A Refined Culinary Destination in the Heart of Abu Dhabi
Nestled inside The Galleria Al Maryah Island, 99 Sushi Bar Abu Dhabi stands as one of the capital’s most prestigious Japanese dining destinations. Since opening its doors in 2019, the restaurant has elevated the city’s fine dining scene with its seamless blend of authenticity, innovation, and understated luxury.
The Abu Dhabi branch is part of the internationally acclaimed 99 Sushi Bar group, originally founded in Madrid. With its reputation already established in European culinary circles, the brand’s expansion into the UAE marked a significant milestone. Abu Dhabi quickly embraced the concept, drawn to its meticulous craftsmanship and refined atmosphere.
Walking into 99 Sushi Bar Abu Dhabi feels like stepping into a contemporary Japanese sanctuary. Dark wood accents, soft lighting, polished marble surfaces, and carefully curated details create an intimate yet sophisticated environment. It’s a space designed for meaningful conversations, celebratory dinners, and unforgettable culinary moments.
The Philosophy Behind 99 Sushi Bar
At its core, 99 Sushi Bar Abu Dhabi is built on precision and respect for ingredients. Japanese cuisine is known for its discipline, balance, and minimalism. The restaurant honors these principles while adding its own modern interpretation.
Every dish reflects a commitment to quality. From sourcing premium seafood to maintaining strict preparation standards, the kitchen team focuses on showcasing ingredients in their purest and most flavorful form. This dedication is one of the reasons why 99 Sushi Bar has consistently received recognition within the fine dining community.
The restaurant’s philosophy goes beyond taste. Presentation plays a central role. Each plate arrives like a piece of art—carefully structured, thoughtfully garnished, and visually striking. Dining here becomes a sensory experience that engages sight, aroma, texture, and flavor simultaneously.
An Exquisite Menu That Celebrates Japanese Excellence
The menu at 99 Sushi Bar Abu Dhabi offers a rich exploration of Japanese culinary traditions with a modern twist. Signature sushi and sashimi selections highlight the freshness of imported seafood, while innovative creations introduce unexpected flavor pairings.
Nigiri remains a standout category. Delicate slices of toro, salmon, or yellowtail rest atop perfectly seasoned rice, demonstrating balance and restraint. For guests seeking indulgence, wagyu nigiri delivers an unforgettable melt-in-the-mouth experience.
Sashimi platters emphasize purity. The quality of the fish speaks for itself—clean cuts, vibrant color, and a texture that reflects expert handling. The black cod dish, marinated and cooked to tender perfection, remains a favorite among returning guests.
The menu also includes carefully curated tasting experiences, allowing diners to explore a range of flavors in one sitting. These selections are ideal for those who wish to immerse themselves fully in the artistry of the kitchen.
A Setting Designed for Sophistication
Beyond the food, ambiance plays a crucial role in defining 99 Sushi Bar Abu Dhabi. The restaurant’s design blends modern European elegance with subtle Japanese influences. Warm tones, private seating areas, and attentive service create an atmosphere that feels both exclusive and welcoming.
The layout offers flexibility, whether for intimate dinners, corporate meetings, or celebratory gatherings. Each table feels intentionally placed to provide privacy without isolation. The result is a dining room that feels vibrant yet serene.
Its location within The Galleria adds to the appeal. Positioned on Al Maryah Island, the venue benefits from one of Abu Dhabi’s most upscale lifestyle destinations. Guests often combine their dining experience with shopping or waterfront strolls, enhancing the overall evening.
Service That Reflects Attention to Detail
Luxury dining is as much about service as it is about cuisine. At 99 Sushi Bar Abu Dhabi, hospitality is executed with precision and warmth. Staff members are knowledgeable about the menu and eager to guide guests through recommendations tailored to their preferences.
From explaining the origin of specific fish selections to suggesting ideal pairings, the team ensures that each diner feels valued. Timing between courses is carefully managed, allowing guests to enjoy a relaxed yet structured meal.
This attentiveness transforms dinner into an experience rather than just a meal. It’s the kind of service that encourages return visits and word-of-mouth admiration.
Recognition and Culinary Prestige
Since its opening in Abu Dhabi in 2019, 99 Sushi Bar has earned recognition within regional fine dining circles. The brand itself has achieved international acclaim, including Michelin recognition for its Madrid location. Bringing that pedigree to the UAE positioned the Abu Dhabi branch as a serious contender in the city’s competitive culinary landscape.
Abu Dhabi’s dining scene has evolved rapidly over the past decade, with luxury restaurants setting new benchmarks for excellence. 99 Sushi Bar contributes to this evolution by offering consistency, creativity, and uncompromising quality.
Its reputation continues to grow among residents and international visitors alike, solidifying its place as a destination restaurant rather than simply another sushi spot.
Why 99 Sushi Bar Abu Dhabi Stands Out
What truly differentiates 99 Sushi Bar Abu Dhabi is its balance. It manages to feel luxurious without being intimidating, refined without being rigid. The experience is elevated yet comfortable, polished yet inviting.
The menu avoids unnecessary complexity. Instead, it focuses on mastery of technique and premium ingredients. This clarity of vision resonates with diners seeking authenticity paired with innovation.
Location, ambiance, service, and cuisine come together seamlessly. Few restaurants achieve such harmony across every aspect of the dining journey.
A Destination Worth Experiencing
For those exploring Japanese fine dining in the UAE capital, 99 Sushi Bar Abu Dhabi represents a benchmark of excellence. Whether visiting for a special occasion or an indulgent evening out, guests can expect meticulous preparation, elegant surroundings, and a menu that celebrates the essence of Japanese gastronomy.
As Abu Dhabi continues to position itself as a global culinary hub, establishments like 99 Sushi Bar play a defining role. They demonstrate that luxury dining is not just about extravagance, but about precision, passion, and respect for tradition.
In a city known for ambition and innovation, 99 Sushi Bar Abu Dhabi captures the spirit of refinement with quiet confidence. It is not merely a restaurant—it is a carefully curated experience that leaves a lasting impression long after the final course is served.
Do follow UAE Stories on Instagram
Read Next – Terra Abu Dhabi: A Living Symbol of Sustainable Innovation
