“Delecto offers a sensational selection of specially crafted meals and is the perfect destination for breakfast, lunch, dinner and everything in-between.” BR Shetty
Savoury and sweet come together in perfect harmony at Delecto that opened with some flair last month in Khalidiya in the heart in Abu Dhabi. Whilst one side of the sizable venue is dedicated to gourmet sweets, mouthwatering artisan chocolates and baked goods the other side offers an extensive menu of savoury items including sushi, pizzas, grills, pastas and salads.
Part of the homegrown Royal Catering empire, Delecto is a light and spacious European-style bakery and cafe that has a touch of old world charm. The elegant decor and furnishings feel like you are stepping back into a bygone decadent era complete with glass chandeliers and oodles of marble. Eight culinary concepts are amalgamated within three distinct areas of the one venue to give customers an extensive choice for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Alongside all the dine-in options Delecto also offers takeaway and delivery, private and corporate catering services and a retail section where items are presented in bespoke gift boxes and hampers.
The bright white area of the sweet shop is offset by pops of colour provided by rows of colourful sweets in pretty jars that sit alongside bold coloured glass accessories on display shelves. Plush pink velvet seating and gold accents complete this opulent area. Piles of traditional Arabic sweets are stacked high on a central wheeled table, perfect for that Eid gift this Ramadan.
The handmade Belgian chocolates that are made on site by the skillful chocolatiers simply melt in your mouth. They are available in dark, milk, and white in all shapes and sizes with different flavoured centres and garnishes, trust me they are delicious and I tried a fair few. Circular shelving units are weighted down under platters of beautifully wrapped chocolates that can be assembled into magnificent gifts, there’s also bell jars of pretty pastel turkish delight, speciality Tunisian and Moroccan sweets, coloured macaroons and even ice-cream.
All kinds of delicious breads, pastries, cakes and biscuits are housed in the wood and glass curved display that divides the sweet shop and the savoury section. Wow your party guests with one of the elaborate colourful birthday cakes that are on display, from boldly coloured children’s characters to the more refined adult versions of designer handbags and shoes, bespoke cakes can be made to order to accommodate specific requests and designs. The freshly baked loaves and pastries can be enjoyed with a coffee at the cafe or purchased to enjoy at home with the family.
A fancy monochrome patterned floor signifies your arrival in the savoury section where you can watch the chefs behind the series of show kitchen counters each labelled with old-school vertical signs. Try the raw delicacies from Sushi counter, order flavoursome marinated meat from the charcoal grill section, opt for a healthy salad, order a thin crust pizza cooked fresh from the onsite pizza oven. Enjoy the flavours of Italy from the pasta station or satisfy your craving for Mediterranean cuisine, everyone can have their food desires fulfilled at Delecto.
The soups we sampled, French Onion and Leek and Potato, were as good as any we have ever tasted. The mains of oven roasted teriyaki salmon served with vegetables and freshly made pizza were also very tasty. For those who are not concerned with counting calories there’s the Italian Dolce freakshake, a liquid tiramisu topped with whipped cream and chocolate covered pretzels.
Delecto is a creative concept that offers Abu Dhabi diners a new way to dine with so many varied options all under one roof. There’s a wide selection of culinary delights and gourmet treats on offer whether you choose to dine-in, collect for takeaway or order for home delivery. It’s also the perfect spot to purchase some fancy chocolates and traditional sweets for gifts or if you are like me consume all by yourself.
Delecto
Location: CI Tower, Al Bateen Street, Abu Dhabi
Telephone: 02 496 3444.
Website: www.delectouae.ae
Opening Hours: Daily 7:00am until midnight for dine-in, takeaway or delivery.
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I was invited to review Delecto. The views in this post are all my own based on my experience. Unless otherwise stated all photos © Jo Brett 2017. All rights reserved. Additional photo used with courtesy of www.delectouae.ae
An edited version of this article first appeared in Dining and Nightlife Abu Dhabi Magazine – June 2017