Goldfish Abu Dhabi Review: A Contender for the UAE’s Best Mall Restaurant

  • Jan. 20, 2025
  • FMCG HORECA BUSINESS
Goldfish Abu Dhabi Review: A Contender for the UAE’s Best Mall Restaurant

Is mall food finally having its moment? It seems that way, and Goldfish Sushi and Yakitori in Marina Mall, Abu Dhabi, is making a strong case for it.

Gone are the days of soggy, tasteless pastries hastily devoured in the least glamorous food court corners. Now, the UAE is home to a new generation of mall dining, where the food is exceptional, the atmosphere stylish, and the experience nothing short of memorable. In fact, Goldfish is the latest to join the ranks of top-tier mall restaurants, already earning attention for its inventive dishes and sophisticated ambiance.

Goldfish: A Stylish Mall Dining Experience

Chef Akmal Anuar, known for his successful ventures like 11 Woodfire and Osteria Funkcoolio, brings his culinary expertise to Goldfish, a chic eatery that stands out in Marina Mall. The space inside is sleek and contemporary, with dark walls and wooden finishes that balance the cool, minimalistic vibe. For a touch of brightness, the restaurant spills into the mall’s open space, offering "outdoor" seating bathed in natural light from the massive glass ceiling. There’s plenty of room, which is perfect for shoppers who want to unwind without worrying about bumping into tables.

Seated comfortably in a semi-circle booth, we were quickly greeted by an enthusiastic and attentive waiter, Lin, who guided us through the menu and offered a selection of house-made fizzy drinks. I opted for the Hana Spritz (Dh40), which turned out to be a zesty, refreshing choice, and immediately set the tone for a delightful dining experience.

The Menu: Creative Japanese with a Southeast Asian Twist

Chef Anuar, a Singapore native, brings a creative fusion of Japanese techniques and Southeast Asian flavours to the menu. It’s split into sections like starters, sushi, skewers, and mains, with an emphasis on seafood, but there’s something for everyone, including meat and vegetable lovers.

To start, we chose the yellowtail carpaccio (Dh72) and snapper ceviche (Dh70). The yellowtail carpaccio was impeccably thin and delicate, enhanced by spicy black and pink peppercorns, soy sauce, and green chilli. The dish perfectly demonstrated Anuar’s philosophy of using soy sauce to elevate and enhance natural flavours.

Next up, the volcano maki (Dh52) lived up to its fiery name. Rolled with teriyaki salmon and topped with spicy mayo, it offered a satisfyingly bold flavour profile. For something a bit more Middle Eastern-inspired, the lamb sate skewers (Dh55) were a delightful twist on the classic satay, served with peanut sauce. As a fan of grilled octopus, I couldn’t resist the leg of octopus (Dh90), which was a stunning dish, featuring tender octopus with a perfectly charred exterior, accompanied by a light artichoke puree.

The sea bass claypot (Dh150) was a showstopper. Prepared and finished tableside, it involved smashing chunks of sea bass into a bed of rice, which was then drenched in soy sauce. The real delight, however, came from the crispy rice that clung to the side of the claypot, offering a satisfying crunch reminiscent of barnacles.

For dessert, Anuar’s recommendation of the chocolate bomber (Dh45) was a must-try. It’s a decadent chocolate tart, rich and smooth, served with vanilla ice cream flecked with real vanilla seeds. It’s sophisticated, indulgent, and the perfect end to a memorable meal.

Affordable Yet Indulgent

Goldfish offers a range of prices to suit different budgets. For a casual meal, you can enjoy three courses for just over Dh100. I highly recommend the shiitake skewers (Dh22), shrimp noodles (Dh45), and Rosie mess (Dh40), which is a delightful twist on the traditional Eton mess. On the splurge side, you can indulge in the tuna belly and caviar bowl (Dh175), Australian tenderloin (Dh320), or the matcha cheesecake (Dh45).

Despite my usual aversion to desserts, I was glad I made an exception for the chocolate bomber. Its rich ganache is so smooth it practically melts in your mouth, making it a dessert you’ll want to share.

A Vision for Goldfish: Crafting an Innovative Dining Experience

Chef Anuar’s culinary philosophy is rooted in respect for the ingredients. “Each product has its own identity and peak season, and my approach starts with highlighting these qualities,” he explains. His menu reflects this, with dishes that not only showcase Japanese precision but also creative twists inspired by Southeast Asian flavours.

Among his favourite dishes are the yellowtail carpaccio for its delicate yet bold flavours, the mizuna and corn salad (perfect for vegetarians), the Wagyu foie sliders (a treat for meat lovers), and the sea bass claypot for its comfort and depth of flavour. For something indulgent, he points to the chocolate bomber as the perfect way to round off the meal.

Conclusion: Goldfish’s Role in the Mall Food Revolution

Goldfish Sushi and Yakitori has proven that mall dining can be elevated to new heights. With Chef Akmal Anuar at the helm, the restaurant offers a unique blend of creativity, precision, and passion for Japanese cuisine, making it a worthy contender for the title of the UAE’s best mall restaurant. Whether you’re stopping by for a casual meal or indulging in a splurge-worthy experience, Goldfish promises to deliver a dining experience that exceeds expectations.

Goldfish is open daily from 10am to 11pm. For reservations, call 02 665 6485.