Gate-side Italian in Terminal A: Carluccio's at AUH
Terminal A’s Carluccio's sits airside, so this is an option after security for anyone flying out of Zayed International Airport’s main long-haul pier. You’ll see the blue Carluccio's branding near other international chains, which makes it easy to spot if you’re moving between A-gates for an Etihad flight.
This is a full-service Italian restaurant, not just a takeaway counter, so plan at least 45–60 minutes if you want a sit-down meal before boarding from Terminal A. Tables turn slower around late-night Etihad departure banks, when multiple A-gates board widebodies between roughly 23:00 and 02:00, so factor that into your boarding time.
Menu structure tracks the usual Carluccio's playbook: pasta, risotto, mains, salads, plus espresso and Italian-style desserts. Expect mid-range airport pricing, with mains typically in line with other international sit-down spots in Terminal A rather than the cheaper fast-food units dotted nearer some A-gates. If you just need a quick carb hit before a red-eye, pasta portions usually land in a single-plate meal zone rather than sharing style.
Portion and pacing matter on tight connections out of A-gates. Carluccio's works better for a proper pre-flight meal than for a 20‑minute dash between A10 and A20. If your boarding pass shows “boarding closes 20 minutes before departure” on a widebody out of Terminal A, you really want your bill on the table at least 40 minutes before that printed departure time.
One practical tip: check your exact A-gate number on the terminal screens before sitting down at Carluccio's. Some long‑haul gates in Terminal A involve a 10–15 minute walk, and late gate changes inside A can burn that buffer fast if you only start walking when boarding is already showing “final call.”