This New Mediterranean-Inspired Restaurant In Abu Dhabi Comes With Poolside Lunches & Desert Sundowners

From Michelin-starred establishments to hidden local gems, Abu Dhabi offers endless culinary experiences for food lovers. If you're planning a visit anytime soon, there’s a new spot that deserves a place on your itinerary. Say hello to Amanie, a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant nestled within the breathtaking Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, a desert retreat, surrounded by nothing but golden dunes as far as the eye can see. 

At the helm of the culinary experience is Chef Giuseppe "Pino" Lavarra, who previously was the chef behind the Michelin-starred restaurant Rossellinis. His three-decade-long career has taken him across continents, leaving a lasting impact on the global dining scene. Hailing from the charming village of Putignano in Puglia, Chef Pino brings his culinary flair to the desert.

AMANIE isn’t just another restaurant—it’s a mood. Transforming the resort’s infinity pool dining area into an adults-only oasis, the venue invites guests to lounge, sip, and savour in style. Whether it’s a leisurely poolside lunch, sunset cocktails at the lounge, or a lively evening with a DJ, the restaurant is about celebrating food, connection, and the mesmerising beauty of the desert.

Ahead, Chef Pino spills the details on this exciting new culinary escape in Abu Dhabi’s extraordinary desert landscape.

ELLE Gourmet: AMANIE is set to redefine luxury dining in the desert. What inspired you to create a Mediterranean experience in such a unique setting?

Chef Pino: The desert is a place of contrasts, vast yet intimate, tranquil yet full of life. With AMANIE, we wanted to bring the Mediterranean’s vibrant energy into this serene landscape, creating a dining experience that feels both refreshing and deeply connected to nature. The Mediterranean way of life is about celebrating the moment, through food, conversation, or the simple pleasure of good company. The restaurant captures that spirit, offering guests a place to unwind, indulge, and savour the beauty of the surroundings.

ELLE Gourmet: How does AMANIE reflect your personal culinary philosophy and heritage from Puglia?

Chef Pino: Puglia is a land of honest, bold flavours, where food is a way of life. At AMANIE, I bring that same philosophy: fresh ingredients, simple preparations, and a respect for tradition, while elevating each dish to a refined dining experience. Aperitivo hour, for instance, is a key part of Mediterranean culture, and here, it becomes a moment of transition, where guests can savour small plates and handcrafted drinks as the sun sets over the dunes. It’s about embracing time, taste, and togetherness.

ELLE Gourmet: The AMANIE experience evolves throughout the day. How did you craft menus that transition from poolside lunches to sophisticated dinners?

Chef Pino: Dining is an experience that should flow naturally with the day. For lunch, we focus on light, nourishing dishes that complement the sun-drenched setting —fresh crudo, vibrant salads, and delicately grilled seafood. As the afternoon fades, the menu shifts to small, shareable bites like Pinchos and Chicchetti, which encourage conversation. Dinner comprises more indulgent plates that transform the infinity poolside into an elegant Mediterranean retreat.

ELLE Gourmet: Mediterranean cuisine is rooted in simplicity and fresh ingredients. How do you ensure authenticity while elevating the dishes to a luxury dining level?

Chef Pino: True luxury lies in the purity of flavour. We respect Mediterranean traditions by sourcing the finest ingredients and allowing them to shine. Every dish stars impeccable produce. We enhance these elements with thoughtful techniques and artistic presentation, ensuring each bite is both authentic and extraordinary.

ELLE Gourmet: Take us through AMANIE’s menu. Any signatures and must-tries?

Chef Pino: Some standout dishes include the Caramelised Onion and Fig Tarte, where sweet and savoury elements shine in perfect harmony, and the Mediterranean Monkfish Pot au Feu, which reimagines a classic with delicate, aromatic depth. The Pomegranate-Glazed Lamb Meatballs are a must-try for those who love bold, hearty flavours. And, of course, no experience is complete without our Lemon Chocolate Tart—a bright, zesty indulgence to end your meal.

ELLE Gourmet: Which dish from the menu best represents your journey as a chef, and why?

Chef Pino: The Fresh Herb Chicken Piccata holds a special place for me. It’s a dish that speaks to my roots; it’s humble yet full of character, refined yet comforting. It showcases my belief that great food doesn’t have to be complicated—it just needs balance, technique, and soul.

ELLE Gourmet: Sustainability and locally sourced elements are becoming central to luxury dining. How does AMANIE incorporate these aspects?

Chef Pino: For Anantara, sustainability is more than a trend—it’s a commitment. At AMANIE, we work with local producers wherever possible, and a lot of our fresh produce and herbs come from our greenhouse in Ezba. Every detail has been carefully considered to minimise waste and honour the environment.

ELLE Gourmet: How do you see the future of luxury dining evolving, and where does AMANIE fit into that vision?

Chef Pino: Luxury dining is becoming more experiential and immersive. It’s no longer just about what’s on the plate, but also about the setting, the story, and the feeling it evokes. AMANIE embodies this shift, blending world-class cuisine with an extraordinary location. It’s a destination, a mood, and an experience that lingers long after the last bite.