RESTAURANT REVIEW: SPACCANAPOLI

RATING

*****

This must be one of my favorite spots in the capital, but I could be slightly biased given that this was where I had my very first date with my husband.

A classic, authentic Italian restaurant, it is located in one of the oldest areas and hotels in Abu Dhabi, the Crowne Plaza. You can put your car in valet and go through the lobby and up a narrow, winding staircase that takes you straight to the restaurant, or you can choose to park your car at the backside of the hotel and go straight into the restaurant through its backdoor.

The minute you enter, you will hear the faint melodies of Italian music, and you will quickly feel transported. As soon as you are seated, you will be handed a menu, and you may glimpse from the tables around you some of the dishes that are presented in that menu. You may even get to see what they’re famous for - the one meter pizza.

Their one meter pizza quickly became a favorite, attracting people from all over, to try it. Some taking it as a challenge to see if they can finish it, others, who have always dreamed of that much pizza, and then there are those who simply want it for the picture. Whatever your reasons, you will not regret ordering it - it is delicious! You have a choice of a 1/2 meter, 3/4 meter, or a full meter, which is great if you are dining with a large group, and can order it is an appetizer. They also give you the option of choosing two, three or four types of pizzas, depending on the size you order, so you have room to try more than one flavor.

I must admit, I’ve personally only tried their pizza a couple of times, and was not disappointed either time. However, I have a few favorites on the menu that I never cease to order, no matter the number of times I’ve been.

For the appetizers, my husband and I always order the carpaccio di manzo and the tortino di melanzane alla parmigiana to share. For the main dish, you can’t go wrong with any of their pasta or risotto dishes. Their risotto porcini is delicious, and has the perfect consistency of creaminess combined with rice and mushrooms. My personal favorite is their vegetarian pasta dish with eggplants and buffalo mozzarella. Being a huge fan of eggplants, I wasn’t sure if it would work with pasta, but I was pleasantly surprised by how wonderful the flavors all work together. For your final act, you have a variety of delicious dessert choices, but I always go for the creme brûlée. Absolutely, mouthwateringly, delicious, and is perfect for sharing!