Our Story
Inspired Roman cuisine meets Abu Dhabi welcoming atmosphere, all served up by an award-winning chef.
From Rome...
At Localino, our story began with a desire to bring inspired Roman pizzas and pasta to our city, where options were limited.
We knew that quick service didn't have to mean sacrificing quality, so we set out to create a menu that would satisfy both taste buds and busy schedules.
... To Abu Dhabi
As founders with backgrounds in the hotel industry, we knew that we had the skills and experience necessary to make Localino a reality.
And with an award-winning chef who has worked in Italy and developed a deep love for its cuisine and products, delivering the authenticity and quality that our customers crave was an evidence.
Our mission
To connect our community with the best Italian food, and using farm to table ingredients while ensuring great value for money. But beyond that, we want to share our passion for food and hospitality with each and every guest who walks through our doors.
Meet the Founder
Co - Founder
Shammi De Costa
I'm a creative culinary expert with more than two decades of experience in the hospitality industry. I've had the opportunity to work in Italy, South-East Asia, the Middle-East, and the Maldives and in kitchens for top hotels like Mandarin Oriental, Shangri-La, and Atlantis, as well as restaurants like Cafe de Paris.
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I'm passionate about using authentic, high-quality products in my cooking. I truly believe that the ingredients make all the difference when it comes to creating delicious, memorable dishes. I'm a member of the Emirates Culinary Guild.
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Chef Awards
SIAL Best Pizza (UAE - 1st Place)
Parma Pizza World Championship (Italy - 4th place)
Culinary World Cup (Silver Medal)
Culinary Challenge FHA (Bronze Medal)
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Co-founder
Othmane Bensouda
I'm a F&B professional with over 10 years of experience in the hospitality industry. Throughout my career, I've worked in different parts of the world, from China to Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. I've worked with some of the biggest brands in the industry, such as Sheraton, Westin, Shangri-la, and Raffles Hotels.
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For me, there's nothing more satisfying than providing guests with exceptional service and making sure they have an unforgettable experience.
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Restaurant Awards
Best Seafood Restaurant (UAE)
Best Casual Dining (Abu Dhabi)
Best Family Brunch (Abu Dhabi)
14/20 Gault & Millau Poland (International Restaurant’s Rating)
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