Filini Garden {Friday Brunch}
So my expectations for Filini Garden were very high, and I was sure it would be packed with people...BUT.... as I was told by one diner... "shhh don't tell too many people about it, because it is still one of Yas Island's amazingly secret brunches". Well, the cat is out people....it is a table-side Italian brunch overlooking the beautiful calm dunes of Yas Links with live music, a DJ, and housemade gelato.
You are immediately greeted in the garden path with sparkling wine (or a non-alcoholic alternative), before you arrive through the sun-filled bar area. One of the main dining areas is also outdoors, but very nicely shaded and the wind blows over the golf course leaving you with a welcome breeze during your meal.
After you are seated your server brings a plate of simple antipasti of bruschetta and breadsticks. You can then choose your own antipasti on the buffet...salads. bread, cheeses, meats...and lots more. There is a choice of a few special cocktails in addition to all of the classics. The Aperol Spritz was light and flavorful, even if it was light on the alcohol.
The main meal is served all to your table, which means more time to chat and enjoy the view. You begin with pizza and three types of pasta.... We had the house-made spaghetti with clams (I loved the fresh pasta), the rich lobster ravioli, and the squid ink risotto. There is also the option to order the special Cacio e Pepe which is the famous Roman spaghetti. While it is not entirely authentic here, it is is very creamy and rich, and might be one of my favorite dishes. Next are the mains, which are a good selection of roasted fish, arugula salad, roasted baby potatoes, grilled seafood, and a moist chicken cacciatore (even if the dish seems a bit outdated).
The final dessert course is again one for you to get up and choose from an enticing table of choices. With Tiramisu, biscotti, fresh fruit salad, and a few delicious cakes, my favorites were the panna cotta and the gelato. The gelato was super flavorful, perfectly creamy and just all around reeeeally good. The service is helpful, the outdoor seating is relaxed and easy, and the food is tasty. There is not much more than you can ask for in a brunch. Head out there before everyone else catches on. In fact, Filini has already launched some very popular weeknight happy hours and events, (which I can't wait to try), so the word is spreading quickly.
Radisson Blu Yas Island
02 6562000
Call to reserve a table
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