The menu at Talea – celebrating “Cucina di Famiglia”, or family-style cuisine – draws on Guida’s distinctive culinary alchemy and interpretation of classic dishes traditionally known and cherished by households across Italy. Talea’s uncommon excellence was recognised by the bestowal of a Michelin star, establishing the restaurant as one of the finest that the UAE has to offer.

Behind the name Antonio Guida, there’s a man with a distinct personality who never fails to delight both friends and diners. His talent for culinary alchemy has captivated numerous prestigious Michelin-starred restaurants throughout the globe and earned him recognition as one of Italy’s finest chefs.

Key highlights:

- Located in the prestigious Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental Hotel
- Michelin-starred Italian restaurant serving family-style cuisine
- Led by Chef Luigi Stinga, winner of Michelin Guide Abu Dhabi's Young Chef Award

PROFILE

Talea by Antonio Guida opened about two years ago. The restaurant brings authentic Italian family recipes to Abu Dhabi with a modern twist. It's the brainchild of culinary master Antonio Guida from the Michelin-starred Seta at Mandarin Oriental in Milan. Day-to-day operations are handled by Luigi Stinga, who cried like a baby when the restaurant got its Michelin star. The name Talea celebrates "Cucina di Famiglia" - traditional family-style cooking passed down through generations. Their food mixes old-school Milanese techniques with new ideas.

AMBIENCE

The restaurant sits inside what's literally a palace. Not kidding. Walking in feels like stepping into a fancy Italian art gallery. The walls show pictures of Italian landscapes - ports, palaces,lakes, and Roman ruins. Two-toned columns give the place a classic Italian vibe. The dining room has an open kitchen in the middle where you can watch chefs do their thing. When the weather's nice, you can eat outside on their chic terrace. The sunset views are amazing, but watch out for mosquitoes. The lighting makes even small details look special. Some tables have magical views that make dinner feel extra fancy.

MUST-TRY

The signature truffle bruschetta is a must, though be careful about adding extra truffle - it costs AED150 per gram! Their tiramisu is prepared right at your table, which makes for a cool show. The biscuits are baked in-house and the sauce is made from scratch. The grilled octopus gets cooked perfectly - not too chewy, not too soft. Just right. Their handmade duck ravioli shows off the chef's pasta skills. The agrumi dessert combines fresh citrus, lemon sorbet, and white chocolate for a refreshing end to your meal.

FOOD

The menu features classic Italian dishes that families have enjoyed for generations. Each plate comes from recipes that Italian grandmas would approve of. You'll find creamy burrata that melts in your mouth. The ossobuco (stewed veal shanks in meat sauce) tastes like it simmered all day. Vitello tonnato offers chilled veal in a tuna-caper sauce - perfect for hot Abu Dhabi days. Their spaghetti carbonara sticks to tradition while adding small creative touches. The margarita pizza can be upgraded with truffle shavings. All ingredients are seasonal and authentically Italian. Luigi and his team make everything from scratch. This makes the food taste lighter and fresher than what you'd get at other fancy places.

SERVICE

The staff speaks several languages, including French, which is rare in Abu Dhabi. They're super attentive and customize service based on what you need. Some guests mentioned the sommelier recommends only the most expensive wines when asked for suggestions. That's kinda sneaky. One reviewer had an unpleasant experience with a rude hostess who looked down on them for asking how long food would take. Not cool for a Michelin place. Most visitors rave about the magical service, though. The team creates special experiences, like when the chef asked a couple about food preferences and then surprised them with a custom menu.

PRICING

This is definitely a splurge restaurant. Main dishes cost more than at regular places, but most people think it's worth it. Be careful with add-ons like truffle, which can seriously jack up your bill. One customer paid AED1500 (about 35% of their total bill) for truffle added to a pizza without clear price communication beforehand. The wine list focuses on Italian options, from famous vineyards to small producers. The sommelier might push the priciest bottles, so ask specifically for mid-range options if that's what you want. Despite being Michelin-starred, some guests find it reasonably priced compared to other fancy restaurants. The lunch menu offers better value than dinner.

SUMMARY

Talea by Antonio Guida brings a slice of Italian family cooking to Abu Dhabi's luxury scene. The restaurant balances tradition with innovation. The food quality and presentation match what you'd expect from a Michelin-starred place. The palace setting adds extra wow factor. Service can be hit or miss, with most experiences being excellent but a few disappointing ones. Watch out for unexpected costs like expensive truffle add-ons. For a special occasion meal in Abu Dhabi, Talea offers a genuine luxury experience in a beautiful setting. Just be clear about your budget when ordering extras.

FAQs

Is Talea by Antonio Guida suitable for families with children?

Yes, the restaurant welcomes families and provides highchairs. The "Cucina di Famiglia" concept celebrates family-style dining, making it appropriate for family gatherings, though it remains an upscale environment.

What is the dress code at Talea?

While there's no strictly enforced dress code, smart casual attire is recommended given the upscale nature of both the restaurant and the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental Hotel where it's located.

Do I need to make reservations in advance?

Reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner service and weekends. You can book by calling +971 2 690 7999 or emailing moauh-restaurants@mohg.com.