Antonia brings an authentic taste of Italy to Abu Dhabi, inspired by chef-owner Simone Federici’s grandmother, whose sourdough recipe has been cherished for over 50 years. Located at Mamsha Al Saadiyat, the restaurant blends a retro, beachy vibe with a touch of Italian charm and modern Abu Dhabi flair. With its rich family heritage and seaside setting, Antonia offers a unique dining experience that feels like a slice of la dolce vita.

Key highlights:
- Pizza dough fermented for 72 hours with 50-year-old sourdough
- Authentic Italian cuisine with three locations in Abu Dhabi
- Beachfront dining at Mamsha Al Saadiyat with views of the Arabian Gulf

PROFILE

Antonia isn't just another pizza place. It's a slice of Italy right in Abu Dhabi. Chef-owner Simone Federici named the restaurant after his grandma. She taught him to cook when he was just 13 years old. By 17, Simone was already one of Italy's top young chefs. That's pretty impressive! He comes from Abbruzzo, Italy. After working in Italy, the Caribbean, and Miami, he now calls Abu Dhabi home. In just two years, he built Antonia into a leading restaurant brand. Now it's spreading all over the Middle East. The restaurant's special thing is its sourdough. It started in 1972 when Grandma Antonia made it. This sourdough gets refreshed weekly. It's been passed down through generations like a family treasure. Every pizza at Antonia has a bit of this 50-year-old sourdough in it. That's what makes their pizza taste so good!

AMBIENCE

Antonia at Mamsha Al Saadiyat has a beachy vibe. It's just steps away from Soul Beach. The place is decked out in black and white stripes with pops of cherry red and mint green. Feels kinda retro. It gives off that "la dolce vita" feel. That's Italian for "the sweet life." The restaurant sits right on the Mamsha promenade. Perfect spot for dreamy afternoons by the sea. Inside feels like a little piece of Rome. But with a touch of Abu Dhabi's fancy style mixed in. The outdoor seating is awesome during winter months. When summer hits with its crazy heat, the indoor area becomes a cool escape.

MUST-TRY

You gotta try their "pizza al taglio." That means pizza by the slice in Italian. The Burrata pizza is a fan favorite. People say it's amazing! Their Supplì are special too. These are Rome's famous street food - like fried rice balls. Don't miss their weekly specials. Vongole Mondays, Gnocchi Tuesdays, and Sea Urchin Wednesdays happen until they run out! The duck ragu pasta gets lots of praise from customers. One reviewer called it "simply incredible." For drinks, try the Hugo cocktail. It's got prosecco and elderflower. Super refreshing!

FOOD

Antonia makes rectangular pizzas loaded with toppings. They're displayed at the counter and sold by the square, half-tray, or full-tray. Their pizza dough is special. It's made with 80% water, rustic Italian flour, olive oil, salt,and that famous old sourdough. After baking, the crust comes out thick and bubbly but still light and crispy. Easy to digest too! They say you should always eat their pizza with your hands. That's the real Italian way. For pasta, they keep it authentic. No cream or butter in their sauces - just extra virgin olive oil. All pasta is cooked "al dente" and comes in big portions. They only follow original Italian recipes. Besides pizza and pasta, they serve organic salads, desserts,and gelato. The chocolate gelato is yummy but kinda pricey at 30 dirhams per scoop. They also have a good selection of Italian wines, draft beers, and aperitivos. All affordable too!

SERVICE

Service at Antonia can be hit or miss. Some reviewers praise the staff for being super friendly and helpful. Others mention long waits for drinks or food. One customer said they waited 20 minutes just to get water! The restaurant doesn't take reservations. They operate on a walk-in basis only. When it's busy, you might have to wait for a table. But the staff tries their best to find seats quickly. Some customers mention a waiter named Nikita who gives exceptional service. He even greets people in their own languages sometimes! The manager often checks on tables to make sure everyone's happy. That's a nice touch. One negative review mentioned the owner being rude to a family with a young child. But most reviews say the staff is warm and welcoming. Note that Antonia Chic has a dress code - no shorts or slippers allowed. Also, kids under 10 aren't allowed in after 7pm.

PRICING

Prices at Antonia are mid-range. Not super cheap, but not crazy expensive either. A half-tray of pizza costs about 65 dirhams. That's enough for one person. A full pizza tray runs around 120 dirhams. Good for sharing! Pasta dishes are generously portioned. You definitely get your money's worth. Some items might seem a bit pricey. Like that 30-dirham scoop of gelato I mentioned earlier. They offer lunch deals that give good value. Check their website for current promotions. The Saturday brunch gets praised as "fantastic value for money" by reviewers. Worth checking out!

SUMMARY

Antonia brings real Italian vibes to Abu Dhabi. Their 50-year-old sourdough makes their pizza special. The beachfront location at Mamsha Al Saadiyat is gorgeous. Perfect for a casual lunch after the beach or a romantic dinner. Food quality is generally excellent. The authentic Italian recipes and techniques shine through. Service can be inconsistent but is mostly good. The atmosphere is relaxed and stylish. With three locations across Abu Dhabi, Antonia has clearly found a winning formula. It's worth a visit when you're in town!

FAQs

Does Antonia take reservations?
No, Antonia operates on a walk-in basis only. They don't take reservations, but their team will try to find you a seat as soon as you arrive. There might be waiting times during busy periods.

What is pizza al taglio?
Pizza al taglio means "pizza by the slice" in Italian. At Antonia, they make rectangular pizzas in trays and sell them by the square, half-tray, or full-tray. This lets customers choose exactly which toppings and how much pizza they want. It's a popular street food style from Rome.

Are there any restrictions for children at Antonia?
Children are welcome at Antonia Restaurant and Antonia Trattoria. However, at Antonia Chic in The Galleria Al Maryah Island, children under 10 years old are not permitted after 7pm. Also, Antonia Chic has a smart dress code where shorts and slippers are not allowed.