Founded by Imad Obeid in 2021, Niri is a homegrown Japanese restaurant that embraces clean, minimalist cuisine, service, and design. Combining elements of a yakitori restaurant, sushi counter, and highball bar, this elegant venue in Abu Dhabi’s Mamsha Al Saadiyat district aims to break down barriers, titles, and formalities.

Key highlights:
- Japanese food with a modern twist in a beachfront location
- Open kitchen where you can watch chefs make sushi right in front of you
- Mix of yakitori grill, sushi counter, and highball bar all in one place

PROFILE

NIRI started as a pop-up in Yas Mall. People liked it so much it moved to a permanent spot at Mamsha Al Saadiyat in 2021. The restaurant is run by Imad Obeid who used to work at famous places like LPM and Zuma Abu Dhabi. The head chef is Yasuyuki Takemoto. He knows everything about Japanese food. They wanted to make a place where everyone could enjoy good Japanese food without it feeling too fancy or strict. The name comes from a Japanese saying "I-chigo I-chie" which means treasure every meeting because it will never happen again.

AMBIENCE

The restaurant sits right on the beach. You can see the ocean from your table. Big windows let in tons of light during the day. The design is simple but nice. Lots of wood and stone give it a clean Japanese feel. There's a long sushi counter where you can sit and watch the chefs work. The outdoor terrace is perfect for dinner when it's not too hot. Inside has room for about 70 people. There's also a private dining room for special events. The whole place feels open because there's no wall between the kitchen and dining area. At night, the palm trees outside light up and make everything look magical.

MUST-TRY

The spinach Nasu Goma is something you shouldn't miss. It's super tasty. Wagyu Tataki melts in your mouth like butter. The Corn Tempura is way better than it sounds. If you like crab, get the Softshell Crab. It's crispy and salty in all the right ways. The fatty toro tartar with seaweed crisps is amazing. One customer said it was their favorite cold starter. For meat lovers, the grilled ribeye is cooked perfect every time. Don't forget to try their grilled potatoes with creamy sauce.

FOOD

NIRI does Japanese food but not the boring kind you see everywhere. They focus on three main things: yakitori (grilled chicken on sticks),sushi, and highball drinks. The menu has both traditional stuff and some creative new dishes. Everything tastes super fresh. You can tell they use good ingredients. The sushi rice has perfect texture. Not too sticky, not too dry. Their fish for sashimi comes in four types: salmon, yellow tail, sea bass and tuna. The kitchen also does great grilled foods like octopus that's so tender it falls apart. For dessert, try the kinako pistachio cheesecake with cherry sauce. The mix of smooth cheese, crunchy nuts, and sour cherries works really well.

SERVICE

The staff wear kimonos which looks pretty cool. Most workers aren't Japanese but they know a lot about the food. Chef Takemoto teaches everyone about Japanese ingredients so they can answer customer questions. The service is fast but not rushed. One reviewer called it "brisk, almost to the point of precision." Staff are friendly and make you feel welcome right away. If you sit at the counter, the chefs will talk to you about what they're making. They're good with special requests and dietary needs.

PRICING

NIRI isn't cheap but you get what you pay for. Main dishes cost around what you'd expect for a nice restaurant in Abu Dhabi. The desserts are about 38 AED. They have a business lunch special that's a good deal if you go during the day. The cocktails are strong and worth the money. For the quality of food and the beach location, most people think the prices are fair.

SUMMARY

NIRI brings something different to Abu Dhabi's food scene. It's casual enough for a regular dinner but nice enough for a special occasion. The mix of yakitori, sushi,and drinks works really well together. The beach location makes it extra special, especially at sunset. It's popular with both locals and tourists from all over the world. The restaurant is always busy which says a lot in a city with so many food options. If you want Japanese food that's a step above the usual stuff, NIRI is worth checking out.

FAQs

What are the opening hours of NIRI Restaurant & Bar?
They're open Sunday through Thursday from 12 PM to 11 PM. On Friday and Saturday, they stay open an hour later until midnight.

Is there parking available at NIRI?
Yes, they have validated parking for customers. The restaurant is located at Mamsha Al Saadiyat which has parking facilities.

Do I need to make a reservation?
It's recommended since the place is usually busy. You can make reservations by calling +971 2 546 8886 or emailing them at reservations@nirirestaurant.com.