Filini

Filini is the Italian restaurant at Yas Plaza on Yas Island, a warmly lit room with an outdoor terrace that catches one of the better sunsets in the area - the view over the golf course and marina bay is worth timing your reservation around. The kitchen is led by an Italian chef, and the food reads as authentically Italian rather than hotel-Italian: fresh pasta made on site, a properly thin oven-fired pizza, and a calamari that regulars return for specifically. The pasta programme is the strongest suit. The pici al ragu is rich and satisfying, the gnocchi is light and well-sauced, and the carbonara delivers the real thing. The sea bass is a reliable main, the tagliere platter makes a generous shared starter, and the zuppa di mare is robust. The chocolate mousse and panna cotta close the meal well. An Italian music soundtrack adds atmosphere without competing for attention. The restaurant is genuinely kid-friendly, with staff who engage naturally with younger guests and a kitchen willing to adapt portions. Vegetarian options are more varied than expected for an Italian room, with the gnocchi and lentil salad drawing particular praise. Service is consistently warm and unhurried, with a team that enjoys guiding guests through the menu and accommodating off-menu requests. The outdoor terrace is the preferred setting on cooler evenings.