8 AMAZING JAPANESE RESTAURANTS IN ABU DHABI
NIRI
MAMSHA AL SAADIYAT
There's a reason Niri is consistently at the top of people's 'where shall we go for dinner?' list ... actually more than one!
The Japanese cuisine is expertly prepared, with a menu that promises excellent yakitori served on individual grills, a wide range of maki and nigiri and some outstanding main courses (the tenderloin is a must). Save room for dessert: we think the pistachio cheesecake is one of the best desserts in Abu Dhabi.
Alongside that, drinks at Niri are both well-priced and beautifully presented, with flavour profiles to match. We love that there are both cocktails and mocktails and that equal thought has been put into making these drinks an integral part of the dining experience.
99 SUSHI BAR
THE GALLERIA AL MARYAH
99 Sushi is a high end example of outstanding Japanese cuisine. Overlooking the Al Maryah basin, it's popularity stems from outstanding food with service to match.
Expect some of the best maki in Abu Dhabi - the Alaskan king crab gunkan is absolutely excellent - and the steak (pictured) is melt-in-your-mouth good. We love the Omakase Business Lunch (AED189 for 8 dishes) which is excellent value. Food comes quickly, getting you in and out in an hour, if you don't have time to savour the occasion.
Open: 12PM - 3.30PM, 7PM - 12AM
Booking: 02 672 3333
OTORO
AL QANA
Otoro is the jewel in the Al Qana crown: its fresh, high quality sushi offering has gone some way towards getting it the nod in the Michelin Guide for Abu Dhabi.
It’s Japanese cuisine at its finest where highlights include the wakame salad, the equally soft and succulent wagyu burger, the nigiri (the otoro is insane!) and the miso black cod. Oh and the noodles!
Desserts are somewhat of a magical mystery tour: we find eating the black sesame crème brûlée with our eyes closed helps process the layers of taste - we'd love to hear what you think of it!
It doesn't serve alcohol but mocktails are absolutely on point. Otoro is perfect for an upscale lunch, especially in cooler weather when you can sit on the terrace.
Open: 12PM - 11PM
Booking: 02 886 9995
ZUMA
THE GALLERIA AL MARYAH
Zuma is one of Abu Dhabi's best restaurants: you always need a reservation and it's always buzzing. With a well-stocked bar serving both the innovative and the tried and tested, Zuma provides the full experience.
The menu is broad but you soon decide on your favourites. The otoro fatty tuna is a go-to for nigiri but if you want to push the boat out get the miyazaki gyu nigiri torifu nose - absolutely swoon-worthy. The gyu no tataki is excellent as is the thinly sliced hamachi (yellowtail). Enjoy seafood, meat and chicken from the robata grill and some outstanding dessert options.
Zuma also has a private dining space which comes in handy for a select group. Service is as exceptional as you'd expect.
Open: 12PM - 3.30PM, 7PM - 12AM
Booking: 02 401 5900
BENIHANA
BEACH ROTANA
Benihana sports the best teppanyaki experience in Abu Dhabi! With skilled chefs and quality ingredients, it's a must-try for fun family dinners, squad catch-ups or just a great meal out.
But it doesn't stop there: the sushi and sashimi on offer, with grand platters starting at AED155. We recommend the unagi nigiri and the soft shell crab makimono - but honestly, everything at Benihana is top quality. Be sure to finish with a fabulous cheesecake gyoza!
Open: Weekdays 6PM - 12AM, weekends 12PM - 3.30PM, 6PM - 12AM
20% off with BB+
Booking: 02 697 9000
CAFE SUSHI
FAIRMONT BAB AL BAHR
Cafe Sushi is an unassuming restaurant, with understated decor complementing it's focus, the gorgeous sushi train! The most delicious maki rolls and nigiri, hand prepared in front of you, slide past your eyes, making it very difficult to say no.
Cafe Sushi does an exceptional special where you can get unlimited sushi for just AED179 per person. It's a steal because it also includes the most glorious, fresh chirashi bowl and a great miso to start.
Open: 12PM - 10PM
Booking: 026543333
DAIKAN IZAKAYA
YAS BAY
In the heart of Yas Bay, Daikan sports great decor with very cool and authentic long tables where you might actually have to sit beside someone you don't know! and fabulous Japanese cuisine at reasonable prices making it a great place to feed the family or to catch up with friends without breaking the bank.
Our go-to order is the gyoza (AED 35), chicken karaage which is delightful (AED 35), shoyu ramen (AED 55), and spicy miso ramen (AED 55). The gyoza are good quality with perfectly crispy bottoms while the karaage is excellent - definitely one of the best we've tried in Abu Dhabi. The ramen broths are chicken based so you can't compare them to a pork ramen but are delicious and very filling. We also love the maki rolls - the wagyu is exceptional bu only 2 rolls per serving so be sure to order a couple or it won't touch the sides - and the takoyaki are superb.
We're happy to make the call that once you've been, it'll become a firm favourite.
Open: 12PM - 12AM
Booking: 058 124 1529
HAKKASAN
EMIRATES PALACE MANDARIN ORIENTAL
The only restaurant in Abu Dhabi to hold a Michelin star, Hakkasan is the first choice for anniversary spoils, impressing the visiting colleagues or a meal out with people you love.
With a moody, chic interior, this is the place to really embrace your foodie side. And such food - deciding what to choose is your first test! We can't go past the Peking duck to start, the outstanding Alaskan king crab salad - and the tenderness of the octopus with Szechuan sauce in lettuce wrap is another glorious option.
Drinks are excellent and enjoyed during cooler months on the beautiful Hakkasan terrace, overlooking the grounds of Emirates Palace. This is something that everyone must do during winter - it's a feast for the eyes and the palate.
Open: 6PM - 11.30PM
Booking: 02 269 7739
Rachael Partington
8/26/2024
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