Dino’s Bistro Italiano – Abu Dhabi – Review

Located at Pearl Rotana Capital Centre, Dino’s Bistro Italiano has become one of the most popular Italian restaurants in Abu Dhabi. Dishes range from a variety of pasta, meat to fish, all are made from the finest and freshest ingredients, bringing the true taste of Italy to your plate.

As we enter Dino’s we receive a warm welcome from the team. The décor is clean, with touches of traditional Italian influences, the back-lit wall adds a fun and modern element. We take a seat by the window and begin to look through the menu.
After some consideration I opt to order from the business lunch menu whilst my dining companion prefers the offerings from the main menu.

For appetizers, I order the Buffalo Mozzarella with Vine Ripe Tomatoes from the Dino’s business lunch menu. The Buffalo Mozzarella dish is delicately plated, and extremely generous, so much so we are unable to finish the serving, despite the fact it tastes delicious.

Wanting something warm, my dining companion decides to try the Wild Mushroom Soup. This dish consists of Sauteed Wild Mushrooms, Truffle Oil and Sakura Herbs. The soup dish impresses, with such a great flavorful taste and plentiful in portion size, this soup dish offers a ‘mmm’ with every spoonful.

We also opt for the Wild Mushroom and Truffle Arancini for us both to share. Crispy Ricotta balls, Portabella Mushroom, Black Truffles, Pine Nuts and Sauce. The Truffle is evident in this dish, perfectly balanced it works in harmony with the Wild Mushrooms.
For the main course, I order the Mushroom Risotto from the pasta section of Dino’s business lunch menu whilst my dining partner opts for Risotto Gamberi, Shrimps, Pomodoro Sauce, Zucchini, Leek, Celery, Asparagus and Parmigiano from the main menu. Both these Risotto dishes are excellent, I would even go as far as saying this is some of the best Risotto I have tasted in the UAE. At some debate over which Risotto is the best, we both are eventually swayed by the Risotto Gamberi as the star of the show.

Having slightly overindulged but wanting to finish on a sweet note my dining companion opts for the Pineapple Carpaccio, a new item on the menu. Thin layers of Pineapple served with Ice-Cream and Mascarpone, delightful. I order Dino’s most popular dessert, the Butterscotch and Caramel Budino. An excellent finish to our dining experience.

Overall, Dino’s Bistro Italiano serves good homemade Italian food at affordable prices. The service is warm, and the setting is relaxed. Would we return? Without a doubt. Dino’s isn’t just a great restaurant for family dining, upon our visit we see many couples and small groups enjoying a hearty Italian meal.

Dino’s Business lunch is priced at AED 95 for 2 courses and AED 105 for 3 courses. Including still/sparkling water, soft drinks and tea or coffee. With soups, pizzas, pasta, fish dishes and classic desserts to choose from this is a great deal and worth a visit at Dino’s Bistro Italiano. The main menu has been revamped and features a host of new and tasty dishes.

Wild Mushroom & Truffle Arancini, AED 58
Wild Mushroom Soup, AED 40
Risotto Gamberi, AED 75
Butterscotch & Caramel Budino, AED 38

Dino’s Bistro Italiano, Pearl Rotana Capital Centre, Abu Dhabi, +971 2 307 5551