We’re no strangers to this very trendy restaurant and bar on Yas Island, and when we’re not dancing away to the live saxophonist and tunes from DJ Cliff Townley, we love settling into the restaurant area for some Italian classics.
As always, it’s busy both inside and outside, and from our table in the restaurant we can see the chefs hard at work at the pizza ovens in the open kitchen.
We start with a cheese board to share (well, why not?), and although it’s not the finest selection of cheeses in the world, the fact that its bottomless (and costs Dhs55), keeps us feeling happy and satified. Joined by crusty bread and dipping oils, it’s just about the most perfect start to an evening we can imagine.
Next we try the al norma pasta, a relatively simple dish of burrata cheese, tomatoes and crushed walnuts. It’s just the comforting, yet flavourful, dish we’re after, with the creamy cheese and crunchy nuts adding a nice mix of textures. The rustica pizza with rocket, ricotta and grilled vegetables is predictably brilliant, too, and the fresh crispy base is gorgeous and light.
Providing hearty dishes in a super fashionable setting, Filini never fails to impress.
