Villa Toscana, located on the first floor of The St. Regis Abu Dhabi along the Corniche, offers an elegant Italian dining experience inspired by the charm of a Tuscan villa. Led by Chef Vittorio Nania, the restaurant is known for its authentic cuisine crafted with seasonal ingredients and has earned a spot in the Michelin Guide. With spacious seating and warm, rustic décor featuring murals of Tuscan landscapes, Villa Toscana creates a refined yet inviting atmosphere right in the heart of Abu Dhabi.

Key highlights:
- Located in The St. Regis Abu Dhabi on the Corniche
- Authentic Italian cuisine from Tuscany, Umbria,and Emilia-Romagna regions
- Elegant yet casual atmosphere designed like a Tuscan villa

PROFILE

Villa Toscana is a luxury Italian restaurant in The St. Regis Abu Dhabi. It sits on the first floor of the hotel, which is on the Corniche, one of Abu Dhabi's main roads. The restaurant opened several years ago and has built a solid rep for its Italian food. Chef Vittorio Nania leads the kitchen team, bringing real Italian cooking skills to every dish. Villa Toscana got included in the Michelin Guide, which is a big deal. They change their menu multiple times a year to use seasonal ingredients at their peak. The restaurant is open daily from 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM. They also offer a Business Lunch Monday through Friday from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM.

AMBIENCE

Walking into Villa Toscana feels like visiting an Italian noble's summer home. The design is inspired by a Tuscan villa with a classy yet rustic feel. The walls have murals showing beautiful Tuscan hills. This makes you feel like you're in Italy even though you're in the middle of Abu Dhabi. The restaurant has both individual and communal tables. There's plenty of space between tables, so conversations stay private. Small stalls near the entrance display Italian appetizers like bread and cheese for guests to sample. This adds to the authentic Italian experience. The dress code is smart casual. Shorts, open footwear, and swimwear aren't allowed.

MUST-TRY

The Artichoke-Themed A La Carte Tasting Menu is a special treat available from March 18th to 31st, 2025. Chef Vittorio shows off the artichoke's many uses in both traditional and modern dishes. Their wood-fired pizzas are famous for good reason. The authentic cooking method gives them that special smoky flavor you can't get from regular ovens. The homemade pasta dishes showcase the chef's skill and attention to detail. Each pasta shape is matched with the perfect sauce.

FOOD

Villa Toscana serves traditional rustic Italian cuisine with a focus on dishes from Tuscany, Umbria,and Emilia-Romagna. The food bridges tradition and elegance in every bite. They import special cheeses, prosciutto,cold cuts, and salamis directly from Italy. This commitment to quality ingredients shows in the taste. The menu changes several times throughout the year. This lets Chef Vittorio use seasonal ingredients when they taste best. The Bruschetta is simple but delicious, showing that good ingredients don't need much fussing. Their fried pastry stuffed with mortadella and fried cheese sticks with dips are perfect starters. The Toscana Seafood Soup comes with warm herbed Focaccia bread. It's packed with different kinds of seafood in a tasty broth that complements rather than overpowers the fish.

SERVICE

The staff at Villa Toscana know their menu inside out. They can talk fluently about the Chef, his home region in Italy, and his special dishes. Waiters are magically available when needed but don't hover around your table. This perfect balance makes dining here super comfortable. Many reviews mention specific staff members by name, showing the personal connections they make with guests. People often praise servers like Jean-Paul, Hossam,Glice, and Aadi. The restaurant goes above and beyond for special occasions. They often surprise birthday guests with special desserts even when not requested. Some reviewers note that managers in blue suits sometimes pay more attention to certain tables. But overall, the service gets high marks from almost everyone.

PRICING

Villa Toscana falls into the high-end price range, which matches its location in the St. Regis hotel. You're paying for quality ingredients, expert preparation, and the luxury setting. A dinner for two with drinks might cost around 300 Euros. This puts it in the special occasion category for most people. The Business Lunch option provides better value for those wanting to experience the restaurant without the dinner prices. It's a smart way to try their food on a smaller budget. While expensive, most guests feel they get their money's worth because of the food quality and service level. The portions are generous, especially the seafood dishes.

SUMMARY

Villa Toscana stands out as one of Abu Dhabi's top Italian restaurants. The combination of authentic cuisine, elegant atmosphere, and excellent service creates a memorable dining experience. The restaurant successfully brings a piece of Italy to the UAE. Their seasonal menu changes and food festivals keep things fresh for repeat visitors. For anyone seeking real Italian flavors in Abu Dhabi, Villa Toscana should be at the top of their list. Just remember to dress appropriately and make a reservation, especially for dinner.

FAQs

Is Villa Toscana suitable for children?
Yes, Villa Toscana welcomes families with children. The staff are happy to prepare kid-friendly portions from the adult menu, and the spacious layout gives families enough room to be comfortable.

Do I need to make a reservation at Villa Toscana?
While not always required, reservations are strongly recommended, especially for dinner service and weekends. You can call them directly at +971 2 694 4553 or email restaurants.abudhabi@stregis.com to book a table.

What's the dress code at Villa Toscana?
The dress code is smart casual. Local attire is accepted, but shorts, open footwear (like flip-flops),and swimwear are not permitted. It's an elegant restaurant, so dressing nicely is appreciated.