The Best Japanese Restaurants In Abu Dhabi

Craving some delicious Japanese fare whilst exploring the sights and sounds of the UAE? Never fear. As well as being one of the most prosperous, picturesque and architecturally stunning cities in the world, Abu Dhabi is home to an array of restaurants serving Sushi and Japanese cuisine. Offering everything from sashimi to noodles to teppanyaki, here’s our definitive guide to the top five Japanese and sushi restaurants in Abu Dhabi.

Imago

Bar, Middle Eastern

Imago doesn’t just offer diners a meal; it serves up an unforgettable culinary experience where the atmosphere is fast-paced, the interior is exquisite and customers are dressed to impress. Take a seat at the sushi bar here to watch the chefs busily at work and sample some of the most flavorsome smoked salmon in the city, or try some peppered tuna steak served perfectly on a bed of greens. In the cooler months here guests can dine in the idyllic outside pool area.

Cho Gao

Bar, Restaurant, Asian

Cho Gao is more than your average sushi bar; it’s one of the most exclusive restaurants in the downtown area of the city offering a wealth of pan-Asian cuisine options. The dim lighting here creates a romantic setting in which to dine, and top menu picks include the prawns in wasabi sauce as well as the dim sum, all followed by an ice-cold, singha draft beer. This is a top spot to source delicious gluten-free dishes, too.

Sho Cho

Restaurant, Japanese

Sho Cho is a restaurant exuding less of the extravagance shown by other establishments in the city, but is still a spot committed to serving the very best in Japanese cuisine. Opened in 2007, the minimalist decor is simple and effective and features a sleek, chic wooden floor and sophisticated light fittings. Some of the most popular dishes here include the red snapper crisps and the maki sushi rolls, both of which are light options which serve perfectly as a small starter. The Japanese dumplings and prawns in tempura batter are fantastic main course options, and if it isn’t too hot, try to get a table in the outside seating area, a space which offers spectacular views of the surrounding ocean.

Aquarium

Aquarium is aptly titled as it serves seafood in a variety of fashions. Featuring floor-to-ceiling aquariums it’s easy to get lost in the visual spectacle of the place, but once you’ve taken a seat at a table, your tastebuds won’t be disappointed either. Feast on a dish of fried calamari whilst watching the million-dollar yachts sail by on the water outside, or try the freshly caught octopus whilst reclining on the spacious and airy outdoor terrace. Every Sunday sumptuous, Asian-style sushi and sashimi is available in abundance.
Address and Telephone: Aquarium, Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

The Yacht Club

If elite dining is what you seek then look no further than The Yacht Club. Asian tapas is the food style of choice here, giving visitors the chance to sample a range of different dishes in one sitting. Menu favorites here include the wagyu tayaki, made from spicy fish served with cilantro and a sweet chili dip, and the roasted duck quesadillas, which come with hoisin sauce and jalapeno guacamole. And if you’re looking for an authentic Japanese beverage to follow, Sake is available here as well as a variety of oriental cocktails.

About the author

Amanda Chain

Amanda ditched the American dream for a British one when she moved from Philadelphia to England. Recently graduating with an MA in Cultural Heritage Studies from University College London, she's fallen love with the bad weather, good books and the strange version of football. Amanda is a former school teacher and remains a competitive rower, winning national competitions in both the United States and the United Kingdom. The former archaeologist continues to travel the world, but still hasn't found what she's looking for.