Ferrari World Unveils Gran Tour Emilia: A Feast Of Italian Flavours Under Abu Dhabi’s Iconic Red Roof

Executive Chef Alejandra Zauli hails from Imola - in the heart of the Ferrari homeland - and is the perfect fit to helm Gran Tour Emilia; it’s a homecoming of sorts. We’re delighted to see her pop up here - having seen her smiling face at some of our other favourite Abu Dhabi restaurants over the years - and you can see the passion and authenticity she brings to the food.

The entire space is thoughtfully designed - and the staff are on hand to make your visit a special one. From porticos that’ll transport you to afternoon strolls down an Italian street, to lights that are a funky combination of engine pieces and factory lights from the Ferrari factory in Italy, to premium quality balsamic, olive oil and Parmigiano-Reggiano direct from the Emilia-Romagna region, every detail has been carefully thought out. Tables are even adorned with names of the key cities in the region: Parma, Bologna, Modena and Maranello, home to the Ferrari factory.

Let’s Talk About Food

Arrive hungry - whether you’re fuelling up for an action-packed visit, taking a break from the excitement of Ferrari World or want to finish your theme park adventure on a tasty - and authentic - note, you’re in for a treat. Tuck into some delightful antipasti to start: we rate Nonna’s meatballs - polpette della nonna (AED85) - homemade meatballs in tomato sauce and a generous amount of green peas, with focaccia to mop up the leftover sauce. Burrata - always a winner - was tempting, but we skipped it in favour of tegamini - the region’s own style of pizza, with a thicker crust and crispy base. We got our burrata fix with their burrata e pizzutelli (AED90), the burrata topped with signature yellow tomato (grown in the volcanic soil of southern Italy - every ingredient is carefully chosen).

Pastas are well priced for the quality. We enjoyed the tortelli ricotta e spinaci (AED90), tender triangles of pasta with a creamy ricotta and spinach filling, but the lasagna verde della casa (AED95) is a must-try. A signature lasagna, it’s as tasty as it is aesthetic: homemade green pasta encasing traditional beef ragu, bechamel & Parmigiano-Reggiano all combine for a pasta marriage made in heaven. From the mains, pollo alla diavola (AED135) is a winner. The boneless cornfed baby chicken - with a honey and smoked paprika glaze - served with a silky smooth carrot puree (yum) and hasselback potatoes that go down a treat.

Dolci is a battle of the best of Italian desserts: tiramisu (AED50) versus profiteroles al pistacchio (AED50). Both are finished tableside - the tiramisu expertly layered, the pistachio ice cream-filled profiterole coated in a warm pistachio-caramel sauce - and both are excellent. If you’re a coffee lover, this tiramisu will leave you tickled. The vote was split on our favourite, so get both and share - no regrets.

And How About Drinks?

Keeping with the family-friendly Ferrari World vibe, Gran Tour Emilia isn’t licensed - not that you’d notice! The bar itself is lovely, right down to being adorned with terracotta roof tiles from the rolling hills of Emilia-Romagna - and the talented bartender whipped up some of the most impressive mocktails we’ve seen. 

Without a doubt, the Rosso Noturno booster (AED30) had the most wow factor: mixed in a blown glass vessel, then topped with a glowing, smoke-filled bubble, it’s no shrinking violet. We love Bologna (AED45): sweet, foamy and refreshing, combining basil cordial, cold brew green tea and pineapple juice - it’s a winner. Controversially, Gran Tour Emilia’s Bellini (AED60) is one of the best we’ve ever had - made even better with its guilt-free 0% Lyre’s Classico bubbly, topped with sweet peach puree.

It’s refreshing to walk into a restaurant of such a calibre in a theme park - but Ferrari World doesn’t do things by halves - and unsurprisingly Gran Tour Emilia is no exception. If you’re planning a day out hitting the roller coasters, have visitors in town or have a Ferrari World annual pass, be sure to stop by - from the warm hospitality of the staff to the excellent food, it is the perfect dining experience to complete your Ferrari experience. Transport yourself from Abu Dhabi to Emilia-Romagna - without the flights: buon appetito!

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Gran Tour Emilia 

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi 

Timing: daily | 10AM - 7PM

‍Gran Tour Emilia is in its soft opening phase - so if you happen to be visiting this week, you can walk past and nab a table (if you’re lucky). Things officially kick into gear following the grand opening on Friday, September 19th.