The Tables we return to with Raj Dagstani
The founder of Marmellata and Barbassi shares the cafés, restaurants and neighbourhood institutions that shape his experience of the city.
The Tables We Return To begins with Raj Dagstani, founder of Marmellata and Barbassi, two homegrown concepts rooted in Abu Dhabi’s Mina Zayed.
Originally opened for only one evening each week, Marmellata grew from a family-led pizzeria into one of the capital’s most recognised independent restaurants. That connection between food, family and community also runs through the places Raj chooses for himself.
His list crosses the city, moving between coffee and matcha, artisan bakeries, contemporary dining rooms and long-standing neighbourhood establishments.
blue
Set along Mamsha Beach on Saadiyat Island, blue is a casual fine-dining restaurant centred on seasonal produce, regional sourcing and open-fire cooking. Its thoughtful, ingredient-led approach reflects a quieter and more considered side of the city’s dining scene.
Mamsha Al Saadiyat | Abu Dhabi
The Espresso Lab
For coffee, Raj returns to The Espresso Lab. With a focus on precision, craftsmanship and the ritual of coffee making, it has become one of the UAE’s most recognisable names in speciality coffee.
Qsar Al Hosn | Abu Dhabi
Mysk
Located at NYU Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island, Mysk brings together food, flowers and community. Wholesome dishes, signature bakes and carefully brewed coffee are served within a space designed to encourage conversation and connection.
NYU Saadiyat Island | Abu Dhabi
Knead Bakery & Patisserie
Knead is an Abu Dhabi artisan bakery known for handcrafted sourdough, laminated pastries and speciality coffee. It is a place where time, technique and craftsmanship remain central to what is produced.
ADREA Saadiyat Island | Abu Dhabi
Al Sultan Restaurant & Grill
A long-standing Abu Dhabi institution, Al Sultan has been serving Arabic and Lebanese grills for more than 50 years. Its enduring popularity lies in generous plates, charcoal-grilled meats and the familiarity of a true neighbourhood restaurant.
Al Dhafrah | Abu Dhabi
Tripoli Sweets
Established in Abu Dhabi in 1989, Tripoli Sweets specialises in traditional Lebanese and Arabic desserts. From baklava and maamoul to osmalieh and namoura, it represents another side of the city’s culinary memory.
Al Khalidiyah | Abu Dhabi
Em Sherif Café
Em Sherif Café brings Lebanese recipes and the generosity of the Levantine table to Abu Dhabi. Designed around dishes made for sharing, it is a place for long lunches, family gatherings and evenings that unfold slowly.
Corniche | Abu Dhabi
blue
Set along Mamsha Beach on Saadiyat Island, blue is a casual fine-dining restaurant centred on seasonal produce, regional sourcing and open-fire cooking. Its thoughtful, ingredient-led approach reflects a quieter and more considered side of the city’s dining scene.
Mamsha Al Saadiyat | Abu Dhabi
Raj’s selection tells a broader story of Abu Dhabi: a city where new independent concepts sit alongside establishments that have served generations. These are places defined not only by what they serve, but by the rituals, people and memories that continue to bring guests back.
Watch the full episode of The Tables We Return To with Raj Dagstani and discover Abu Dhabi through the people helping to shape it.
