Strawfire by Ross Shonhan opened in November 2024 at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, bringing a bold new take on Japanese dining to Abu Dhabi. Known for his work with Netsu and Bone Daddies, Shonhan introduces the rare Warayaki technique—cooking over straw flames—for a distinct smoky flavor. With immersive design elements like a floating moon, hand-painted silk walls, and a view into the fire-lit kitchen, Strawfire delivers both a sensory and culinary experience unlike any other.

Key highlights:
- Strawfire celebrates Warayaki, a Japanese cooking technique using straw-fired flames
- Located in the luxurious Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental
- Opened on November 15, 2024,bringing a unique dining experience to Abu Dhabi

PROFILE

Strawfire by Ross Shonhan is a Japanese restaurant that opened in November 2024. The restaurant is the creation of acclaimed restaurateur Ross Shonhan, known for Netsu Dubai and Bone Daddies. It's located inside the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, one of Abu Dhabi's most iconic and fancy hotels. The place focuses on Warayaki, which is a traditional Japanese cooking technique from Kochi prefecture. Food gets cooked over straw-fired flames, giving everything a special smoky flavor that's hard to find anywhere else.

AMBIENCE

The restaurant has five different spaces, including the Toyama private dining room. A massive 7.3-meter Shimenawa rope hangs in the space, which in Japanese culture means something sacred. The walls have hand-painted silk inspired by Japanese art. When you first walk in, you'll see the Tsukimi Lounge with a giant moon floating in the center. This part is inspired by a Japanese full moon festival and it's super cool to look at. The main restaurant area gives you a view of the kitchen where you can watch the chefs cook with fire. They have a glassed-in open kitchen so you can see tiny straw particles floating in the air while the chefs work. A DJ plays Jazzy House and NU Disco music every day, making the vibe even better.

MUST-TRY

The prawn toast is apparently the best some people have ever tasted. The Hand Rolls Tableside Experience is something special - a sushi chef makes rolls right at your table and puts them directly into your hand. For dessert, don't skip the Caramel Popcorn Tableside Experience where they literally pop corn at your table with a surprise ending that makes people squeal with joy.

FOOD

The menu is created by Ross Shonhan and features dishes cooked using the Warayaki technique. You can order from the regular menu, try the signature tasting menu, or go for the chef's omakase menu where they decide what to serve you. Every dish tells a story of craftsmanship and the chef's travels across Japan. The meat is premium quality with no complaints from customers. The strawfire cooking method gives food a deeper flavor that you can't get with regular cooking. They use super fresh ingredients for everything from meats and seafood to vegetables. Some dishes are prepared right at your table, which makes eating here more like a show than just a meal.

SERVICE

Staff at Strawfire are described as super attentive and kind. They work hard to create a great atmosphere for guests. The team knows the stories behind each dish and shares them with flair. At the bar, they can create custom cocktails based on your favorite flavors and alcohol preferences. They also serve delicious snacks with drinks before your meal starts. The restaurant fills up quickly after opening at 6 PM, showing how popular it's become in a short time.

PRICING

Strawfire offers different menu options including à la carte, a signature tasting menu, and the chef's omakase menu. The tasting menu can be paired with Sake for an extra cost. As it's located in the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, prices are on the higher side, matching the luxury experience. The restaurant positions itself as a premium dining destination in Abu Dhabi. Considering the quality of ingredients, the tableside experiences, and the unique cooking method, many customers feel the prices are worth it for such a special night out.

SUMMARY

Strawfire by Ross Shonhan brings something new to Abu Dhabi's food scene with its Warayaki cooking style. The restaurant combines great food with entertainment, making it more than just a place to eat. From the moment you walk in until you leave, every part of the experience is carefully thought out. The combination of fire cooking, tableside presentations, and premium ingredients creates memories that last. If you're looking for a special night out in Abu Dhabi, Strawfire offers both amazing food and a show you won't forget.

FAQs

What type of cuisine does Strawfire serve?
Strawfire serves Japanese cuisine with a focus on the Warayaki cooking technique, which uses straw-fired flames to give food a unique smoky flavor.

Do I need to make a reservation at Strawfire?
Yes, reservations are recommended as the restaurant fills up quickly after opening at 6 PM. You can make reservations by calling +971 2 690 7999 or through their website.

What are the opening hours for Strawfire?
Strawfire is open seven days a week from 6:00 PM until midnight.