Tempo does a round-up of some of the best pizzas in Abu Dhabi.
Where: Il Forno
What: Mediterraneo
Build: Mushroom, Onions, Green Pepper, Fresh Beef, Cheddar Cheese, Feta Cheese, Black Olives.
Comment: If authentic, Italian pizza is your calling then this is the place to go. A thin crusted pizza is served with generous toppings of condiments with just the right combination of feta and cheddar cheese. The herbs and spices on the pizza enhanced the flavor of the mushrooms, beef and olives. The pizza was only satisfactory but if you’re looking for a place with a different flavor then Il Forno will not disappoint you.
Recommendation: The pizza was true to its roots with areal Italian flavor and I would consider eating there again.
Rating: 4 stars
Where: Papa John’s
What: Super Papa’s Pizza
Build: Pepperoni, Italian beef, smoked turkey, mushrooms, onions, green peppers and black olives.
Comment: This American pizza chain is fairly new in the UAE, nevertheless it has captured the hearts of pizza lovers in the UAE, and for good reason too. Their rather large pizzas are so good that I could eat one on my own! The intense taste of pepperoni, beef and turkey, drenched in cheese had me wanting more. I’ve always had a soft spot for their cheese sticks and garlic sauce which did not disappoint me. The only problem I faced was that the food took too long to arrive but other than that, it was excellent.
Recommendation: Would not want to wait that long for my meal again, but otherwise food was great.
Rating: 3.5 stars
Where: Pizza Hut
What: Super Supreme
Build: Cheese, tomato sauce, beef pepperoni, pure beef, mushroom, green pepper, onion, black olives.
Comment: This establishment has been a favorite of people around the world, with their innovative ideas and ever-changing menu; I never know what surprise awaits me each time I step into the restaurant. They have however managed to maintain the taste and flavor of their all-time favorites which their loyal customers love. My meal was not disappointing but it wasn’t mind blowing either, I felt the taste was too commercial and the salad bar too limited.
Recommendation: Have been eating over the years and my loyalty remains!
Rating: 4 stars
Where: Pizza Land
What: Cheese Lover’s
Build: Mixture of finest mozzarella, edam, parmesan, cheddar, and blue cheese sprinkled with basil.
Comment: Pizza Land is an old pizza chain in the UAE though not many people have heard about it. I had ordered the cheese lover’s pizza which consists of five kinds of cheeses blended together. The moment I took a bite of my slice, I was in heaven. The cheeses complement each other and the best part about their pizzas in my opinion is their bread; it’s always so soft and fresh it almost melts in my mouth.
Recommendation: Great pizza, already looking forward to my next time there!
Rating: 4.5 stars
By Saniya Ali
The Ed’s Choice: we were invited recently to a newly opened restaurant in Boutik Mall on Reem Island called Italianissimo. Yet another Italian restaurant, we thought when we got the invitation, but we soon ate our words. We started the meal with a delicate assortment of antipasti including ‘fritto estivo’ a plate with crisp seasonal vegetables, lightly seasoned fried squid and chilli sauce. Although a couple of us are not fans of raw fish we were pleasantly surprised by the Piccola tartar di tonno e misticanze; a very fresh raw tuna (reminiscent of top notch Japanese fare) and salad. the burrata di bufala campana al profumo di basilico was a clear favourite as we fought over the fresh cheese, fresh tomato and basil. The cheese imparted a rich, buttery flavor and was subtly tempered by fresh roma tomatoes and pungent basil. The main courses were a delight. We were treated to the spagetti alla lampara which is spaghetto di gragnano no 9, a chewy, nutty and roughly textured pasta, succulent shrimps, and a smooth goat cheese and sauce. We were also treated to the scaloppa di pollo al limone della Riviera Amalfitana, which is classic Italian chicken recipe that demonstrates how simple ingredients such as lemon are all you need under the skilled hands of a master chef. And for the piece de resistance….the pizza: we sampled the margherita with tomato, mozzarella and basil, and were transported to food heaven. This Italian restaurant is definitely the editor’s choice.
