Eataly, on Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Street, brings together a range of Italian dishes under one concept, focusing on both classic and familiar flavors.
I visited expecting a straightforward Italian meal, and the experience largely stayed true to that.
I started with a mix of antipasti (appetizers). The antipasto misto, an Italian-style appetizer, brought cheesy fried mozzarella, golden potato croquettes and cold cuts followed by lingue croccanti, a thin and crisp pizza, offering a finger-licking variety of textures and flavors to start the meal.
The zuppa di pomodoro, a tomato-based soup with capsicum and basil pesto, was simple and set the tone.
The caprino salad with goat cheese, beetroot and spinach offered a mix of textures, while the burrata e pomodorini and bruschetta with burrata followed a similar direction, relying on fresh ingredients without overcomplicating the dish.
The arancini with mushroom filling were served warm and consistent, though not particularly different from what you would expect.
For mains, I tried the grilled salmon and the chicken Milanese. Both were prepared as described, with the chicken served alongside rocket leaves and potatoes.
The tagliata di manzo offered another option for those looking for a meat-based dish.
The pasta selection, including lasagna, rigatoni arrabbiata and pesto pasta, leaned more toward familiarity than distinction.
The pizza section is extensive, from a classic Margherita to burrata and vegetable options.
The base was consistent, though toppings varied in balance depending on the choice. It definitely felt homemade and maintained a distinctly Italian style.
There are many other options on the menu to try, including burgers, salads and mains, each presenting a different take on traditional Italian flavors.
It is best to reserve a table before visiting.
