Nothing is quite as it seems at Roberto’s

Abu Dhabi’s latest hot spot has everything that you could possibly want in a stylish night out.

Roberto’s, an Italian restaurant that’s been packed since its opening in Dubai, has opened an outpost in the capital at the Rosewood hotel on Al Maryah Island with executive chef Francesco Guarracino in the kitchen.

The restaurant’s menu is a work of art, where nothing is quite as it seems. What appears to be chocolate sitting on fluffy white powder is actually a mouthwatering mango, onion and fois gras dish; a small red tomato is actually red pepper and tuna sauce, which somehow melts and disappears in your mouth; and the red chili is not spicy at all — it is actually your dessert.

Must tries from the menu I sampled at a media preview last week include the ravioli, the slow-cooked roasted octopus (Dh105) and the agnello — grilled lamb tenderloin (Dh187).

The coconut-based dessert with mint and raspberry sauce from the vegan menu is highly recommended, even if you are not vegan.

The lavish and chic venue seats 325 people, making it even bigger than the original sister setting in Dubai.

There are tables outside where you can enjoy the waterfront setting or inside where you can see the excitement that goes into preparing your food through the open kitchen. Open from lunch until 4am, Roberto’s is a superb addition to Abu Dhabi’s growing selection of upmarket venues. Call 02-6279009.