Antonia Mamsha: A Celebration of Roman Tradition and Emirati Hospitality

A Roman Legacy Rooted in Abu Dhabi

Antonia represents one of Abu Dhabi’s most compelling homegrown restaurant stories, a venture born from the deeply personal inspiration of Chef owner Simone Federici, who named his concept after his grandmother Antonia, whose kitchen in Abruzzo kindled his enduring passion for the culinary arts from earliest childhood. The emotional cornerstone of the menu is pizza al taglio: Roman style rectangular pizza, baked in generous trays and cut by the slice, crafted from a sourdough tradition drawing upon a fifty year old starter recipe that embodies generations of mastery.

At its location along Mamsha Al Saadiyat, Antonia occupies a setting that could scarcely contrast more dramatically with a Roman neighbourhood bakery. The restaurant commands views across the beach and integrates seamlessly into Mamsha’s celebrated promenade culture, where a casual midday meal effortlessly transforms into a languid afternoon. Whilst the dough rightfully commands attention, the menu extends with considerable depth: antipasti, carpaccio, burrata, handmade pasta, risotto and exceptional seafood offerings ensure the kitchen commands sufficient range for a complete evening’s dining rather than a single note experience.

The Craftsmanship of Pasta and the Flavours of Abruzzo

Federici orchestrates the menu with remarkable fluidity, moving between the reassuring familiarity of beloved Italian classics and more distinctly regional references. Fresh crab linguine appears as a recurring special, whilst sea urchin spaghetti introduces Sardinian notes to the repertoire. Porcini and truffle fettuccine, delicate ricotta gnocchi, beef rib ragù and seafood linguine demonstrate the kitchen’s profound commitment to the art of pasta making.

These refinements prove especially significant given the restaurant’s successful expansion across multiple locations. Rather than diluting its essential character, Mamsha retains the original’s distinctive personality: refreshingly informal, resolutely ingredient led and unmistakably personal. In recognition of its sourdough pizza excellence and the restaurant’s classical mastery of pasta, carpaccio and tiramisu, the Michelin Guide included Antonia in its Abu Dhabi selection in 2026.

The Beachside Sanctuary

Whilst several Antonia addresses now flourish, each expressing its own distinctive spirit, the Mamsha location remains the most atmospherically evocative. The beachside setting imparts a natural rhythm to the experience: slices shared during lunch hours, pasta savoured as the sun descends, or a table composed of several carefully chosen plates rather than an artificial procession. This fluidity transforms a meal into something far more contemplative than mere dining, a conversation between the chef’s tradition and the diner’s moment.

Practical details

Location: Mamsha Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Cuisine: Italian
Telephone: +971 2 667 2554
Official email: hr@antoniarestaurant.com