Italian {Brunch @ Spaccanapoli}

There are so many Italian places in Abu Dhabi.  Well, honestly there are so many of a lot of types of foods in Abu Dhabi. So restaurants are constantly striving for variety...trying to offer something different than the next.  Spaccanapoli in central Abu Dhabi is doing just that.  They have crafted an affordable set menu that they serve every Friday and Saturday afternoon.  It is a great idea because it gives you a sam pling of tastes.  While you can still always order from the ala carte menu if you prefer, this special set menu makes the meal easy.  Just show up.

  The first course is a soup or antipasti plate.  The tomato white bean soup was smooth and flavorful, but the antipasti plate provided a little more variety, including burrata, rocket salad, eggplant involtini, roasted mushrooms, bruschetta, and a few other nibbles.

The next course is a choice of three pastas: Spaghetti ai Frutti di Mare (Seafood), Tagliatelle con Pesto, or Passarelli Bolognese.  They were all fabulous!!  And to me, this is where Spaccanapoli really shines.  Their pastas are all house-made and just delicately doused in the perfect amount of sauce.  The Bolognese was meaty and rich on the Parmesan infused pasta, while the pesto was creamy and light on thin tagliatelle.  The Seafood Spaghetti was generously plated with tender fish, mussels, shrimp and even squid.  If you want more pasta...just ask! 

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The main course is a choice between land or sea, both served up with a nice variety.  I chose the sea, which meant a hearty selection of grilled fish favorites like salmon, and jumbo prawns. It also comes with a side of grilled vegetables (nicely seared in olive oil and salt). The meat platter had two large lamb chops, grilled chicken and even two little medallions of steak.  And, ofcourse it is served with delicious crispy roasted potatoes.  With all that food, you shouldn't be too full for the final course of dessert, which is really just a few sweet tastes.

For a relaxing weekend lunch at a very affordable price, this is one to do.  We already know that Spaccanapoli knows pizza.  And as tortuous as it is to stray from pizza,it is worth a try.

Buon Appetito!

Spaccanapoli

Crown Plaza Abu Dhabi

Hamdan Bin Mohammed Street

Brunch served12- 4pm Friday and Saturday