It’s ideal for adventurous eaters who appreciate bold flavours and subtle techniques
Mall dining rarely reaches the heights of fine dining, but Goldfish Sushi & Yakitori Abu Dhabi, tucked into the newly renovated and effortlessly elegant Marina Mall, proves to be the exception.
Surrounded by twinkling palm trees and a sleek circle of haute cuisine venues, the setting alone hints that you’re in for something special.
In Japanese culture, goldfish symbolise good fortune and harmony; values that renowned chef Akmal Anuar has artfully woven into every detail of his menu and dining space.
From the serene Asian ambience, lush with greenery, to the warm tones of beautifully crafted wooden tables and chairs, Goldfish is a haven of calm and sophistication.
A theatre of flavour
The hospitality at Goldfish is as polished as the surroundings. We were greeted with heartfelt warmth and enthusiasm, and the energy of the team set the tone for what would be an exceptional evening.
We began with a Pina Colada and the house Goldfish mocktail; both elegantly presented and full of flair, setting the stage for the food theatre to come.
Small plates, big statements
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Our starters were a trio of standout dishes: Ebi fry (green bean tempura), bluefin tuna, and tuna carpaccio.
It was immediately clear that premium ingredients and culinary innovation are cornerstones of Anuar’s kitchen.
The tuna carpaccio, sourced directly from Japan, quite literally melted in the mouth. A perfectly judged mix of ponzu and chilli lent it depth and balance; so good, in fact, that we found ourselves fighting for the last bite.
Sushi rolls that surprise
Sushi followed, with delicately sliced salmon and ototo (tuna) nigiri; both a joy to behold and to eat.
But the real stars were the volcano and dragon rolls. Initially skeptical about the pairing of wasabi and chipotle mayo, we were quickly won over. The unlikely fusion sparked an unexpected explosion of flavour; a bold twist that left us reaching for more.
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Elevated comfort food
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Moving into mains, we sampled a range of skewers; standouts included the Australian wagyu, tender and laced with a wasabi kick, and the grilled miso corn, which proved that even humble vegetables can shine with the right seasoning.
The menu caters to all palates, and meat-free options are far from an afterthought. A new addition, the Chinese clay pot dishes, adds further depth.
We tried the mushroom clay pot, a fragrant, comforting mix of earthy mushrooms and subtly seasoned rice.
It’s hearty, but never heavy; another nod to balance, which seems to define the entire experience at Goldfish.
Sweet endings
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Desserts were no less impressive. While our server gently protested our decision to skip the house-famous Chocolate Bomber in favour of the matcha cheesecake, we had no regrets. Light, refined, and beautifully executed, it was a serene end to a dynamic meal.
Goldfish is not your average Japanese restaurant. It’s a refined, contemporary take on Japanese cuisine, infused with playful Chinese touches and a deep respect for ingredients.
It’s ideal for adventurous eaters who appreciate bold flavours, subtle technique, and just the right amount of innovation.
In a city packed with restaurants that promise “something different,” Goldfish delivers with harmony, elegance, and a generous helping of good fortune.
For bookings, call 02 665 6485
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By Clare Mullin