Until quite recently venues inside Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island were exclusively for in-house guests. But now the all-inclusive hotel opened its restaurant doors to people who aren’t staying the night.
Thanks to a little matter of a global pandemic it has taken us a little longer to get along than we had hoped, but finally are trying Aja Asian and Teppenyaki restaurant, which kind of does what it says on the tin.
There are some top-class Japanese restaurants in this city and as we arrive, we’re hoping this place ends up being one of the very best.
The dimly-lit dining room is beautiful, with dark furnishings, and modern décor surrounding the live cooking station where expert chefs create sushi and sashimi to order.
It’s classy and modern without being stuffy or unwelcoming, striking a balance between fine dining and ideal date night spot. We take our seats by the window, too scared to brave a humid night al fresco and prepare our chopsticks to feast.
Before we go further, we’ll add that this is not a traditional Japanese restaurant but more Japanese fusion.
We start with the tuna ceviche (see, there’s that fusion) and with its yuzu chilli dressing and avocado purée it’s a delight. The tuna nigiri is an example of why some things are best kept simple. The fatty tuna is delicious.
For main courses, the beef tenderloin in hoi sin sauce is a real treat, cooked beautifully pink, with the cut of beef the star on the plate.The grilled salmon, served in ginger vinaigrette with bok choi, is a real delight, too, with perfect crispy skin, flaky flesh and a wonderfully fragrant broth.
Everything about this place is quality, from the excellent food and prompt service to the beautiful presentation on the plate and chilled atmosphere.
We’re almost annoyed at ourselves it took so long to visit but as the old saying goes, good things come to those who wait. And very good things came to our table on this visit. We’re sure they will on the next one, too.
