The Italian job
Tucked away at the back of the Souk at Qaryat Al Beri, you might have missed Certo, an inviting, down-to-earth Italian joint. With the fancy presentation, you might expect higher prices but the man-sized mains are surprisingly reasonable, especially considering guests can enjoy the gorgeous view of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, a popular patio, and attentive but subtle service.
Certo offers all the standard Italian favourites plus plenty of fish, chicken, red meat, vegetarian and pizza. We started with the beef carpaccio and seared scallops, both of which were light and delicious but perhaps a little heavy on the greenery.
Considering the size of the mains, you could almost give the starters a miss. We loved the tagliolini with lobster flavoured tomato sauce and langoustines but made an absolute mess of ourselves trying to shell the saucy seafood – not a first date dish unless you’re looking to be valiant. Thankfully, we had the option to get our linguine with lobster and seafood sauce without the shell, which proved both efficient and tasty.
Delicate seafood notwithstanding, this is the sort of Italian that reminds you of Tony Soprano rather than Michelangelo. The steak comes at an excellent price – around AED 100 for 200 to 300 grams, depending on the cut. Sauces and sides cost extra, but it’s still a great deal. The same can be said for the pasta: each dish runs around AED 100 and there’s plenty of it.
You’ll be hard pressed not to fill up fast, but try and hold out to be able to enjoy a serving from the final course.
The dessert menu features Italian favourites like dense, deadly chocolate gelato and the creamy, chunky tiramisu – go and enjoy with someone who loves you – even when you steal the dessert from under their nose.
What? Certo
Where? The Souk at Qaryat Al Beri
Cost: Most of the menu –starters and mains – runs between AED 50 and 125, and portions are hearty
Why? Everything from the unpretentious courses to the prices to the ambiance says ‘relax’
Why not? The funky playlist had to compete with rival venues early in the night
We say: Check out the launch of their new menu this Saturday, 18th September
Contact: 02 558 1161
