the crowd with glam interiors and vibrant art, before reeling them in with a menu of dishes that sound familiar and then present incredibly refined.
Carpaccio is a wagyu tenderloin served in a razor-edged square, dotted with tiny, soft-boiled quail’s eggs and delicate blobs of tangy horseradish mayo.
Ravioli zegna is another winner with tall, handmade cups generously filled with veal and spinach, artfully drizzled with a fantastically rich, salty, meaty veal reduction.
But if it’s all just feeling like a little bit too much, the terrific pizzas here hit the spot every time – the La Scala, loaded with bresaola and peppery rocket, is leagues ahead of any other slice in town.
It’ll come as no surprise to note that Milano is one of the priciest places to eat in the city, but you get what you pay for. In this case, a smart spot that takes itself – and your dining experience – seriously.
