Villa Toscana — Restaurant in Abu Dhabi

We headed to the Villa Toscana Italian restaurant at the @stregisabudhabi to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary, just the two of us.

We were immediately greeted by friendly faces and a warm, cosy ambiance.

I ordered a bottle of Chianti which proved to be an inspired choice. It had a wonderful bouquet and was not too overwhelming.

The Mrs had some mildly spiced prawns and I went with the eggplant parmigiana to get the ball rolling. The flavours were both delicate and appetising.

We then moved on to our mains with a lobster ravioli for the Mrs and a marinated ribeye for my carnivorous self. Once again, we were seriously impressed at the quality of the ingredients. The freshness was extremely apparent and both were perfectly seasoned. Not once did we even think about an extra sprinkling of salt and pepper.

Dessert was an experience in itself. The Mrs ordered a Hazelnut Semifreddo and I accepted the house recommendation which was a chocolate fondant. If I had to choose one word to describe both desserts, it would be SINFUL! We both don't take much sugar and as such are usually disappointed with the desserts served at restaurants but not this time. They were both not overwhelmingly sweet and this let the flavours of the base ingredients shine through. Magnificent!

We were then treated to a special house creation - a Magnum Tiramisu. All I can say is Mammamia!!!!!! I of course decided to elevate it even further by ordering two glasses of Disaronno Amaretto.🤤

This turned out to be a meal we shall not soon forget. We will be back!

A special shout out to head waitress Zalgiana and Salman who saw to our every need and engaged us in friendly and lively conversation.

This place has it all. Great food and wonderful service with an ambience to boot.

You must...

Quite possibly the best Italian restaurant in the capital, in my opinion, the multi-awarded Villa Toscana in @stregisabudhabi is exceptional at so many levels!

The interiors have a warm and intimate vibe with murals on the walls depicting the picturesque countryside almost transporting you to the Tuscan Valley. The staff, as expected at any St. Regis is incredible at their service. The star of it all is the food. It hits you on another level altogether.

For starters, I recommend the prized "Chianna" Carpaccio stuffed with rocket radicchio, tomatoes, parmesan cheese and caramelised onions and the Spicy prawns baked in the oven with garlic and basil and served with a freshly baked soft bread that is so good.

If you're a risotto lover like me then try the Risotto with Porcini and fried oyster mushrooms. It's creamy, delicious and can easily be the only dish you need to order at Villa Toscana. The Pappardelle with Prawns in a tomato sauce was surprisingly better than expected.

Their desserts are mind-blowing as well. I always try to get Tiramisu, one of my favourite desserts and a true test for any Italian restaurant. Villa Toscana put this classic on a stick in an ice cream format and I couldn't have asked for a better way to end a fabulous meal.

If you're in Abu Dhabi and you've got something to celebrate or just want to have really really good Italian food then Villa Toscana is highly recommended. It will be...

Villa Toscana is truly a gem in the heart of Abu Dhabi, deserving its title as one of the best restaurants in the Middle East. From the moment you walk through the doors, you’re greeted with warmth and professionalism, thanks to the exceptional Tina, who ensures every guest feels valued and welcomed.

The service is impeccable, striking a perfect balance between attentiveness and discretion. The staff’s attention to detail elevates the dining experience to an art form, ensuring every meal is memorable.

The true star, however, is Chef Vittorio, whose culinary mastery rivals the best in the world. His dishes are a celebration of authentic Tuscan flavors, executed with modern flair and precision. Each plate reflects his passion, creativity, and commitment to excellence.

It’s baffling why Villa Toscana has yet to receive a Michelin star, especially when compared to other starred establishments in Abu Dhabi. The quality of food, ambiance, and service here surpasses many Michelin-recognized venues. It’s high time the Michelin Guide acknowledges this culinary treasure.

Villa Toscana is a must-visit for anyone seeking an extraordinary dining experience. Chef Vittorio and his team have set a standard that’s hard to match, making this restaurant a standout in...