A Slice of Italian Life, from the Heart of Italy to Mirdif City Centre

A Slice of Italian Life, from the Heart of Italy to Mirdif City Centre

Alshaya opens its first Al Forno restaurant in the UAE .

October 8, 2010 3:47 by Rasha Reslan

Al Forno, the wood oven trattoria restaurant at the heart of Mirdif City Centre Mall, officially opens its doors today. Owned and managed by M.H. Alshaya Co., the eatery prides itself on serving authentic and delicious home style cuisine straight from the heart of the Italian countryside. The opening at Mirdif City Centre marks Al Forno’s debut in the UAE and follows the brand’s success in Kuwait.

Al Forno offers a welcome start, end or break to those indulging in some retail therapy at the Emirate’s newest mall. The restaurant is imbued with all the traditional touches of an Italian family restaurant – from terracotta tiles and red brick walls, to picturesque Italian landscapes painted on the walls. With a signature abundance of extra virgin olive oil on every table, guests can enjoy fresh bread and Italian grissini (breadsticks) accompanied with a bowl of olive tapenade to keep hunger pangs at bay, whilst browsing through the extensively appetizing menu.

The menu includes an array of authentic starters, Zuppe e Insalate (soups and salads) and Anti pasti (appetizers). Al Forno focuses on the simple pleasures of fresh homemade pastas, pizzas baked using an original wood-burning oven for the ultimate in authentic flavour, and rustic classics including Stinco do Agnello (braised lamb shanks with rosemary sauce), Scaloppini con Funghi (beef piccata with mushroom cream sauce) and Cernia con pesto di limone e basilica (grouper fillet with lemon and basil pesto).

For those with a sweet tooth, the Dolci (dessert) list includes Italian classics such as Tiramisu, Torta della nonna (home made chocolate cake and ice cream) and of course a selection of Gelati e sorbetti (ice creams and sorbets) complemented by the classic Italian espresso or cappuccino.

Nader Hallal, Head of Marketing for Alshaya’s Food Services division said:

“Food in Italy is cooked with love, and at Al Forno we’re passionate about bringing authentic tastes and flavours to the heart of Dubai. With the open kitchen and wood burning pizza oven, all of our guests get to experience a little of La Dolce Vita. As well as being the perfect setting for family dining, Al Forno is a great place to meet with friends and take a well earned break after a shopping spree.”