Would you like to head to the bar before going to your table?” We’ve all been asked that question, and depending on the level of hunger, we sometimes go for it. Other times we move straight in for the food. If you take anything from this review, we hope it’s that the answer to that question at 99 Sushi Bar should be a resounding “Yes, please”.
This is a seriously cool restaurant bar (the picture above really doesn’t do the space justice) that serves as the perfect precursor to the main event – the venue was crowned Best Newcomer at our recent Time Out Abu Dhabi Restaurant Awards. By night it’s a dimly-lit area, with laid-back house tunes playing and smart staff waiting to make you creative mixed drinks.
You get to the bar as you enter, making it even more enticing, and we recommend taking a place one of the high stools where you can watch the mixologists at work.
The menu offers a selection of grape and Asian hops (we like the choice) and mixed drinks that draw on the Japanese food served in the dining room. Think lychee, shiso leaves, poached pears, yuzu and wasabi and you’ll be on the right track.
There is also an impressive section of Scottish short drinks and cigars, as well as sparkling grape and bubbly by the glass.
It’s a top addition to the dining and nightlife scene nearby on Al Maryah Island. Even if you’re not eating here (though we absolutely recommend you do) it’s worth popping in before your reservation at one of the other excellent restaurants nearby.
In 99 Sushi bar, Abu Dhabi has a stunning all-rounder.
The bottom line
Cool place with excellent drinks.
