Review: Ana Restaurant offers a modern take on Emirati comfort food in Abu Dhabi’s Dalma Mall

For residents of the UAE who consider the country home, Ana Restaurant in Abu Dhabi offers a modern take on Emirati comfort food. The name ‘Ana’, meaning ‘I’ or ‘me’ in Arabic, reflects the restaurant’s celebration of the UAE’s diverse food culture, blending familiar local flavours with influences from communities that have made the emirate their home.

Atmosphere and Ambience

Located on the ground floor of Dalma Mall in Musaffah, the restaurant succeeds in creating a transitional space that helps diners forget they are in a shopping centre. Its arched entranceway and beautifully designed interiors provide what the reviewer describes as a perfect preconception palate cleanse. The aesthetic hints at the culinary experience to come, and the presence of a local crowd during dinner service is seen as a strong endorsement of the venue’s reputation for modern Emirati cuisine.

Culinary Highlights

The menu presents one of the more interesting interpretations of Emirati cuisine recently encountered in Abu Dhabi, according to the reviewer. Global ingredients are incorporated into regional staples, resulting in combinations that feel playful while respecting their origins. Starters include kibbeh roub, stuffed grape leaves, smoky eggplant, and an Arabian Nights salad. The kibbeh is enhanced by crunchy potato wafers reminiscent of Chips Oman, adding texture to the traditional comfort dish. The Arabian Nights salad features fried chickpeas, roasted eggplant, lentils, and raisins dressed with yogurt and pomegranate molasses, offering a balance of sweet, sour, creamy, and crunchy elements.

Main Courses and Desserts

For mains, the Machbous Hessa pays homage to a Gulf classic, pairing tender lamb with fragrant rice seasoned with baharat spice mix. The Dakkus Risotto merges Italian tradition with regional flavours including rose water, delivering a rich and comforting dish. The Ana Oum Ali dessert is served with generous shavings of toasted coconut, adding an unexpected tropical note to the creamy pudding. To complement the meal, the Vimto mint cooler is recommended as a skilfully crafted mocktail.

Prices and Verdict

Prices for the dishes are as follows: Kibbeh Roub at Dhs49, Grape Leaves at Dhs45, Smoky Eggplant at Dhs35, Arabian Nights Salad at Dhs47, Machbous Hessa at Dhs89, Dakkus Risotto at Dhs97, Ana Oum Ali at Dhs59, and Vimto Mint at Dhs39. The reviewer notes that the balance between tradition and experimentation makes the restaurant worth a visit, with a particular recommendation not to leave without trying the Ana Oum Ali. Operating hours are Saturday to Wednesday from 10am to 10:30pm, and Thursday and Friday from 10am to midnight. Contact number: 02 565 1329.