Get Ready, Dubai: Antonia Is Finally Coming To Town

Beloved Italian institution Antonia is flying the coop of the capital for the first time - landing a new home at Mall Of The Emirates in Dubai. It’s been quite the meteoric rise for Antonia since opening their doors in 2021 at the iconic Mamsha Beach location on Saadiyat Island. Their walk-in only policy often sees queues forming for a coveted table with sea views, complete with a refreshing spritz in one hand and a slice of crispy pizza in the other. With a move to Dubai, Antonia is giving the people what they want - and marking another big step for the brand.

Mall of the Emirates will mark the fifth Antonia branch: following the success on Mamsha Beach, award-winning chef and owner Simone Federici set his eyes on keeping the Antonia wave in motion. Antonia Trattoria threw open its doors to become a local favourite in Al Zeina. Soon after, Antonia Chic moved into The Galleria, setting up shop behind its heavy red drapes and becoming a firm favourite for a refuel on Al Maryah Island. The latest venture - a partnership with Bottega at Zayed International Airport - gives travellers one last chance for a pizza fix before scooting out of the UAE. So what will the first Dubai outpost look like?

Simone promises that the new location at Mall of the Emirates will feel just like the Antonias you know and love: relaxed and welcoming, with a simple menu full of fresh, feel-good Italian food. Plenty of your favourites will be on the menu - Roman pastas, those famous meatballs, focaccia, and of course, their iconic crispy sourdough pizza, served by the slice (and fermented for 72 hours using a 50-year-old starter, don’t you know!). The Dubai opening represents a change up - the venue won’t be licensed for alcohol, making it the perfect stop for lunch on a work day lunch or mid-shopping trip, or a laidback dinner with the family. Also on the menu? A few new dishes made just for Dubai - meaning us Abu Dhabi fans might just have to make the trek to Mall of the Emirates to try them out.

Team Antonia feels ready for this next adventure. ‘We’ve had so many guests ask when we’re coming [to Dubai], and it finally felt like the right time and place,’ says Simone. ‘Our goal is simple; to create a space that feels like home, with good food and good energy, just like Nonna would’ve wanted’. If it’s anything like their Abu Dhabi restaurants, it’s a home we’re all keen to visit - and just like a visit to Nonna’s, you’ll leave fit to burst with a smile on your face! 

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Antonia Dubai

Opening soon at Mall of the Emirates. Stay tuned for further details.