The Best Way to End Your Workday in Abu Dhabi: Aperitivo at Novikov

Abu Dhabi's after-work scene has quietly become one of the city's best-kept secrets. From the financial towers of ADGM to the offices surrounding Al Maryah Island, professionals are increasingly looking for somewhere to decompress, catch up, and transition properly from the working day into the evening. Most end up settling for whatever is closest. But there is a better option.

Novikov Abu Dhabi's Aperitivo is exactly what the Italian tradition was designed to be: a moment between work and dinner, where the pace slows, the conversation flows, and the food and drink are good enough to be worth the trip on their own.

What Is an Aperitivo?

The aperitivo is one of Italy's most civilised traditions. Long before the concept of happy hour made its way into bars and hotel lobbies around the world, Italians were gathering in the early evening for a pre-dinner ritual centred on bittersweet drinks, light food, and the deliberate act of switching off from the day.

The word itself comes from the Latin aperire — to open. The aperitivo opens the appetite, opens the conversation, and opens the evening. At its best, it is not just a drink before dinner. It is a destination in itself.

At Novikov Abu Dhabi, the Aperitivo is served in true Italian style: prosecco, selected wines, signature Italian cocktails, and a selection of Cicchetti — the small, carefully crafted bites that are as much a part of the tradition as the drink in your hand.

The Details

When: Sunday to Thursday, 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM
Where: Novikov Abu Dhabi, The Galleria Al Maryah Island, Level 2, South Entrance
Price: 3 Cicchetti + 1 Beverage — AED 175
Reservations: Book your table

Why The Galleria Is the Right Location

Not all after-work drinks are created equal. Location matters. The Galleria Al Maryah Island sits at the centre of Abu Dhabi's financial district, making it the natural landing point for ADGM professionals, hotel guests from the Four Seasons, Rosewood, and Conrad, and residents of Al Maryah and Al Reem Island.

Novikov sits on Level 2 of the South Entrance — easy to reach, easy to park, and easy to stay longer than you planned. The restaurant's interiors carry the warm energy of the Mediterranean, with a bar area designed for exactly this kind of lingering evening. When the weather permits, the terrace adds another dimension entirely: waterfront views, the Abu Dhabi skyline at dusk, and the kind of atmosphere that makes it easy to forget you were ever stressed about a deadline.

What to Order

The Aperitivo menu is built around two things: the drink and the bite. Novikov's version gives you both in a single, well-priced package.

On the drinks side, the prosecco is the classic Italian choice — light, dry, and structured well enough to work with food. The signature Italian cocktails are where things get more interesting. Think Aperol-forward builds, bitter citrus notes, and the kind of balance that comes from a kitchen that understands flavour.

The Cicchetti are where Novikov's Italian roots show. These are not the generic bar snacks you find at most happy hours. They are small, deliberate bites — each one crafted with the same care that goes into the full à la carte menu. Three pieces alongside your drink is the classic combination, and for good reason. It is enough to take the edge off the hunger without spoiling dinner.

If you find yourself staying beyond the Aperitivo window, Novikov's full à la carte menu is available throughout the evening. It is a natural progression from a light bite to a full dinner — and it happens more often than guests expect.

After Work, Before Dinner: The In-Between Moment Abu Dhabi Needs

One of the overlooked pleasures of living in a city like Abu Dhabi is the quality of its after-work options. The challenge is that most people default to the same routines — coffee, a quick stop at the mall, home. The aperitivo tradition offers something different: a genuine pause. A reason to be somewhere intentionally rather than just passing through.

For professionals working in ADGM or the surrounding towers, Novikov is a four-minute walk. For those coming from elsewhere in the city, The Galleria's parking makes it one of the easiest venues to access in central Abu Dhabi. Either way, the journey is short. The reward is long.

Pair It With Dinner

The Aperitivo is designed as a standalone experience, but Novikov's proximity to a full Italian and Mediterranean à la carte menu makes it one of the most natural lead-ins to dinner in the city. After your Cicchetti and a drink, the decision to stay and eat feels almost inevitable — and the kitchen, led by Head Chef Alberto Dorigo, is well worth staying for.

Signature dishes like the Beef Carpaccio with truffle and parmesan, the handmade ravioli, and the Truffle Pizza are the kind of food that reminds you why Italian cuisine remains one of the world's most beloved. On the terrace with an evening breeze and the waterfront at your back, it is the kind of dinner Abu Dhabi does well when you find the right room.

If you're planning a special occasion or a larger gathering, Novikov's private dining room offers an exclusive setting away from the main floor — perfect for transitioning a weeknight Aperitivo into a proper celebration.

And if the Aperitivo has you curious about what else Novikov offers through the week, take a look at the full What's On calendar — from Business Lunch to Date Nights and seasonal specials.

Reserve Your Table

Novikov's Aperitivo runs Sunday to Thursday from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM. Tables are available on a walk-in basis but reservations are recommended, especially mid-week when the ADGM crowd picks up.

📍 The Galleria Al Maryah Island, South Entrance, Level 2, Abu Dhabi
📞 +971 2 563 2937
🔗 Reserve your Aperitivo table