About

A freelance travel and motoring writer and photographer since 2004, living in UAE since 1999 (Al Ain!) Paolo Rossetti has published over 200 articles in The National, Gulf News, and Khaleej Times, as well as Arab Wheels, Middle East Car, Top Performance, and Wheels magazines. This love for cars and travel has taken him on an amazing journey of discovery in the UAE and Oman - and in this blog, Paolo wants to share his knowledge of great places to visit with you, just like numerous good buddies have shared their stories with him. Paolo is sad to hear of UAE expats (and nationals!) who spend their weekends bored in malls, when he knows there are awesome adventures to be had if only people knew where to go. Check out the photos and you will be astounded - is this really in the UAE? You betcha! On this website Paolo provides a lively travel article on a monthly basis, with description, photos, route, GPS file, and even a Google Earth map for you to follow at your leisure. It's free of charge because Paolo is not motivated by profits but by his admiration of the UAE and by helping you make the most of your stay in the UAE, be it a few months or a lifetime. To adventures!

Weekend Dining at Table Otto Patio, Al Jimi Mall, Al Ain

It used to be Al Ain fine-dining was restricted to the major hotels – not any more!

weekenduae Table Otto Patio in Al Jimi Mall, Al Ain, UAE on the weekend

On the top patio of Table Otto, in Jimi Mall’s fancy new extension, one of Al Ain’s finest restaurants overlooks the walkway with serenity, enjoying the fresh evening weather.

weekenduae Table Otto Patio in Al Jimi Mall, Al Ain, UAE on the weekend
weekenduae Table Otto Patio in Al Jimi Mall, Al Ain, UAE on the weekend

An upstairs off-shoot of Table Otto’s well-established kitchens, the decor is eye-catching throughout!

weekenduae Table Otto Patio in Al Jimi Mall, Al Ain, UAE on the weekend

And especially Table Otto Patio plays with the soft lighting and natural wood masterfully, to create a fairytale atmosphere of sophistication and luxury, while also caring about your comfort.

weekenduae Table Otto Patio in Al Jimi Mall, Al Ain, UAE on the weekend
weekenduae Table Otto Patio in Al Jimi Mall, Al Ain, UAE on the weekend

The menu is eclectic and the service was stellar in nature.

When the first dishes arrive, you realize just how special you are at Table Otto Patio, and how talented the Chef and his team are.

You order Quesadillas – look what is served!

weekenduae Table Otto Patio in Al Jimi Mall, Al Ain, UAE on the weekend

Juicy, and stacked on charcoal-infused goodness, yummy cheese melted like on a volcano, and elegantly presented with the three sister sauces of pico de gallo, sour cream, and guacamole – so that you may apply as per your personal preference.

Look closer.

weekenduae Table Otto Patio in Al Jimi Mall, Al Ain, UAE on the weekend

I was sort of expecting something amazing, just as I absorbed the vibes from the ambiance, but I was not expecting a fine-dining creation of quesadillas!

But then every other dish came as a surprise – and so I realized that this was just the level of dining that the good people at Table Otto aim for… this is how Table Otto Patio rolls.

Pizza? Sure, don’t mind if I do.

Inspired by the earlier magic of the Quesadillas, let’s go crazy – instead of my usual Margherita (which is on the menu, actually) we ordered the Short Rib Musakhan Flatbread.

Now that’s something you don’t see often on a menu – let’s see what comes…

weekenduae Table Otto Patio in Al Jimi Mall, Al Ain, UAE on the weekend

What comes?

What came was a masterpiece of flavors and textures, aromatic, even sensual – a handmade jewel of a pizza that could very well be placed in the Louvre of Culinary Genius!

weekenduae Table Otto Patio in Al Jimi Mall, Al Ain, UAE on the weekend

A soft and sightly crispy dough, shaped Turkish style, top-quality buffalo mozzarella, San Marzano tomato paste – minimal, just a scrape – succulent braised shredded ribs, crispy caramelized onions with sumac for the win, pine nuts for the satisfying crunch, and the final touch of genius: garlic tahina.

Really look even closer, and I wish you could smell the aroma because it would drive you crazy – and I’ll tell you, from Dubai or Abu Dhabi, it is worth jumping in your car and driving to Al Ain just for Table Otto Patio’s pizza!

weekenduae Table Otto Patio in Al Jimi Mall, Al Ain, UAE on the weekend

Every dish marvelous – all the way to dessert.

weekenduae Table Otto Patio in Al Jimi Mall, Al Ain, UAE on the weekend

And so, whether in Al Ain or just visiting, treat yourself to an evening at Table Otto Patio – a selection of much-loved favorite dishes re-imagined and elevated to fine-dining level, and served with pride, as the gentle desert breeze caresses your hair on the upstairs and outdoor patio in Al Ain Jimi Mall.