Antonia

The story

Antonia Abu Dhabi: Italian Pizza & Pasta on Saadiyat Island | Michelin Recommended

The story of Antonia

On Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi, Antonia serves Italian food that starts with a family heirloom: a sourdough starter created by Grandma Antonia in 1972. Refreshed weekly for over five decades, this proprietary sourdough is the soul of every pizza that comes out of the kitchen.

Chef-owner Simone Federici discovered his passion in his grandmother Antonia’s kitchen at age 13. Recognised as one of Italy’s top young chefs by 17, he trained in Italy, worked in the Caribbean and Miami, and now calls Abu Dhabi home. At Antonia, he honours the techniques and recipes he learned growing up in the Abruzzo region.

The pizza here is made in the “Al Taglio” style — baked in rectangular trays, loaded with toppings, and sold by the slice. The dough is fermented for 72 hours using 80% water, rustic Italian flour, olive oil, salt, and that nearly 50-year-old sourdough. The result is a thick, bubbly crust that is light and crispy, with a complex flavour and easy digestibility.

Beyond pizza, Antonia serves genuine pasta cooked al dente and sauced with extra virgin olive oil rather than cream or butter, following original Italian recipes. The menu also includes organic salads, Supplì, and desserts, paired with an affordable selection of Italian wines, draft beer, and Aperitivo.

This commitment to authentic Italian cuisine earned Antonia a Michelin Recommended distinction, placing it among the notable Italian dining destinations in Abu Dhabi. The restaurant offers counter dining, outdoor seating, and takeaway, making it as suited for a casual lunch as for a relaxed dinner on Saadiyat Island.