I’m not a bruncher, but I’m open to persuasion

I have been dying to try Roberto’s since the early buzz about the outlet began. I was heartbroken to miss the opening, so I jumped at the opportunity to try their new Friday Andiamo Brunch when it launched.

So here I will just give a brief outline of how Roberto’s Andiamo brunch works.

You are then guided to the Dessert Salon, a surprisingly social way to culminate your brunch experience. It’s mostly standing room only, but that’s often the perfect antidote to the few hours you just spent sitting and eating course-after-course of Italian favourites.

We are seated at a table for two by the window with a lovely sea view and offered menus. Our drink offers are taken swiftly and our server explains the concept of this brunch, which, to us, sounds like lots of small plates of our choice of seafood, seafood-meat misti or vegetarian antipasti.

In that characteristically Italian way, our server plies us in between martini sipping, order-taking and dining with decadent olive bread and warm focaccia and fresh pizza. I’d be remiss if I didn’t point out Roberto’s 1970’s Rhythm and blues/Soul playlist, which was quite possibly the most on point soundtrack to a lazy Friday brunch ever heard in this town. Brunch seems to present most restaurants with a musical dilemma, and they so often get it wrong. Most music is too loud, too fast or too slow, but this playlist was just right.

We were almost bursting at the seams. But, of course, that was not the end…

As we loosened our belts to make the long roll home, our server guided us away from the door, straight into the Dessert Salon, which was ambient, vibey, full of friendly faces and did we mention there were vast swathes of decadent desserts, because you know there were.

The Verdict: Roberto’s Andiamo Brunch is not to miss if you are a fan of Italian food, eating, remarkable martinis and/or elegant service. In my humble opinion, there is no other Italian brunch in Abu Dhabi with such a perfect mixture of home comforts, great music and friendly service.

What: Andiamo Brunch

Where: Roberto’s Abu Dhabi

When: Every Friday from noon to 4 pm

Prices:

AED 295 for the Classico brunch, including soft drinks and fresh juices

AED 395 for the Andiamo brunch, including signature cocktails and unlimited house wines

AED 495 for the Riserva brunch, including Italian Bubbles

Children between 6 to 12 years eat for AED150 – children below 6 years free

Website: http://www.robertos.ae

Reservations: reservationsauh@robertos.ae or +9712 627 9009

Address: Rosewood Hotel, The Galleria Mall, Al Maryah Island

Have a look at the menu: Brunch Menu

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