Bocca at Hilton Abudhabi – Real Italian experience in the Capital

Welcome:

This fine-dining restaurant offers the ideal space for weekday or weekend dine-out. Bocca Restaurant in Abu Dhabi, is an elegant Italian eatery, in a classic and sophisticated setting. The furniture and the set up gave the ambiance more Italian touch. The Chef, Mr. Leonardo, is the main artist behind the scenes with his excellent food. His Italian way of cooking might be just simple, but each dish is flavorful splendid! The menu at Bocca offers traditional Italian dishes of hearty pasta, steaks, antipasti, soups, pizza and a selection of indulgent desserts, including the famous Tiramisu. We had a great welcome from Luca the Restaurant Manager and the staff server in the restaurant Lillibeth made our dinner pleasant. First up, was the warm Italian bread basket that arrives pre-meal on the table, as an amouche. Those homemade bread were delicious. Although I was tempted to devour the entire loaf, I kept some space for upcoming yummy antipasti.

Starters:

As a starter, we had Fritto de mare- Shrimps with salsa verde. We loved this light snack style appetizer with vegan chips topping. It was delicious, tasty and exciting. My burrata cheese was perfect how I was expecting it in taste. It had yet so different base of aubergine salsa and was a complete package in its own. Next up was Bruschetta, which was quite unusual on grilled sourdough bread with a mixture of buffalo ricotta, forest mushrooms and fresh diced tomato and herbs. It was flavored with delicious butter and topped with basil leaves.

Last one on staff recommendation, we sampled ‘Vitello tonnato’ i-e thinly sliced veal, tuna tartar, creamy tuna sauce, fried caperssalmon tartre. It was tangy and creamy, we asked for crushed black pepper on top which complements the sauce and makes the dish a hit.

This proved that the place can do the basics well as my starters were simply delicious.

Mains:

As per the main course, we had the homemade Ravioli Alfredo chicken and forest mushroom ragout in a creamy Parmesan sauce. It was appetizing, especially the filling.For risotto, I opted for Orzotto con Zucca i-e Barley risotto with pumpkin, forest mushrooms, and buffalo burrata. It was rich and dense but entirely different in taste than the regular one. Across the table, my dining partners in crime hubby, and kids were busy exploring a giant Toscana pizza. The base was crispy thin with a generous quantity of sun-dried tomatoes & rocket salad. Taste wise it was average, but freshness made a lot of spark in the presentation.

Fettuccine with beef bolognaise sauce our kids opted for was close to perfection as a dish of flat pasta cooked al dente and smothered in a flavorsome herb-filled tomato and minced meat sauce. It was rich and warm and came with a sprinkle of chopped herbs.

From meat menu secondi we sampled Filetto di manzo i-e US Black Angus beef tenderloin which comes with grilled potatoes and incredibly delicious spinach frittata and mushroom sauce. Suprema di Pollo ruspante i-e Corn fed chicken with an unusual veg combination of Italian black cabbage, raisins, pumpkin mousseline & rosemary sauce. Meat in bothe the dishes was tender and juicy. Portion sizes are just right, with chunky vegetables cooked well. The dishes flavored with a delicious butter sauce were mild to the palette. The presentation was truly Italian and exquisite.

Dessert:

To close the dinner we had chosen few dessert from the menu, which came out to the table with surprise elements. Personal attention been given to orders literally left us awestruck. It came personalize with chef’ Leo’s compliments. It was simply delicious and we appreciate the ‘sweet note’ curated. Special thanks to Host Supervisor & Restaurant manager for their kindly approach and for let us feel genuinely welcomed!

Il famoso Tiramisu was a fabulous concoction, coffee-infused cream and sponge was simply perfect. The dusting of cocoa powder in the form of a “B” was a nice touch. My companion chooses Tortino fondente, Warm chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream. It has pleasant chocolate flavor which is a good side.

Verdict:

I always wanted to have an Italian substantial meal and I am glad its achieved. Freshly and homemade pasta’s and really good veal and meat. Every single bite of our dinner was fantastic. It was ‘Hearty’ place with no posey food you should definitely go to. They couldn’t do better. You might feel it a tad bit expensive but believe me, is an experience that you cannot miss if you are in Abu Dhabi.

Essentials:

BOCCA