Benihana: Fancy watching your own chef juggle sharp knives, toss an egg up in the air, split it with his knife, and then flip a flattened morsel of shrimp onto the plate of the diner next to you? Then head to Benihana. Fortunately, the food is as impressive as the teppanyaki cooking show.
Beach Rotana Hotel, Tourist Club Area (02 697 9000)
Soba: Soba is quick and efficient, which is just as well because, despite the good food, this is not a restaurant to linger in. The hard wooden and terrazzo floors and solid walls create a curtain of noise that does not encourage a quiet, intimate evening. Nevertheless, the venue is popular with couples and business groups.
Le Royal Meridien Hotel, Corniche (02 674 2020)
Sho Cho: The prettiest sushi we’ve seen in Abu Dhabi. The result of precise knife work, each piece of maki is tightly rolled and packed with generous slabs of fish. It seems a shame to destroy such craftsmanship, but after the first bite, there is no going back.
Souk Qaryat Al Beri, Between the Bridges (02 558 1117)
Wasabi: Order several dishes, or one of the combo ‘boats’ ideal for sharing, so everyone in the party can enjoy the wide range of tastes. In addition, there is a large selection of beef, chicken and pork dishes, together with seafood and noodles. The large shrimp spring rolls on a bed of fried rice are particularly good.
Al Diar Mina Hotel, Al Markaziyah (02 678 1000)
Zen: In the early evening, Zen is quiet and peaceful. A handful of Japanese customers (a good sign in a Japanese restaurant) relax in a haven of tranquility, cocooned within discrete booths. However, the service is slow and cheerless; you ought to win a prize if you can make them smile.
Al Ain Palace Hotel, Al Markaziyah (02 679 4777)
