If there’s one area of Abu Dhabi that’s been quietly heating up the scene lately, it’s Al Qana. There are loads of new restaurants to choose from in this sizzling neighbourhood, but if it’s Japanese you’re after you should head straight to Otoro.
Walk along Al Qana Marina on any given evening and you’ll find crowds strolling along, looking for a bite. Named after the fattiest, and most prized part of the tuna belly meat, Otoro’s menu comes from celebrated chef Akmal Anuar, famed for Dubai restaurants including similar Japanese eatery Goldfish and fire-focused restaurant 11 Woodfire.
Translation: allow your expectations to be set comfortably high.
Upon stepping inside, it’s eyes on the massive sushi bar, where you can watch the chefs’ knives twirling, rolling and chopping those maki rolls. The interior is a mix of swirling circular patterns and sleek minimalist finishes. The restaurant might benefit from some more comfortable seating (a cushion for those wooden chairs would go a long way) but for a short visit the overall effect is welcoming.
Tempura prawn maki is a strong place to start, a riot of crispy crustacean, spicy sauce and caviar. It’ll be the diner with the deftest chopstick skills enjoying the final spoils of this order, so quickly will it disappear from the table.
Seabass miso yaki is another strong plate from Otoro’s seafood offering, featuring a beautifully flaky piece of fish that’s equal parts sweet and salty, served alongside a decent potato salad.
Polish it all off with the green tea tiramisu, featuring an it-shouldn’t-work-but-it-does medley of mascarpone and azuki bean, with a matcha finish.
Otoro’s offering is every bit as rich as its namesake.
