Sama foodies, bakers and cooks alike: Lana’s PartiPerfect invites you behind the scenes and into the kitchen. Slice some tomatoes, toss in some pepper and watch the bread rise in this cozy Abu Dhabi resto-café.

Lana’s PartiPerfect also houses owner Lana Nasser’s successful catering business. Once run from of her parents’ apartment in Abu Dhabi, Nasser's work has developed into a popular dining joint in Abu Dhabi.

Ingredients are fresh and seasonal, changing every month. For the loyal customers, favorite items like their chicken avocado wraps and zucchini brownies remain year round while the kitchen cooks up innovative creations which are tested in the café.

If you have ever wanted to experience a restaurant kitchen’s daily commotion, spend a day helping out, either using their ingredients and recipes or by introducing your own – perhaps that favorite pecan pie you had in mind.

Lana’s PartiPerfect is cozy and welcoming, catering to the business crowd in the village complex behind Marina Mall. It is low-key, the staff are very friendly and there is enough delicious coffee, plugs and wi-fi for a study session with friends. If you are in the studying mood, try out their cappuccinos and Lana’s special carrot bread or Oreo cheesecake. For hungrier students, try their sliders or chicken tortilla soup. However, it closes early, between 5 and 6 p.m., so plan your day accordingly and have a morning coffee with your book.

For students with gluten allergies or vegetarians, Lana’s PartiPerfect is, well, perfect. With its healthy items and wheat substitutes, it is a small slice of gluten-free heaven in Abu Dhabi’s desert of options.

However, if culinary school is not in your next year’s plans, beware. The kitchen has enticed foodie vagabonds before; Nasser herself was once a volunteer in a kitchen in New York City before going to culinary school to become a food journalist and realizing her true passion for cooking. Once graduated, she knew she had to bring a great-quality catering service back home to Abu Dhabi, where she grew up.

“I just knew this is what I wanted to do,” Nasser explained, smiling.

Lana’s PartiPerfect is located in the right-side villa complex behind Marina Mall. In a taxi, ask them to go to the villas behind Marina Mall and then turn right at the first one. If there is a guard, tell them you are going to the café. Once inside the complex, turn left and drive down half a block. There is an outdoor seating area with green umbrellas. The cab should cost no more than 16 AED. Check out their website for more information and email Ms. Nasser if you would like to set up a date to help out in the kitchen.