In a thoughtful move during a challenging period for the industry, Marmellata has launched a community-driven initiative offering free pizza and lemonade to hospitality workers currently on unpaid leave.
The Abu Dhabi favourite is opening its communal table daily from 5pm to 6pm, creating a space not just for food, but for connection, conversation, and support within the hospitality community.
A Community Table at Souk Al Mina
Located in Souk Al Mina, Marmellata’s initiative was announced via its official Instagram account. The concept is simple yet meaningful:
“Pizza and lemonade on us, conversation on you.”
The invitation extends to hospitality professionals on unpaid leave, as well as those on paid leave who want to reconnect with peers. The setting also opens doors for restaurant owners and employers to meet potential talent in an informal, supportive environment.
A Story Rooted in Family and Purpose
Marmellata’s journey began in 2019 as a father-son project by Raj Dagstani and his son Sebastian. Initially created as a small after-school venture, the concept started as a once-a-week operation in Mina Zayed.
Despite early disruptions during the pandemic, the brand returned stronger, evolving into a well-known destination at Souk Al Mina with a loyal following.
A Menu Inspired by Abu Dhabi
The restaurant’s identity goes beyond its story. Marmellata has built a reputation around pizzas and focaccia that reflect local flavours and ingredients.
- UAE-grown mushrooms
- Liwa figs
- Locally produced burrata
Popular menu highlights include:
- Fig and gorgonzola with roasted pistachios
- Pepperoni with spicy honey
- Cheesy basil with burrata
- Mushrooms with kale and garlic confit
This focus on local sourcing has helped shape a menu that feels distinctly connected to Abu Dhabi.
Recognition Across the Region
Marmellata’s rise has been matched by industry recognition. The restaurant was ranked No. 16 on MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026 list, earning praise as a pizzeria with “100 per cent Abu Dhabi in its DNA.”
It has also secured back-to-back wins at the FACT Dining Awards Abu Dhabi, taking home Best Homegrown Restaurant in both 2024 and 2025.
Why This Matters
At a time when parts of the hospitality sector are facing uncertainty, initiatives like this highlight the human side of the industry. Marmellata is not only offering meals — it is creating a space where professionals can connect, share opportunities, and support one another.
It reinforces a simple but powerful idea: community remains at the heart of hospitality.
Event Details
Where: Marmellata, Souk Al Mina, Zayed Port, Abu Dhabi
When: Daily, 5pm – 6pm
Offer: Free pizza and lemonade for hospitality workers
Follow for updates:
https://www.instagram.com/marmellatalove
What to Expect
The initiative is expected to draw a mix of chefs, servers, and hospitality professionals, turning Marmellata into a daily meeting point for networking and solidarity.
In a city known for its dining scene, this move stands out not for luxury, but for generosity — a reminder that sometimes, the most meaningful gestures are the simplest ones.
