Authentic Japanese Lunch in Miyako

A few months ago, I received a private message from a male blog reader. He was asking for an advice on where to take the love of his life on a date. He specifically wants a nice but affordable restaurant; I bet a restaurant that can impress his date but wouldn't leave a hole in his pocket.

I gave a few recommendations, mainly casual dining spots in the mall. Little did I know, there is one restaurant in a 5-star hotel that perfectly meets his specifications!

I came across Miyako - an authentic Japanese restaurant in Hyatt Regency Dubai - last weekend. If only I knew about it before he asked, it could have been my top recommendation. 

Here's why.  

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Yakitate Japanese Boutique Bakery and Cafe

I can't remember how many times we trooped to Al Ghurair Centre just for Yakitate. I have fallen in love with this Japanese Boutique Bakery and Cafe ever since it popped up in Dubai's dining scene last winter. I have already been there for breakfast, for catch-up sesh over dinner with friends, and countless date nights with Ed!

Although Yakitate is not the first Japanese Bakery to open in Dubai, it easily captured my attention because of several reasons. 

1. Because of its convenient location. It is tucked in the district where we live.

2. Because of the ramen burger! There's nothing like it in Dubai.

3. Because it is sooo kawaii! 

  

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Atisuto: Funky Japanese Restaurant in Al Ghurair Centre

The food strip in Al Ghurair Centre, right in between the shopping mall and Spinneys, is currently our favorite food spot. There are just so many interesting restaurants along that lane. Our new discovery is Atisuto, a well-commended Japanese eatery that already has an outlet in Galleria Mall Dubai. Shame that we only knew about this restaurant recently.

Atisuto Japanese restaurant in Al Ghurair Centre, Dubai

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Minato: Sushi and Teppanyaki Buffet in Radisson Blu

Last weekend, I rediscovered Minato. 

If you have been with me since last year, you'll remember that I crazily raved about this Japanese restaurant in Radisson Blu Hotel during Eid Brunch. It was one of the grandest brunch I have ever been to as it was participated by five renowned restaurants. And out of the five, Minato turned out to be the superstar! So, I was ecstatic to finally have a weekend dedicated to Minato alone.  

Minato at Radisson Blu Hotel

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Chez Sushi: Fresh and Funky Japanese Dishes and Custom Built Rolls

Ed and I jive along in so many things, but when it comes to Japanese food, we're worlds apart! He'd go for ramen or teriyaki as I unleash the maki monster in me. Whenever I tell him that we're going to a sushi restaurant, he would always ask if there are offerings other than sushi. He wouldn't be happy if there's none, yet he'd eat whatever I eat anyway. No choice! Haha! I'd feel a little guilty though; hence, I was really hoping I could find a good sushi place where I could meet him halfway.  

And we discovered Chez Sushi! 

Chez Sushi is the casual counterpart of Sho Cho - a renowned fine-dining Japanese restaurant and lounge in Dubai Marine Beach Resort and Spa. Both created by the same people, Chez Sushi offers excellent Japanese food that mirrors Sho Cho's finest cuisines, but in a more laid-back atmosphere.     

Chez Sushi in Dubai Marina

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Sushi Counter: Sushi with a Twist in Dubai

I'm such a big fan of Japanese Rolls; those artfully presented, delicately tasteful, bite-size goodies! It is one of the non-Filipino dishes I can have on my plate for consecutive days! So, when an invitation to a sushi roll tutorial and sushi tasting session popped in my inbox, the maki monster in me excitedly said yes.

So, on a Friday afternoon, I learned the art of sushi-making and devoured freshly made rolls at Sushi Counter in Sheikh Zayed Road. 

Sushi Counter is a casual dining venue with eight locations in Dubai and two in Abu Dhabi - the one in Al Raha beach is up and coming. It is where Japanese cuisine receives a distinct touch. The team's passion is to reinvent the traditional Japanese dishes by creatively infusing various cultures around the world. They launch new collections annually and introduce fresh creations based on current trends; hence diners discover something new to love each year!  

Sushi Counter in Sheikh Zayed Road

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Far-East Delights at Wagamama

Ed and I are a foodie couple, I'm pretty sure you've noticed that. We love to eat and try different cuisines. When we dine, we let our taste buds explore the world. Recently, we had a gastronomic journey to the Far-East. Much to my husband's delight, I agreed to dine in a Japanese restaurant where he could have a bowl of ramen. 

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