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
Business Insights
- As per the document, there are six filing options, including choosing to report on a realisation basis and transitional rules for pre-tax period gains or losses.
- SMEs with revenue below Dh3 million per annum can opt for transitional relief until 2026, treating them as having no taxable income.
- Larger entities have specific provisions for asset and liability movements, business restructuring, and handling foreign permanent establishments.
MATCH INFO
Manchester City 4 (Gundogan 8' (P), Bernardo Silva 19', Jesus 72', 75')
Fulham 0
Red cards: Tim Ream (Fulham)
Man of the Match: Gabriel Jesus (Manchester City)
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Indoor cricket World Cup:
Insportz, Dubai, September 16-23
UAE fixtures:
Men
Saturday, September 16 – 1.45pm, v New Zealand
Sunday, September 17 – 10.30am, v Australia; 3.45pm, v South Africa
Monday, September 18 – 2pm, v England; 7.15pm, v India
Tuesday, September 19 – 12.15pm, v Singapore; 5.30pm, v Sri Lanka
Thursday, September 21 – 2pm v Malaysia
Friday, September 22 – 3.30pm, semi-final
Saturday, September 23 – 3pm, grand final
Women
Saturday, September 16 – 5.15pm, v Australia
Sunday, September 17 – 2pm, v South Africa; 7.15pm, v New Zealand
Monday, September 18 – 5.30pm, v England
Tuesday, September 19 – 10.30am, v New Zealand; 3.45pm, v South Africa
Thursday, September 21 – 12.15pm, v Australia
Friday, September 22 – 1.30pm, semi-final
Saturday, September 23 – 1pm, grand final
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Six large-scale objects on show
- Concrete wall and windows from the now demolished Robin Hood Gardens housing estate in Poplar
- The 17th Century Agra Colonnade, from the bathhouse of the fort of Agra in India
- A stagecloth for The Ballet Russes that is 10m high – the largest Picasso in the world
- Frank Lloyd Wright’s 1930s Kaufmann Office
- A full-scale Frankfurt Kitchen designed by Margarete Schütte-Lihotzky, which transformed kitchen design in the 20th century
- Torrijos Palace dome
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Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
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Rankings
ATP: 1. Novak Djokovic (SRB) 10,955 pts; 2. Rafael Nadal (ESP) 8,320; 3. Alexander Zverev (GER) 6,475 ( 1); 5. Juan Martin Del Potro (ARG) 5,060 ( 1); 6. Kevin Anderson (RSA) 4,845 ( 1); 6. Roger Federer (SUI) 4,600 (-3); 7. Kei Nishikori (JPN) 4,110 ( 2); 8. Dominic Thiem (AUT) 3,960; 9. John Isner (USA) 3,155 ( 1); 10. Marin Cilic (CRO) 3,140 (-3)
WTA: 1. Naomi Osaka (JPN) 7,030 pts ( 3); 2. Petra Kvitova (CZE) 6,290 ( 4); 3. Simona Halep (ROM) 5,582 (-2); 4. Sloane Stephens (USA) 5,307 ( 1); 5. Karolina Pliskova (CZE) 5,100 ( 3); 6. Angelique Kerber (GER) 4,965 (-4); 7. Elina Svitolina (UKR) 4,940; 8. Kiki Bertens (NED) 4,430 ( 1); 9. Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) 3,566 (-6); 10. Aryna Sabalenka (BLR) 3,485 ( 1)
Company%20Profile
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The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
MATCH INFO
Barcelona 2
Suarez (10'), Messi (52')
Real Madrid 2
Ronaldo (14'), Bale (72')
The years Ramadan fell in May
Who is Mohammed Al Halbousi?
The new speaker of Iraq’s parliament Mohammed Al Halbousi is the youngest person ever to serve in the role.
The 37-year-old was born in Al Garmah in Anbar and studied civil engineering in Baghdad before going into business. His development company Al Hadeed undertook reconstruction contracts rebuilding parts of Fallujah’s infrastructure.
He entered parliament in 2014 and served as a member of the human rights and finance committees until 2017. In August last year he was appointed governor of Anbar, a role in which he has struggled to secure funding to provide services in the war-damaged province and to secure the withdrawal of Shia militias. He relinquished the post when he was sworn in as a member of parliament on September 3.
He is a member of the Al Hal Sunni-based political party and the Sunni-led Coalition of Iraqi Forces, which is Iraq’s largest Sunni alliance with 37 seats from the May 12 election.
He maintains good relations with former Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki’s State of Law Coaliton, Hadi Al Amiri’s Badr Organisation and Iranian officials.
Analysis
Maros Sefcovic is juggling multiple international trade agreement files, but his message was clear when he spoke to The National on Wednesday.
The EU-UAE bilateral trade deal will be finalised soon, he said. It is in everyone’s interests to do so. Both sides want to move quickly and are in alignment. He said the UAE is a very important partner for the EU. It’s full speed ahead - and with some lofty ambitions - on the road to a free trade agreement.
We also talked about US-EU tariffs. He answered that both sides need to talk more and more often, but he is prepared to defend Europe's position and said diplomacy should be a guiding principle through the current moment.
The Sand Castle
Director: Matty Brown
Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea
Rating: 2.5/5
Jordan cabinet changes
In
- Raed Mozafar Abu Al Saoud, Minister of Water and Irrigation
- Dr Bassam Samir Al Talhouni, Minister of Justice
- Majd Mohamed Shoueikeh, State Minister of Development of Foundation Performance
- Azmi Mahmud Mohafaza, Minister of Education and Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research
- Falah Abdalla Al Ammoush, Minister of Public Works and Housing
- Basma Moussa Ishakat, Minister of Social Development
- Dr Ghazi Monawar Al Zein, Minister of Health
- Ibrahim Sobhi Alshahahede, Minister of Agriculture and Minister of Environment
- Dr Mohamed Suleiman Aburamman, Minister of Culture and Minister of Youth
Out
- Dr Adel Issa Al Tawissi, Minister of High Education and Scientific Research
- Hala Noaman “Basiso Lattouf”, Minister of Social Development
- Dr Mahmud Yassin Al Sheyab, Minister of Health
- Yahya Moussa Kasbi, Minister of Public Works and Housing
- Nayef Hamidi Al Fayez, Minister of Environment
- Majd Mohamed Shoueika, Minister of Public Sector Development
- Khalid Moussa Al Huneifat, Minister of Agriculture
- Dr Awad Abu Jarad Al Mushakiba, Minister of Justice
- Mounir Moussa Ouwais, Minister of Water and Agriculture
- Dr Azmi Mahmud Mohafaza, Minister of Education
- Mokarram Mustafa Al Kaysi, Minister of Youth
- Basma Mohamed Al Nousour, Minister of Culture
The years Ramadan fell in May
The specs
AT4 Ultimate, as tested
Engine: 6.2-litre V8
Power: 420hp
Torque: 623Nm
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Price: From Dh330,800 (Elevation: Dh236,400; AT4: Dh286,800; Denali: Dh345,800)
On sale: Now
ENGLAND SQUAD
Goalkeepers Pickford (Everton), Pope (Burnley), Henderson (Manchester United)
Defenders Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Chilwell (Chelsea), Coady (Wolves), Dier (Tottenham), Gomez (Liverpool), James (Chelsea), Keane (Everton), Maguire (Manchester United), Maitland-Niles (Arsenal), Mings (Aston Villa), Saka (Arsenal), Trippier (Atletico Madrid), Walker (Manchester City)
Midfielders: Foden (Manchester City), Henderson (Liverpool), Grealish (Aston Villa), Mount (Chelsea), Rice (West Ham), Ward-Prowse (Southampton), Winks (Tottenham)
Forwards: Abraham (Chelsea), Calvert-Lewin (Everton), Kane (Tottenham), Rashford (Manchester United), Sancho (Borussia Dortmund), Sterling (Manchester City)
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Zayed Sustainability Prize
