For residents who have embraced the UAE as their home, Ana Restaurant offers a delightful twist on comfort food, blending traditional flavours with the diverse culinary influences that make up the nation’s vibrant food culture. Encompassing the spirit of the local identity, the name ‘Ana’, which translates to ‘I’ or ‘me’ in Arabic, reflects the inclusive ethos of this dining establishment. It invites everyone—be it locals, expatriates, or visitors—to indulge in a harmonious celebration of culinary diversity.
The Atmosphere
Located in Dalma Mall, Ana Restaurant artfully transcends the typical mall dining experience. With its elegant design and striking arched entrance, it transports diners away from the hustle and bustle of shopping to a serene culinary retreat. The stunning interiors are a visual feast, echoing the restaurant’s identity and setting the stage for an unforgettable dining experience. The presence of a vibrant local crowd during dinner service signals its popularity and authenticity, confirming that Ana is a must-visit for modern Emirati cuisine.
The Culinary Experience
Ana’s menu is an exciting exploration of Emirati cuisine, offering contemporary interpretations of traditional dishes, enhanced by global ingredients. This inventive culinary approach maintains a respectful nod to their cultural origins while inviting diners to engage in a playful gastronomic adventure.
We commenced our meal with a selection of starters, including the kibbeh roub, stuffed grape leaves, smoky eggplant, and the Arabian Nights salad. The kibbeh roub was innovative, featuring crunchy potato wafers akin to Chips Oman that introduced a delightful texture to the beloved comfort dish. The Arabian Nights salad was another highlight, brimming with fried chickpeas, roasted eggplant, lentils, and raisins, all generously dressed in yoghurt sauce and pomegranate molasses. This combination of sweet, sour, creamy, and crunchy elements ensured it stood out as an exceptional starter.
For our main course, we opted for Machbous Hessa, a tribute to a Gulf classic showcasing tender lamb paired with aromatic rice seasoned with the essential baharat spice mix. For a culinary twist, we also tried the Dakkus Risotto, where Italian tradition meets regional flavours, subtly infused with rose water, resulting in a dish that was rich, warm, and comforting.
To conclude our meal, we couldn’t resist the Ana Oum Ali, a luscious dessert presented with generous shavings of toasted coconut that imparted an unexpected tropical essence to the creamy pudding. Complementing our meal was the Vimto mint cooler, a masterstroke of mocktail creativity that perfectly rounded off our dining experience.
The Price Tag
For those wondering about the investment, the menu items are priced as follows: Kibbeh Roub (Dhs49), Grape Leaves (Dhs45), Smoky Eggplant (Dhs35), Arabian Nights Salad (Dhs47), Machbous Hessa (Dhs89), Dakkus Risotto (Dhs97), Ana Oum Ali (Dhs59), and Vimto Mint (Dhs39).
Final Thoughts
The delicate balance between tradition and experimentation showcased at Ana Restaurant makes it an essential destination for anyone looking to explore Emirati cuisine reimagined. A visit here would be incomplete without indulging in the sensational Ana Oum Ali.
Where: Ground Floor, Dalma Mall, Musaffah, Abu Dhabi
When: Saturday to Wednesday 10am to 10:30pm | Thursday and Friday 10am to 12am
Contact: 02 565 1329