Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara is proud to unveil AMANIE, a new Mediterranean-inspired restaurant set to redefine the resort’s luxury dining experience. Opening its doors in early 2025, AMANIE is the creation of the resort’s acclaimed Culinary Director, Chef Giuseppe “Pino” Lavarra, and his talented team. The restaurant offers guests a unique culinary journey in an extraordinary desert setting.

With a distinguished career spanning over three decades, Chef Pino, a Michelin-star recipient, brings a new era of culinary innovation and excellence to the dining experience at Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara. Hailing from the vibrant village of Putignano, Puglia, Chef Pino has forged an extraordinary path across continents, leaving an indelible mark on the global gastronomic landscape.

The introduction of AMANIE elevates and transforms the resort’s infinity pool dining experience into a vibrant space exclusive to adults, offering the perfect setting to unwind and indulge. Designed to foster connection, AMANIE presents a refined, welcoming atmosphere where guests can savour the Mediterranean’s flavours, rituals, and hospitality while embracing the vast, tranquil beauty of the surrounding desert. From leisurely lunches by the pool to sunset drinks at the lounge and lively evening gatherings with our resident DJ, the venue invites guests to pause, savour, and celebrate the shared joy of food, community, and nature’s splendour.

Jean-Paul Dantil, General Manager of Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, expressed his excitement about the opening, stating, “AMANIE is truly one of a kind – there’s nothing like it anywhere else in the UAE. Crafted entirely by our talented in-house team, every detail has been thoughtfully designed to provide a dynamic experience that evolves throughout the day. More than just a restaurant, AMANIE is a destination in its own right. I’m incredibly proud of the team for bringing this vision to life, and we can’t wait for everyone to experience the exceptional flavours, sense of connection, and serene atmosphere it offers.”

A world-class menu

The AMANIE menu offers a carefully curated selection of Mediterranean-inspired dishes with signature offerings inspired by Chef Pino’s Italian heritage. It is divided into distinct segments that cater to different moments of the day.

Lunch offers nourishing dishes perfect for a relaxing afternoon by the pool, featuring fresh crudo options like Caramelised Onion and Fig Tarte and Smoked Sepia Tabbouleh, alongside heartier dishes like Mediterranean Monkfish Pot au Feu and Fresh Herb Chicken Piccata. As the evening approaches, the Pinchos & Chicchetti menu begins at 5:00 pm, offering a selection of small, shareable plates such as Sardine and Citrus Tapenade on Crostini and Pomegranate-Glazed Lamb Meatballs, a perfect prelude to dinner.

From 6:30 pm, the Dinner Menu takes centre stage, presenting a more sophisticated and expansive range of Mediterranean dishes. This offers guests an elegant and elevated dining experience by the infinity pool under the desert sky.

The dessert choices, presented as a separate experience, encourage guests to linger over their meal and enjoy a final taste of Mediterranean delights. Tempting options include the zesty Lemon Chocolate Tart, Raspberry Chocolate, Mango Ravioli, and more. Each treat is designed to reflect the fresh, vibrant essence of the Mediterranean with a playful twist.

Curated beverage selection

The AMANIE beverage menu features a curated selection to complement the Mediterranean-inspired dining experience. Guests can unwind by the infinity pool or lounge at the bar with refreshing cocktails, spritzers, and creative mocktails or pair drinks with their meals. Enjoy a drink while basking in the sun or toast the desert sunset, immersing yourself in a leisurely experience. The extensive wine list offers a curated selection of global wines, available by the glass or bottle, ensuring perfect pairings for every meal. Drink service is available daily from 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm.

An ambience inspired by the desert

Exclusive to adults, AMANIE offers uninterrupted views of the resort’s stunning infinity pool, with breathtaking vistas of the desert’s dunes. The location provides the best vantage point to watch the sunset over the rolling dunes of the Empty Quarter, making it the ideal place to raise a toast.

The atmosphere at AMANIE is designed to evolve throughout the day. Beginning with a calm, sunlit mood for lunch, the restaurant gradually transforms into a vibrant pre-dinner gathering space during Aperitivo time before settling into a sophisticated yet relaxed evening ambience.

As night falls, the soothing backdrop of the desert and dramatic reflection of the moon over the infinity pool are complemented by our resident DJ, whose music evolves to mirror the desert’s rhythm and energy.

Thoughtful design elements

From the artisanal ceramic plates sourced from Abu Dhabi-based COE Studio to the sleek glassware by Nude, every detail at AMANIE has been chosen to complement the restaurant’s Mediterranean-inspired aesthetic while harmonising with the desert’s natural palette. The interior design features natural materials and warm tones, creating an inviting and elegant space that embraces guests, inviting them to relax, savour, and enjoy the beauty of their surroundings. OBMI, an award-winning international architecture firm, curated the space.