SimplyAbuDhabi XLVII

Dining Verdura is a gastronomic destination in its own right, with seven restaurants and four bars, each celebrating the bounty of Sicily and the creativity of its chefs. In my visit I was blown away by Zagara, The flagship restaurant. Helmed by Fulvio Pierangelini and Emmanuele Riccobono, it offers the most refined Sicilian cuisine with a focus on fresh seafood—think catch of the day with homegrown fennel, spaghettoni with Sciacca shrimp, and ricotta ravioli with truffle. Ingredients are sourced from the resort’s own organic farm and complemented by an extensive Sicilian and Italian wine list. For beachfront dining, Amare is impeccable, with a lively cooking station serving fresh seafood, barbecued meats, and the signature ‘crudo’—thinly sliced local fish dressed with estate olive oil and citrus. Liolà was the place for that essential Italian icon—pizza! A rustic trattoria perched on the cliffs, perfect for family lunches or romantic dinners. The menu also features classics like caponata, arancini, all made with local produce. Nagori boasts another spectacular view, which almost distracts from the innovative creations from the artistic chefs. Here, Sicilian and Japanese traditions meet, offering fusion dishes such as tuna and wasabi cannoli and Mazara prawn ravioli. Of the four bars, the Scirocco Bar is the resort’s evening heart, with creative cocktails inspired by the legendary wind and a terrace made for sunset and stargazing. 248 | Simply Abu Dhabi