Founded in Abu Dhabi due to its passion for authentic Italian cuisine and the famous recipes of the golden age of Italian cinema, TOTÓ Restaurant is the first branch of the brand to launch in the Middle East. This lively concept, which originated in Madrid, Spain, is known for its traditional Italian recipes, excellent service, fine wines, and premium fresh produce, all amidst the backdrop of lively piano music and musical performances.
TOTÓ is committed to using only the freshest, highest quality Italian products and local seasonal ingredients, making it the only Italian restaurant of its kind in the United Arab Emirates. Built on a unique concept that combines tradition, creativity, and talent, it invites guests to take a trip back in time to Italy in the ’50s and ’60s, and immerse themselves in the charm of the golden age of Italian cinema with its black-and-white allure.
Named after Salvatore Di Vita, the main character in the legendary film Cinema Paradiso, the entire concept is a love letter to Italian cuisine and style. With bold flavors, colors, and aromas of Italy, the menu offers a glorious selection of traditional antipasti, pastas, pizzas, stews, meats, and seafood, all served with a modern and creative touch.
Offering breathtaking sea views from its terrace and an elegant, 1950s-inspired dining room, the menu highlights include signature dishes such as Vitello Tonnato antipasti with tuna, traditional La Vera Carbonara, and classic TOTÓ Tiramisu with Italian coffee and mascarpone foam.
Guests can also watch the preparation of light and crispy pizzas in the theatrical central oven, while the warm lighting adds a cozy touch to the ambiance and makes everyone feel at home.
The perfect spot for family dinners, romantic evenings, or gatherings with friends, the elegant TOTÓ cocktail bar is an essential part of the dining experience. Featuring traditional Italian products and ingredients, guests can enjoy the elegant ambiance and sample a wide variety of classic and daring original creations. Every bespoke mixology, mixed and shaken with limoncello, grappa, Italian tomatoes, and more magnificent Mediterranean flavors, channels the true spirit of Italy.
TOTÓ’s extraordinary ‘liquid proposal’ is further enhanced with its impressive cellar of premium Italian references. Boasting one of the largest selections of wines in the area, guests are invited to sample smooth and aromatic paired grapes from all the key wine-producing regions of Italy and receive expert recommendations from the talented service team.
Mirroring the infectious energy and black and white sophistication of the golden age, live music sets the scene every weekend with lunch and dinner performances from local talented musicians. Combined with breathtaking views of the white sands and azure waters of Soul Beach, TOTÓ Restaurant is set to become one of the most picturesque dining destinations in the city.
Daniel Lubina, Restaurant Manager of TOTÓ Restaurant, says: “No other Italian restaurant in the UAE is quite like TOTÓ. Uniquely inspired by the golden age of Italian cinema, we pride ourselves on staying true to Italy’s most iconic traditional recipes and making everything with the highest quality ingredients and fresh produce. Of course, our extensive wine cellar and bespoke Mediterranean cocktails are a key part of the experience, while our weekly live music completes our romantic 1950s feel. We are honored to represent the true essence of Italian cuisine and bring our first restaurant in the Middle East to Abu Dhabi’s idyllic beachfront community of Mamsha Al Saadiyat.”
Cristiano Bellantoni, Head Chef at TOTÓ Restaurant, says: “At TOTÓ, every recipe is a tribute to authentic Italian cuisine. We don’t believe in messing with the classics, and all our dishes are deeply rooted in the founding principles of Italian gastronomy: fresh fruits and vegetables, premium products, and simple yet extraordinary flavors. Spanning everyone’s favorite Italian specialties, plus a few unique dishes specifically designed for the Abu Dhabi audience, you can taste our passion, love, and dedication to Italian culture in every bite. Designed to take guests back to a simpler and more genuine era, everything is made using traditional techniques and served with an innovative twist.”
Set to open on April 1st, 2024, TOTÓ Restaurant Abu Dhabi will be open daily for lunch and dinner.
For more information, please visit https://www.totorestaurants.com/en/. For reservations, please call: 02 643 02 28.
