“Discover the Dolce Vita with tasty and traditional dishes straight from Italy, prepared with passion for all Italian food lovers.” Marco’s Italian
The stylish Marco’s Italian, located at the Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, has unveiled its new menu that’s overflowing with authentic flavours using only the freshest ingredients. The restaurant and bar, created by celebrated British chef Marco Pierre White, offers guests modern, uncomplicated family-style food inspired by traditional Italian cuisine.
The revamped menu has been created by Head Chef Giampaolo Maffini, who has recently returned to Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, to tempt the capital’s diners with an array of tasty dishes that showcase his heritage. With chef Giampaolo at the helm the spruced up menu features home-style food that reflects his passion for his native Italy’s cuisine.
Signature dishes include the delightful Ravioli Burrata e Pomodoro, fresh pasta filled with creamy Burrata cheese and sweet tomatoes, served with a buttery sage sauce. Other highlights are a rustic style bruschetta, fritto misto, lobster risotto and burratina Mediteranea, made with milk cheese imported directly from Italy. There’s also pasta dishes such as spicy penne arrabiata, classic lasagna and a pizza selection with everything from a margherita and calzone to the flavoursome tartufo e porcini that combines truffle and porcini mushrooms.
Mains include ossobuco, slow-cooked veal with saffron risotto, hazelnut crusted rack of lamb and pan-fried black cod. Those with a sweet tooth, like myself, can finish strong with a dessert selection that includes a classic tiramisu (I can vouch firsthand for the recipe), crispy Sicilian cannoli filled with sweet ricotta, a velvety panna cotta served with a berry compote, cheesecake and authentic Italian gelato. The sizable beverage selection includes cocktails, wine and beers to compliment the gastronomic experience and of course there’s the popular Aperol and Campiri spritz.
Marco’s Italian is not pretentious, it’s about good food served in a great environment and good service. The space itself is both contemporary and inviting and perfect for all occasions whether it’s date night or a family dinner. Aperitivo is served at the bar where monochrome floor tiles vie for your attention against the heavily patterned palm wallpaper and mustard seating. The dining area is decorated with muted tones and adorned with black & white photos of the famous, spirited chef Marco Pierre White at work. There’s also a lounge area for post-dinner drinks or coffee and a small outdoor terrace for an alfresco experience.
Authentic flavours and traditional favourites transport you from Italy to Abu Dhabi. I was lucky enough to sample some of the new dishes at last week’s launch and I totally recommend a visit to Marco’s Italian to try for yourself. I not only enjoyed the delicious food but was also treated to a masterclass with Chef Giampaolo himself where I constructed my own individual (boozy) tiramisu.
Marco’s Italian
Location: Lower Ground Floor, Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Khor Al Maqta, Abu Dhabi
Telephone: 02 654 3238
Website: www.fairmont.com/abu-dhabi/dining/marcos-italian/
Email: dining.bab@fairmont.com
Opening Hours: Sunday – Friday: Lunch 12pm – 4:pm (last orders at 3pm) Dinner 6pm – 11pm (last orders at 10:30pm) Saturday: 1pm – 4pm part of Fairmont Saturday brunch at CuiScene. Dinner 7pm – 11pm (last orders at 10:30pm)
I was invited to the new menu launch. All views are my own. Unless otherwise stated, all photos on this page © Jo Brett 2023. All rights reserved. Any additional photos used with courtesy of
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This article showcases an authentic and delicious menu at Marco’s Italian restaurant, which offers mouth-watering Italian dishes created by Head Chef Giampaolo Maffini. It’s a perfect place for a family dinner or a romantic date night. The inviting contemporary environment and excellent service add to the charm.
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