A new culinary experience awaits at Emirates Palace

Talea brings a reinterpretation of Italian cuisine to the capital.

With two Michelin stars to his name, Chef Antonio Guida is one of Italy’s most illustrious gastronomic figures owing to his ability to perpetually invent – and reinvent. Hailing from Puglia in the south of Italy, he spent years honing his talents in an array of celebrated restaurants before leading Seta at Mandarin Oriental, Milan to its first Michelin star mere months after its opening in 2015. A second Michelin star was awarded shortly thereafter (2016), cementing Guida’s reputation at the top.

Now, he has brought his prowess to his first restaurant outside of Italy, Talea. Located at Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi, the new restaurant presents diners with the opportunity to enjoy a highly curated selection of seasonal and authentic Italian dishes in an elegant, yet lively setting with a vibrant open kitchen. Talea’s menu draws on Guida’s distinctive culinary style to create ‘Cucina di Famiglia’, or family-style cooking. From handmade ravioli, authentic spaghetti alla carbonara and artisanal pizza to osso buco and vitello tonnato (a chilled veal dish that forms an indispensable part of the Assumption Day feast in Milan), the menu fuses traditional techniques with an innovative edge, which is essentially the signature of Guida.

The restaurant’s interiors feature magnificent two-toned columns and walls layered with beautiful art inspired by the landscapes of Italy – think: ports and palaces, lakes and luxe manors, cities and Roman ruins – accented with jewelled lights and geometric floors. A chic outdoor terrace is also available for a decadent al fresco dining experience. “With our concept of ‘Italy meets Abu Dhabi’, I am delighted to offer Talea’s patrons a new culinary experience that presents a new interpretation of Italian favourites, along with some rare and unusual combinations,” says Guida. Guests can enjoy this new culinary experience, along with all the iconic Emirates Palace has to offer when booking the One More Night package that’s valid until Thursday, 31 March.

GO: Visit www.mandarinoriental.com/abu-dhabi for reservations and more information.