TOTÓ Abu Dhabi brings authentic Italian flavors to the UAE as the first Middle East outpost of the popular Madrid-based restaurant. Co-owned by sports legends Rafael Nadal and Cristiano Ronaldo, it offers a stylish yet approachable dining experience that celebrates tradition and quality ingredients. With sleek interiors, a lively open kitchen, and a terrace perfect for sunset views, TOTÓ feels like stepping into a modern Italian film.

Key highlights:
- Owned by sports stars Rafael Nadal and Cristiano Ronaldo
- Located in the Cultural District with sea views from the terrace
- Authentic Italian cuisine with premium ingredients

PROFILE

TOTÓ Abu Dhabi brings real Italian food to the UAE. It's the first Middle East branch of a restaurant that started in Madrid, Spain. The restaurant is named after Salvatore Di Vita, the main character from the movie Cinema Paradiso. That's pretty neat. Sports superstars Rafael Nadal and Cristiano Ronaldo own this place. Not a sports bar like you might think, but a fancy Italian restaurant instead. TOTÓ opened in Abu Dhabi to show people what true Italian cooking is all about. They focus on tradition, creativity,and using the best ingredients.

AMBIENCE

The restaurant has this cool mix of old-school Italian fine dining but without being stuffy. It feels fancy but still fun. When you walk in, you notice how everything is polished and modern. The details make you smile, like the giant pepper mill that's almost too big to use. The terrace seating is awesome for watching sunsets over the water. It's like being in an Italian movie. You can see the chefs working in the open kitchen. It's like watching a cooking show but in real life. The atmosphere balances being classy with feeling warm and welcoming. Piano music plays in the background.

MUST-TRY

The burrata cheesecake with honey ice cream is something everyone talks about. It's weird but amazing. Their classic TOTÓ tiramisu is the real deal. It's creamy and perfect. The giant truffle raviolo with ricotta cheese, mushroom,and fresh winter truffle is worth every penny. It's fancy pasta at its best. The Orecchia di elefante (Veal Milanese) is huge - about 500 grams! It comes with arugula salad and rosemary potatoes.

FOOD

TOTÓ serves authentic Italian cuisine that makes you feel like you're eating in Italy. The menu is big with lots of choices. They use only the freshest Italian products and local seasonal ingredients. No shortcuts here. The antipasti section has both hot and cold options. The burrata from Puglia with tomato carpaccio and basil pesto is super fresh. Their pasta is handmade daily. The fettuccine alla vaccinara with slow-cooked oxtail ragout tastes like something an Italian grandma would make. The pizza has that perfect thin crust. Try the truffle pizza with wild mushroom, taleggio fondue, and fresh truffle if you're feeling fancy. For meat lovers, they have everything from wagyu meatballs to a massive Tomahawk steak that weighs over a kilogram. Go hungry. Seafood options include grilled octopus, pan-seared seabass, and traditional baccala cod loin. Fresh from the sea.

SERVICE

The staff wears white suits and looks super professional. They know the menu inside out. Service is attentive without being annoying. They appear when you need them and disappear when you don't. The manager, Daniel,gets special praise in reviews for making guests feel welcome. He's good at his job. The waiters can recommend wines that go perfectly with your food. They know their stuff.

PRICING

TOTÓ is definitely on the expensive side. Expect to pay around AED 500 for two people without alcohol. Appetizers range from AED 70-105, with seafood options being pricier. The Gillardeau oysters are AED 310 for half a dozen. Main courses start at AED 135 for wagyu meatballs and go up to AED 975 for the massive Tomahawk steak. Desserts are around AED 60-65 each. Worth saving room for. One reviewer mentioned the wine prices are high even by Abu Dhabi standards. Just a heads up.

SUMMARY

TOTÓ Abu Dhabi brings a slice of Italy to the UAE with style. The food is amazing, the service is top-notch, and the views are beautiful. Yes, it's expensive, but you're paying for quality ingredients and an experience. It's perfect for special occasions. The restaurant manages to be fancy without being stuck-up. That's a hard balance to get right. If you love Italian food and want the real deal, TOTÓ is worth checking out. Just make sure to book ahead.

FAQs

What are the opening hours of TOTÓ Abu Dhabi?
TOTÓ is open Sunday to Thursday from 12 pm to 12 am. On Fridays and Saturdays, they stay open an hour later until 1 am.

Do I need to make a reservation at TOTÓ Abu Dhabi?
While not always required, reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner and weekend visits. You can book by calling +971 545825222 or emailing reservations.auh@totorestaurants.com.

Is TOTÓ Abu Dhabi suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, TOTÓ offers several vegetarian options including zucchini parmigiana, margherita pizza, primavera pizza, and handmade ravioli with ricotta and spinach filling. However, one reviewer noted that vegan options are limited.