If there’s a new foodie opening in this town right now, it’s likely you’ll find it at Mamsha Al Saadiyat.
New Japanese NIRI Restaurant and Bar does nothing to buck the trend, gazing out onto the beautiful Gulf in the happening Saadiyat Island area.
Given the Insta-worthy location, those in the know will try to grab a table outside, timing a visit to watch the colourful sunset before sitting back as the moon and the tunes put in an appearance.
Inside, NIRI borrows from a Japanese restaurant aesthetic well-worn in the region, with heavy, minimalist wooden furnishings set against dark stone, all given a lift by floor-to-ceiling windows that let in an abundance of natural light.
If you’re after foodie sights instead of scenic ones, grab a seat at the counter to see the chefs at work, preparing yakitori and sushi at an astonishing pace.
And we aren’t exaggerating the speed. Food arrives at tables almost faster than diners can separate their chopsticks.
That rapid turnaround bodes well for the sharing of smaller plates.
Our advice? Resist temptation to order everything that sounds good upfront and see how your stomach feels after a couple of dishes.
Two plates and a sushi order are plenty for two – and could present a considerable challenge to one famished person. If you’re planning to get a main and dessert (ice cream, mocha, chocolate soufflé) plan and prep your stomach accordingly.
On our visit, we go for the popular nasu goma. This unassuming pile of spinach has a lip-smacking hit of sweet, savoury and salty from the dressing. We enjoy the greens so much that we almost forget about the aubergine buried within, but when you hit a piece, it’s like finding meaty buried treasure.
Corn tempura holds together well, even in its feather-light batter and dipped in the ponzu sauce – which lends a light, tart kick.
California maki is comes with a touch of heat, which married well with the usual line-up of avocado, crab meat and cucumber.
After dinner, take a walk along the promenade and soak up the vibe in one of Abu Dhabi’s most rapidly developing dining hubs.
Work a walk in pre-dinner and you might even be able to add in that extra plate.
Open daily noon-11pm. Licensed. Mamsha Al Saadiyat (02 546 8886).
