Mezzaluna — Restaurant in Abu Dhabi

Mezzaluna: An Authentic Italian Escape in Yas Mall, Abu Dhabi Yas Mall's dining scene has recently been elevated with the arrival of Mezzaluna, a charming new Italian trattoria that promises and delivers an authentic taste of Italy.

With a rich 40-year legacy originating from New York, Mezzaluna brings its signature home-style Italian hospitality and exquisite flavours to Abu Dhabi, creating a truly memorable dining experience.

The Ambiance

From the moment you step inside, Mezzaluna's ambiance envelops you in a warm and inviting embrace. The interior design, adorned with earthy tones, rich wooden accents, and colourful handmade ceramics, truly evokes the feeling of dining in a cozy Italian home.

The thoughtful arrangement of tables encourages a relaxed and convivial atmosphere, perfect for family gatherings or intimate dinners. Keep an eye out for the subtle, yet striking, half-moon artwork that pays homage to the restaurant's name. The theatrical open kitchen with its huge pizza oven styled like the mouth of a lion and the flurry of kitchen staff prepping the food adds to the lively energy, allowing glimpses of culinary magic in progress.

The Food

The food at Mezzaluna is a celebration of classic Italian cuisine, meticulously crafted with high-quality ingredients, many sourced directly from Italy. The pizzas are a definite highlight, boasting a wonderfully light and airy texture thanks to their 48-hour fermented dough. Whether you opt for a timeless Margherita, a robust Diavola, or a rich Quattro Formaggi, each slice is a testament to authentic Italian pizza-making.

Beyond pizzas, the menu offers a delightful array of options. The freshly made pastas and risottos are prepared with unique recipes by their Italian chefs – think creamy Risotto ai Funghi Porcini or hearty Lasagna alla Bolognese.

The antipasti selection is equally tempting, with the Burrata and grilled vegetables being a fresh and delightful start. For those seeking something more substantial, the grilled calamari and prawns or the succulent Branzino alla Piastra are excellent choices.

We tried the Crocchette Rochette Di Pollo E Funghi, which was a perfect start to the meal, the perfectly formed croquettes delicately flavoured with the mushrooms we simply divine dipped in the rich tomato sauce.

The highlights of the mains were their butter soft rib eye steak perfectly seasoned, cooked to medium well, as requested sliced into neat little stripes with rocket, date tomatoes sprinkled with grated Parmigiano Reggiano, we absolutely loved it.

No Italian meal is complete without dessert; their classic Tiramisu, artfully presented with a half-moon dusting of cocoa, is the perfect sweet conclusion. Families will also appreciate the recently launched, thoughtfully curated Kids Menu, ensuring little diners find something delicious to enjoy.

The Service

What truly sets Mezzaluna apart is its impeccable service. The staff are attentive, efficient, and genuinely warm, making every guest feel valued and at home. This personalized approach, combined with the focus on quality and authenticity, makes dining at Mezzaluna a truly satisfying experience.

The Verdict

Mezzaluna at Yas Mall successfully blends tradition with a modern, casual elegance, proving that authentic Italian dining can thrive in a bustling mall setting.

It’s an accessible and affordable culinary journey that delivers on its promise of a genuine taste of Italy. Highly recommended for anyone craving a fantastic Italian meal in Abu Dhabi!

The Contact

Mezzaluna Trattoria Pizzeria is located close to the Ferrari World side of Yas Mall, opposite the Rolex showroom, closest parking would be the Grand Prix or Fashion Parking, so you don’t need to walk far.

For further information and reservations please call...

Visited Mezzaluna on February 14th, right at their soft opening. As expected, the place was buzzing with staff—way too many of them, but that’s typical for the first few days. No music yet, a lot of running around, but hey, at least you can try the menu.

The good: The interior is well done—lots of wood, stylish decor, vibrant colors. The centerpiece? A massive lion’s head pizza oven. Cool concept, but it’s electric, not wood-fired… which feels a bit like buying a Ferrari with a bicycle bell.

The questionable: An open kitchen is always a nice touch, but this one? A little too open. And here’s where things get tricky—about 80% of the kitchen staff weren’t wearing gloves. Now, if there were plenty of visible hand-washing stations, fine. But when you see someone scratch their nose and then go back to plating food like nothing happened… yeah, that’s a red flag. In a region where hygiene expectations are high, this is something management needs to fix. Fast.

The food:

Quattro Formaggi Pizza – Decent, but lacking the punch of gorgonzola. Also, instead of mozzarella, they used mascarpone. An… interesting choice? Let’s see what other guests think.

Rigatoni alla Norma – A classic dish, but here the pasta was too al dente, bordering on crunchy. Another minute of cooking would have done wonders. Flavor-wise, not bad, but nothing to rave about.

Chicken & Mushroom Croquettes – Good idea, but the crust had a strong, bitter aftertaste from the fryer.

Roasted Potatoes with Garlic & Rosemary – Completely unseasoned. Had to add salt and pepper myself. I wasn’t expecting a DIY seasoning experience.

Final verdict: Giving this place a generous 4/5 for now because it’s just opening. But let’s set expectations straight—if you’re looking for a purely Italian, authentic experience, this isn’t it. The flavors lean more towards an Americanized (or perhaps even Turkish) interpretation of Italian cuisine, which makes sense considering the management team is from Turkey. Nothing wrong with that, just something to keep in mind.

That said, I do hope they improve and refine their dishes. Wishing them success and prosperity—Yas Mall could always use more good...

Mezzaluna at Yas Mall brings a refreshing touch of authentic Italian dining to Abu Dhabi, blending rustic charm with a modern, cozy ambiance. Born in New York over 40 years ago, this trattoria makes a grand impression with earthy tones, warm wooden accents, and a theatrical open kitchen centered around a lion-mouthed pizza oven. The menu is a true celebration of Italian flavors—starters like creamy burrata with grilled vegetables and crispy chicken-and-mushroom croquettes set a flavorful tone, while seafood lovers will appreciate the grilled calamari and prawns tossed in chili, garlic, and lemon. Pizzas are a highlight, with dough fermented for 48 hours to achieve a perfectly light and airy crust, offering options like Margherita, Diavola, and Quattro Formaggi. The mains deliver just as well, featuring rich risotto ai funghi and a tender rib-eye steak served with peppery rocket and dates. Desserts are no afterthought—classic tiramisu styled with a signature cocoa-dusted half-moon and a mango gelato that bursts with natural flavor round out the meal beautifully. Service is consistently warm and attentive, adding to the overall welcoming experience. While some guests mention portion sizes being modest for the price, the exceptional quality, stylish presentation, and genuine Italian essence make Mezzaluna a standout dining destination in Yas Mall—perfect for a relaxed yet refined...