Terra Secca

Welcome to Terra Secca, an upscale trattoria that brings the spirit of Tuscany to the heart of the Arabian desert. Located within the Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa in Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi, this distinctive Italian restaurant offers a refined dining experience that pairs authentic cuisine with an unforgettable desert setting. The name Terra Secca translates to "Dry Earth" in Italian, a fitting homage to the restaurant's unique location among the dunes. According to Google Maps, Terra Secca holds a strong 4.6-star rating from 65 reviews, with a typical price range of 150–350 AED per person.

From the moment you arrive, it’s clear that Terra Secca is more than just a meal—it’s a culinary journey. The restaurant features a live kitchen where every pizza and fresh pasta is handcrafted in-house daily. A modern brick oven stands at the heart of the action, turning out Tuscan specialties while guests watch their food come to life. The dining room blends rustic European warmth with contemporary design: exposed brickwork, stylish furnishings, and curated displays of Italian products. Step outside, and the alfresco terrace invites you to dine under the desert sky, often accompanied by views of majestic Arabian horses grazing peacefully nearby.

Menu Highlights at Terra Secca

The menu at Terra Secca focuses on traditional Italian cuisine, with a strong emphasis on Tuscany. Google Maps reviewers and the restaurant’s own descriptions consistently point to a few standout categories.

Handcrafted Pasta & Pizza

All pastas and pizzas are made from scratch using house-made dough. The pizza is baked in a modern brick oven, achieving that characteristic crisp-chewy crust. Popular dishes reported by guests include a range of pasta preparations that showcase seasonality and authentic technique.

Burrata & Antipasti

Burrata and Campana appear as highlighted favorites on the Maps listing. These are part of a larger selection of antipasti that feature imported Italian cheeses, cured meats, and marinated vegetables—ideal for starting your meal.

Italian Wine Program

The restaurant’s website and contact page both mention indigenous Italian wines served alongside the food. A glass of Tuscan red or white complements the alfresco sunset and the rich flavors of the kitchen’s output.

The Dining Experience at Terra Secca

Terra Secca operates daily from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM, a broad window that covers breakfast through late dinner. The restaurant offers dine-in, takeaway, and delivery services, making it accessible whether you’re a resort guest or a visitor exploring Al Wathba.

Atmosphere & Setting

The indoor space carries a sophisticated trattoria feel—warm lighting, exposed brick, and modern furniture that nods to Italian tradition without feeling heavy. The live kitchen is a focal point, allowing diners to watch chefs stretch dough and plate pastas. The outdoor terrace is particularly magical at sunset, when the desert cools and the sky paints itself in layers of orange and pink. The presence of Arabian horses in the adjacent grounds adds an element of local character that no other Italian restaurant in the region can replicate.

Service Style

Reviews on Google Maps consistently praise the attentive, detail-oriented service. One reviewer specifically thanked the restaurant manager for a warm welcome that elevated the entire evening. Another mentioned the chef, Lorenza, by name, describing her style as "authentically Italian" and noting how she and a server called Lapna paid attention to even the smallest details.

Customer Reviews & Ratings

Terra Secca holds a 4.6-star rating on Google Maps based on 65 reviews. The feedback highlights several recurring themes.

What Diners Love

Reviewers frequently describe the food as "delicious and beautifully presented." The quality of the ingredients and the skill of the kitchen team are points of regular praise. The desert location combined with Italian cooking creates a memorable contrast that appears in multiple comments. The live kitchen and the overall ambiance both earn positive mentions.

Notable Review Themes

One reviewer wrote, "We were warmly welcomed by the restaurant manager, which made our visit a completely successful experience. The food was delicious and beautifully presented, and feeding the horses was a lovely and unforgettable experience." Another guest called the visit "wonderful" and "a delight in every way," highlighting the authentic Italian approach of the chef and the attentive care from service staff. A third reviewer simply said they had a choice of several restaurants and decided on Terra Secca—"and that was definitely an excellent decision!"

Constructive Notes

While the vast majority of reviews are five-star, the restaurant’s 4.6 average suggests some guests have had slightly less flawless experiences. No specific criticisms appear in the available review snippets; potential visitors can contact the restaurant directly with any concerns before booking.

Terra Secca in Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi

Terra Secca is located at Al Wathba, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, in Abu Dhabi’s Al Wathba region. The area is known for its serene desert landscape, positioned away from the city center. This secluded setting is a key part of Terra Secca’s identity—it is an integral destination restaurant rather than a casual drop-in spot.

The resort grounds include ample parking, and the restaurant is wheelchair accessible. For those navigating via the resort, clear signage directs you to the dining venues. While the immediate neighborhood is the desert resort itself, the drive from central Abu Dhabi takes you south through the developing outskirts into a tranquil expanse of sand and sky. The restaurant’s team can assist with directions when you call to book.

Hours, Reservations & Contact

Operating Hours

Terra Secca is open daily from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM. These extended hours mean the kitchen serves everything from morning coffee and breakfast through to late dinners. The 150–350 AED per-person spending range, as reported by 35 Google Maps users, provides a pricing benchmark that suits special-occasion dining within the resort.

Making a Reservation

Reservations are strongly encouraged, particularly for sunset terrace seating and weekend evenings. You can book by calling +971-2-204-4444. The restaurant’s website offers online reservation functionality as well. The contact email is restaurants.alwathba@luxurycollection.com for inquiries about private dining, special events, and large-party arrangements.

Takeaway & Delivery

Terra Secca does offer takeaway and delivery options according to its Google Maps listing. This is especially convenient for resort guests who might want to enjoy Italian cuisine in their rooms or suites, or for those in the broader Al Wathba area who prefer to dine at home.

Common Questions

Do I need a reservation to dine at Terra Secca?

Reservations are recommended to guarantee a table, especially during peak evening hours and weekends. Walk-ins are welcome, but availability can be limited. For the best experience—particularly if you prefer the outdoor terrace—book in advance by phone at +971-2-204-4444.

What type of cuisine does Terra Secca serve?

Terra Secca specializes in Tuscan and traditional Italian cuisine. The menu features house-made pasta, brick-oven pizza, antipasti, and other regional Italian dishes, all prepared in a live kitchen.

Does Terra Secca offer private dining?

Yes, private dining and special events are available. The restaurant welcomes inquiries for group celebrations, intimate gatherings, and customized menus. Contact restaurants.alwathba@luxurycollection.com to plan your event.

Is there a kid’s menu?

The restaurant’s website FAQ suggests a children’s menu is available. For specific details and current offerings, it’s best to ask when you make your reservation.

What are the opening hours of Terra Secca?

Terra Secca is open daily from 7:00 AM until 11:00 PM, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Does Terra Secca serve alcohol?

Yes, the restaurant serves alcohol, including a selection of indigenous Italian wines that pair with the Tuscan dishes. The full beverage list is available at the restaurant.

Where is Terra Secca located?

Terra Secca is situated at Al Wathba, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The resort is in the Al Wathba desert area, south of the city center.

Is the restaurant accessible?

The resort and restaurant are designed to accommodate all guests. Contact Terra Secca at +971-2-204-4444 for any specific accessibility questions or requirements before your visit.