Four years after opening in Dubai and establishing itself as one of the city's top dining establishments, New York import SushiSamba is now ready to treat residents of Abu Dhabi to its “tri-cultural coalition” – a blend of Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian flavours.
Judging by the packed venue on the Saturday evening my dining partner and I visited, with a few guests waiting to be seated at the lounge, it looks like SushiSamba Abu Dhabi has already made the hot list since it opened in late December.
What to expect and where to sit
Located at Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers, SushiSamba Abu Dhabi replaces Vakava, the pan-Latin grill and lounge that closed a year ago. Spread across two levels, the main restaurant is located on the ground floor with both indoor and outdoor dining areas as well as the sushi and robata grill counters.
On the first floor is a stunning outdoor terrace and bar, as well as a private dining room and the restaurant chain's Samba Lounge, a for-hire space with its own dedicated bar.
While part of Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers, the restaurant is not physically attached to the hotel and boasts its own entrance and valet. Jutting out into the corniche waters, its curved architecture ensures great views wherever you're seated.
We are shown to a table on the balcony close to the water. Despite the striking views, however, the UAE cold snap soon gets the better of us, and we request to be moved indoors. The cold doesn't seem to bother many other diners, as I notice the balcony area packed too, with some keeping themselves warm with blankets provided by the restaurant.
Like its Dubai counterpart, the interiors are dimly lit, with lush greenery paying tribute to the Amazon rainforest, and also separating tables. It's warm and intimate, while the service is quick and polite.
The menu
With the exception of Wagyu Dhabi (Dh175), a sushi roll with Japanese wagyu, fried leeks, truffle aioli or sauce and avocado, SushiSamba Abu Dhabi employs an "if it ain't broke" policy as far as the menu is concerned. It features all the hits from the Dubai branch, including my personal favourite green bean tempura – stalks of green bean coated lightly with batter and served with black truffle aioli.
There's also a huge selection of sushi to choose from, including SushiSamba's own creations as well as classic rolls and a selection of nigiri and sashimi. Those who wish to take it up a notch can pair them with the restaurant's selection of caviar, priced between Dh999 to Dh3,800.
From the selection of ceviches, we tried the sea bream ceviche (Dh80), which comes with a kick of green chillies.
But it's the fusion foods where the restaurant truly shines, like the yellowtail crispy taquitos (Dh58) for starters. Served taco-style, the yellowtail with avocado, white miso, coriander and lime is full of texture and flavour. And so is the salmon tartare (Dh89) – shredded pieces of salmon mixed with avocado, tobiko and caviar and served on a plate of crispy nori.
For mains, we tried the Chilean sea bass robata (Dh118), grilled fish dunked in white miso sprinkled with finely chopped chives. It balances perfectly with the Australian black angus tenderloin (Dh298), buttered on top with foie gras and spicy soy. The beef is so perfectly cooked you can pick pieces with chopsticks, before they melt in your mouth.
Standout dish
While there was no space for seconds, I'd pick the salmon tartare if compelled. The crispy nori and perfectly flavoured salmon starter is a must-have. And so is the simple green bean tempura, which will disappear from the plate faster than you think. From the mains, you can't go wrong with anything from the robata selection, fishy or meaty.
And absolutely do not miss the Japanese doughnuts (Dh65). The soft and warm doughy balls, sugary on the outside and filled with dolce ganache inside, are a slightly irreverent but fun way to bring to a close what's been a sophisticated, near-perfect meal.
Contact information
SushiSamba is located at Podium 1, Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers, Abu Dhabi and tables can be booked by calling 02 811 5882.
This review was conducted at the restaurant’s invitation
