30 brilliant pieces of sushi to try in Abu Dhabi

Aburi maguro rolls at Relax@12

The 12th floor terrace at the stylish Aloft is the kind of place models head to after a hard day posing and preening. You can see them nibbling at sushi and a variety of light bites as the sun sets. This signature roll has flame-seared tuna loin with just a smidge of a spicy mayo to give it some pre-wasabi kick.
Dhs61.70 for six pieces. Aloft Abu Dhabi, Khaleej Al Arabi Street (02 654 5138).

Benihana Chef Special
at Benihana
The Japanese-American international chain pioneered the “eatertainment” concept with its charming cooking styles. While much is focussed on the teppanyaki, it is great to see sushi chefs at work. The chef special gives you the choice of four of salmon, eel, shrimp tempura, tuna and king crab leg, with extra added crunch and some spicy mayo as well. It is a restaurant that never forgets dining should be fun.
Dhs120 for eight pieces. Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi, Al Zahiyah (02 697 9011).

Caramelised salmon California roll at Sushi Counter
Hardly the most exciting restaurant on this list, Sushi Counter does serve hundreds of people wanting sushi on their lunchbreaks every day from its branches across the UAE. The Abu Dhabi one can be found at the NYUAD campus on Saadiyat Island and this is a crowd pleaser. We can’t pretend to be huge fans of rolls with cream cheese in them, but they certainly have their fans out there. This is topped with salmon, tobiko and tempura flakes, giving it a crunch with each bite.
Dh36. NYUAD, Saadiyat Island (800 268 837).

Blow-torched rolls at
Barfly by Buddha-Bar
Take three types of fish (tuna, salmon, and seabass as you ask), roll it and deep fry in tempura batter. That would be enough for some places, but this so cool it hurts lounge does things a little extra. That is why they blow torch it to give heat and give a little teriyaki sauce and a tobiko garnish.
Dhs127 for eight pieces. Venetian Village, The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal (02 404 1951).

Buddha Roll at
Buddha-Bar Beach
We think that Time Out has mentioned the laidback soundtrack before and we know we’ve praised the sunset vibes. What we’re yet to eulogise over is the selection of hand-rolled good stuff coming out of the kitchens. The eponymous creation is, fittingly for such a sultry location, saucier than most. The mixed sashimi is drizzled with Buddha-Bar’s special sesame sauce, unagi sauce and even a spicy chilli sauce.
Dhs110 for eight pieces. The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi (02 498 8888).

Chicken Cheese Maki at Tori No Su
They do things differently at this upscale and innovative Japanese restaurant. There is an artistry to everything prepared and the sushi is no different. Not many places are putting chicken breast and cheese (mozzarella) in their sushi and the Etihad Towers venue prides itself on being stand-out and different class throughout. You can also poke at foie gras and lobster variants with your chopsticks.
Dhs65. Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, Cornihce West (02 811 5666).

Dynamite maki at Kahraman
Outwardly appearing to be a contemporary Middle Eastern restaurant, the Southern Sun spot is actually a secret sushi-lover. Several evenings a week it turns itself over to sushi nights where you can find creations like this blow-torched roll. It is stuffed with salmon, pickled radish and a teriyaki sauce and adorned with a fried carrot garnish.
Dhs70 for eight pieces. Southern Sun Abu Dhabi, Al Zahiyah (02 818 4888).

Passion Dragon Roll at Aquarium
Shortlisted as a top seafood restaurant, home to a cracking ladies’ night and with, as the name suggests, a giant aquarium built into the wall there is a lot to enjoy here. Including, we’re glad to say, the sushi. We’ll be honest, we’re not really sure what passion dragons are, but having had a look inside the rolls can assure you it includes tuna, cucumber, spicy mayo, avocado. It comes topped with salmon and roe.
Dhs79 for six pieces. Yas Marina, Yas Island (800 6996).

Colour Dragon at Café Sushi

Beware the sushi conveyor belt. As you sit up at the counter and plate after plate of freshly rolled sushi passes you by, it can be easy to just grab whatever is within reach and before you know it, you’ve eaten a week’s worth. For a similar “best-of” plate, you could always order the photogenic dragon. It includes salmon, tuna, prawn tempura, barbecued eel, sweet gobo, avocado, tobiko and eel sauce. Not, thankfully, all in the same roll. If you are having difficulty choosing, though, this is a greatest hits selection.
Dhs85 for eight pieces. Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Khor Al Maqta (02 654 323).

Crispy Rainbow Roll at Sushisan
A sushi specialist selling the classic dishes and a few fancy creations at very reasonable prices, this should get a pledge from you to visit. The usual rolls are all present, but also check out the colourful and tastebud-tempting crispy rainbow roll. The main flavours come from tiny piece of a fleshy lobster and a fruity mango filling. You will taste a familiar avocado and spicy mayo, but it is the inclusion of asparagus and radish that is not merely decorative that we find interesting.
Dhs35 for eight pieces. Holiday Inn Abu Dhabi, Dhafeer Street (02 657 4890).

Golden Cho Platter at Cho Gao
Although technically a pan-Asian restaurant, chefs seem to be especially fond of rolling sushi. That’s if the regular unlimited sushi nights and à la carte platters are anything to go by. The Golden Cho consists of Assorted maki and nigri as well as some specials.
Dhs120. Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi, Al Markaziya (050 612 3489).

Dragon Roll at KOI Abu Dhabi

An off shoot of a well-known celebrity haunt and favourite paparazzi spot in LA, this is one of the most discerning Japanese restaurants in Abu Dhabi. While not quite approaching Zuma territory (but it is close), it is definitely on the date night end of the market. Thankfully the food is excellent and works well with the dimmed lighting, making this is about as romantic as raw fish wrapped in seaweed is ever going to be. Try the house dragon roll to taste shrimp tempura, eel and baked crab.
Dhs115. The Collection at The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi (02 678 3334).

Miyazaki Wagyu Nigari at Zuma

The best Japanese restaurant in the city. Actually, scratch that – straight up the best restaurant of any flavour. After all these years it is still out on its own in terms of laser-like consistency, creativity and cool. Slap some wasabi on the menu and whatever it lands on will be exemplary but try the wagyu sushi. Needless to say, the Japanese beef is melt-in-your-mouth sensational, but it is the truffle mayo and freshly grated black truffle that makes it remarkable. Never change, Zuma, never change.
Dhs194. Al Maryah Island (02 401 5900).

Salmon rolls at Toki

This is a serious Japanese restaurant that deserves investigation beyond the confines of the sushi menu. Having said that it would be the work of many visits to take in all the sushi varieties. There are plenty of salmon rolls alone, never mind anything else. Spicy salmon, crazy salmon and salmon skin rolls are all present. The signature collection is a triple salmon roll that has salmon, salmon skin and is topped with a toothsome piece of grilled salmon.
Dhs38-62. Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort, Abu Dhabi Corniche (02 61 4151).

Rainbow roll at Sushi Art
Some of the sushi at this ambitious chain is among the most attractive you will see in the city. A small selection was designed by triple Michelin star holder Mauro Colagreco, so it is doubly gratifying, then, that it is also relatively inexpensive and can be ordered to be delivered. Remarkable. Platters, combos and boxes are important here, with many set creations being attractively laid out for diners with hungry eyes and tummies. If you are making up a platter be sure to include the Rainbow Roll, which has salmon tun, avocado, chilli, chives, sesame and ponzu sauce on top and crab and avocado inside.
Dhs33 for six pieces. The Galleria Al Maryah Island (800 220).

Soft shell crab maki at Leen’s Casual To Gourmet
As the name suggests this is a casual restaurant that has gourmet ambitions. While the menu is an enormous continents-spanning selection, you can find some interesting sushi in the mix. The fried soft shell crab is a lovely alternative to the more common crabstick. Presentation, we have to say, is beautiful and with teriyaki sauce, avocado, wasabi and garlic as well as a shred of lettuce it is set up to deliver substance with the abundant style.
Dhs69. WTC Abu Dhabi (02 633 3774).

Shrimp Rainbow Roll at Eclipse Terrace Lounge
We’re simple creatures at Time Out Towers. All we need to slip into a blissful trance is a luxury hotel, a chic terrace, incredible views and some delicious sushi handed to us on a platter. If you want to drop in a chilled soundtrack and a cool crowd as well that is your lookout. The tempura shrimp centre of this picturesque plate is one of the few things that could break our trance.
Dhs65. Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island (02 333 2222).

Short ribs and foie gras nigiri at The Warehouse

It might come as something of a surprise that a restaurant that serves sausage by the metre is also home to some ambitious sushi. This international crowd-pleasing creation actually has short ribs and foie gras on the rolls.
Dhs65 for eight pieces. Pearl Rotana Capital Centre, Khaleej Al Arabi Street (02 307 5552).

Spicy Tuna Maki at Matsu
In the unlikely event that Time Out is asked to entertain a visiting delegation of Japanese businessmen we’d bring them straight here. After a round of golf we’d happily swap stories and knock back plate after plate of the highest quality sushi. Each of these rolls includes minced Tuna, crab stick, tobiko, avocado, spring onion, and spicy mayo.
Dhs85. Yas Links Golf Club, Yas Island (02 556 0096).

Spanish Red Shrimp at
99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant
It should come as no surprise that a restaurant with outlets in Marbella, Bilbao and Barcelona aims to give an haute interpretation of Japanese food. Accordingly, the menu at this highly commended restaurant includes sushi with quail eggs, grilled foie gras, scallops, truffles, raspberries, wagyu and a variety of show-off creations. Just look at it! The chefs boast that this comes cooked in two temperatures and while we don’t really understand that boast, it is a unique creation and one likely to give your Instagram a boost before you bite.
Dhs65 for one piece. The Galleria Al Maryah Island (02 672 3333).

Spicy nori dust crab at
Sushi Central
Don’t be fooled by the casual nature, almost complete lack of pretence and multiple outlets – you can get good sushi outside of the big-name restaurants and hotel chains. In the mix you will find this tempura-battered crabstick with avocado and spicy mayo. The prices are straying towards bargain category and well worth your consideration of you’re over in at Yas Island Circuit.
Dhs31.5. Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island (600 520 007).

Sushi Cake at Tokyo Grill

If you hadn’t figured it out by now, Abu Dhabi loves sushi. From the signature rolls in these pages to the groaning platters you’ll see at dozens of brunches. For sushi-lovers looking to celebrate, then, you need to do something a little special. This authentic Tokyo-style joint at Venetian VIllage has a special sushi-cake. Before you worry that somebody has baked a few rolls into a big chocolate cake, don’t. It is actually a uniquely organised and decorated platter of standard rolls combined together to look like a cake. Customise the size, flavours and number of candles depending on how willing you are to share.
Price on request. Venetian Village, The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal (050 696 9503).

SSC Roll at Katsuya
by Starck
Forget what you think you know about in-mall dining. This is not hastily prepared food court fodder you shovel in at a crowded table while shopping. If we tell you it is a collaboration between iconic designer Phillippe Starck and sushi master Katsuya Uechi you should start to get the idea. Look at, then taste, the SSC roll. It is simply prawns with musrooms and asparagus atop a California roll.
Dhs75. Yas Mall, Yas Island (02 492 660).

Sushi Pizza at Khayal

You have to love Abu Dhabi, you really do. It is a place where a hotel can make or break its reputation on the quality of its brunch fodder. We can only imagine the thought process of the chef who was tasked with figuring out whether diners would prefer pieces of sushi or slices of pizza. “Both”, presumably, was the answer and this creation was brought to life. It is made of crusted nori, topped with spicy tuna tartar and avocado and is actually classier than the name suggests. Well worth trying for sushi obsessives and Instagram users alike.
Part of a Dhs220 buffet deal. Marriott Hotel Al Forsan, Khalifa City A (02 201 4131).

Sushi Sandwich at Sumo Sushi

Included here as an interesting novelty rather than an unequivocal support of its culinary credentials, it is exactly what you would expect. If, that is, you are expecting sushi cut into a triangle like a dainty afternoon tea finger sandwich. The usual sushi ingredients of tuna and salmon, minced, are there with a sesame topping and spicy mayo.
Dhs45. Various locations, including Masdar City (800 7866).

Uramaki Wagyu beef and foie gras at Li Jiang

Service is always a cut above at any Ritz-Carlton restaurant and the serene outdoor terrace at this pan-Asian restaurant has potential for great atmosphere and remarkable views. Yet despite this we suspect we would only have eyes for the wilfully upmarket rolls. Wagyu beef, foie gras, truffle paste and jumbo asparagus on a single plate? Service could come with a poke in the eye and we would still come back for more of the sushi here.
Dhs85 for eight pieces. The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal (02 818 8282).

Vegetarian Roll at Catch
Regular readers will know that we rate this cool seafront restaurant and lounge. Something about the floor-to-ceiling windows, light, minimal interiors and expansive terrace ticks our boxes. The inclusion of a veggie roll among the offerings is another boost. Pickled shitake mushroom provides bite and yuzu chilli sauce a kick. There are loads of things in the picture below, hopefully the veggie roll is amongst them.
Dhs59. Nation Riviera Beach Club, Corniche West (02 611 0909).

Vegetarian Garden at
Dimshi Corner
We haven’t had this confirmed, mainly because we didn’t ask anybody, but the name seems to be a combination of dim sum and sushi. Making this the greatest collaboration since our failed experiment with a fonduzzi (think a Jacuzzi meets delicious fondue). There is more to this corner of the Sofitel than just clever naming, though. A gorgeous to look at piece of vegetarian sushi uses beetroot rice for colour, and lumps in avocado, pickled carrot, cucumber and daikon radish.
Vegetable rolls from Dhs50 for six pieces. Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche (02 813 7777).

Volcano roll at Taste of Asia
Another Asian restaurant sidestepping across a few cuisines, you can get a serviceable sushi here without it being a specialty. The volcano sushi is named, we can only assume, for the fiery dynamite sauce that gives the crabmeat and avocado tempura its kick. You might want to keep the wasabi to one side for this one.
Dhs65. Al Ain Palace, Corniche Road (02 599 6000).

Volcano Roll at Teatro
OK, we’re going to let you in on a little Time Out insider knowledge. Possibly the finest sushi at this international restaurant doesn’t even appear on the menu. Ask for the house volcano roll, however, and they will bring you out a creation known only to regulars and city foodies. It is a crunchy combination of tempura flakes, salmon, crab, spiced mayo, teriyaki sauce and a couple of extra secret ingredients. Enjoy, just don’t tell them we told you the off-menu trick.
Dhs85 for eight pieces. Park Rotana Abu Dhabi, Khalifa Park area (02 657 3317).