Abu Dhabi's Marmellata pizzeria returns - in pictures

Raj Dagstani makes fresh pizza at Marmellata in Mina Zayed Port, Abu Dhabi. All photos: Pawan Singh / The National
Raj Dagstani makes fresh pizza at Marmellata in Mina Zayed Port, Abu Dhabi. All photos: Pawan Singh / The National
Raj set the restaurant up with his teenage son Sebastian, left, in 2019
Raj set the restaurant up with his teenage son Sebastian, left, in 2019
After closing the initial hole-in-the-wall spot during the pandemic, they have reopened with a 50-seat restaurant
After closing the initial hole-in-the-wall spot during the pandemic, they have reopened with a 50-seat restaurant
Marmellata is now open five nights a week
Marmellata is now open five nights a week
Raj and Sebastian have now hired a team to help out
Raj and Sebastian have now hired a team to help out
The restaurant has been designed as an extension of the family's home, Raj says
The restaurant has been designed as an extension of the family's home, Raj says
As well as pizza, Marmellata serves filled and topped focaccia
As well as pizza, Marmellata serves filled and topped focaccia
Raj takes orders
Raj takes orders
Raj initially started Marmellata as a family project to give son Sebastian work experience
Raj initially started Marmellata as a family project to give son Sebastian work experience
One of Marmellata's famous pizzas
One of Marmellata's famous pizzas
Raj has asked local artists for help in decorating Marmellata's interiors
Raj has asked local artists for help in decorating Marmellata's interiors
Crowds are returning to Marmellata, which reopened in January
Crowds are returning to Marmellata, which reopened in January
Sebastian, 16, plans to pursue a career in hospitality, thanks to his work at Marmellata
Sebastian, 16, plans to pursue a career in hospitality, thanks to his work at Marmellata
Marmellata is located at Mina Zayed Port, which has been recently redeveloped
Marmellata is located at Mina Zayed Port, which has been recently redeveloped