A new Saturday offering for the family

The Pranzo In Gardino (Lunch In The Garden) is a family-friendly offering with an “afternoon picnic vibe” plus activities for children, including painting, colouring and a cookery class, where they get to don a chef’s hat and make a selection of desserts including a mille-feuille.

The food is served sharing-style and diners get six starters, two pasta dishes and main each and a platter of desserts. Starters included a scene-stealing plate of slowcooked beef striploin (a highlight thanks to several small dabs of hazelnut gel). A beetroot quinoa salad with kale and avocado and mushrooms was another hit.

Both pasta dishes also excelled. The thick pappardelle with Bolognese sauce in particular was excellent – a less is more approach with the sauce limited the chances of a splattered shirt as well.

But dessert was the real highlight. Several mousse dishes were served on a square plate and crafted to look like fruit, including strawberries, coconuts and an apple. The best of the bunch was the creamy coconuts in a chocolate shell. The presentation was great – it looked too pretty to eat.

The staff were also a hit on our visit – friendly and knowledgeable – and overall, the experience was a good one. We’ll happily take Lunch In The Garden again.

The Galleria, Abu Dhabi, Sat noon to 4pm, Dhs245, under-fives free. Tel: (02) 6279009. Taxi: Maryah Island. robertos.ae