Zaitoun – Danat Jebel Dhanna Resort – Abu Dhabi

Zaitoun at Danat Jebel Dhanna Resort - interiors — Zaitoun at Danat Jebel Dhanna Resort – interiors

Zaitoun at Danat Jebel Dhanna Resort - interiors for a private group — Zaitoun at Danat Jebel Dhanna Resort – interiors for a private group

On my recent stay at Danat Jebel Dhanna Resort I discovered this lovely Italian restaurant called Zaitoun. A cozy comfortable dining atmosphere with tantalizing Italian dishes that set the right tone for the night during our stay. It’s a pity that this lovely restaurant is far away from the city and deep in the desert in Ruwais.

Complimentary bread and olive oil dipper

Roasted pumpkin soup with feta cheese ravioli - dhs 42 — Roasted pumpkin soup with feta cheese ravioli – dhs 42

First came their complimentary fresh hot breads and olive dippers. We almost stuffed ourselves with these compliments alone. The roasted pumpkin soup with feta cheese ravioli was a nice thick perfected soup. The Mocktails were just ordinary.

Insalata Caprese - Beet marinated mozzarella with candid walnut, cherry tomato, basil leaves, bread crotons, drizzled with aged balsamic vinegar — Insalata Caprese –
Beet marinated mozzarella with candid walnut, cherry tomato, basil leaves, bread crotons, drizzled with aged balsamic vinegar

Spigola Pan seared sea bass, lobster potato hash, Mediterranean vegetables and shitake mushrooms — Spigola
Pan seared sea bass, lobster potato hash, Mediterranean vegetables and shitake mushrooms

Then came their specialties. Besides their al carte menu they have a set menu for Dhs 165 which is inclusive of coffee & Tea. You can pick one starter, one main and one dessert. Both of them, the Spigola and Insalata Caprese were uniquely presented and very different in taste. Although the Pan seared sea bass was delicious with the sauce, the lobster potato hash might not be to everyone’s liking. The Instala Caprese was a stunner. A beauty on the plate by itself and a melt in the mouth.

Ravioli Ricotta and Spinach stuffed pasta, on a bed of grilled Mediterranean vegetables and tomato sauce — Ravioli – Ricotta and Spinach stuffed pasta, on a bed of grilled Mediterranean vegetables and tomato sauce

Chicken, mushroom, olives and tomatoes with penne - dhs — Chicken, mushroom, olives and tomatoes with penne – dhs

They couldn’t be wrong when it comes to pastas for sure. Both their pastas were outstanding especially their stuffed Ricotta and Spinach Ravioli. Never had to remind kids to finish their plate.

Tiramisu Coffee flavored mascarpone cheese, layered with biscotti - dhs 45 — Tiramisu
Coffee flavored mascarpone cheese, layered with biscotti – dhs 45

Rich warm chocolate fondant with vanilla ice cream - dhs 45 — Rich warm chocolate fondant with vanilla ice cream – dhs 45

The warm chocolate fondant was freshly prepared and you need to inform them ahead of time as they take around 15 mins to prepare it. This alluring warm chocolate fondant looks tough but a delicate crust when broken flows out the warm chocolate fondant. The hot and cold combination with ice cream makes it an irresistible delight . The Tiramisu was just ok. Being in an Italian restaurant I expected more from their Tiramisu. Click here to know more about the restaurant. Click below to view pictures in full screen view: