Simply Abu Dhabi Magazine XVII

3 3 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I M ore than mere sustenance, food provides us with a communal experience, a chance to bond with friends and family over the delights on the plate. The Japanese have a word for it: izakaya, or shared eating. This is the principle behind Zuma, the lively and multi- award winning contemporary sushi restaurant at The Galleria, Sowwah Square. Launched by founder Rainer Becker after the phenomenal success of its sister location in Dubai, Zuma Abu Dhabi has quickly carved out a niche as a place to see and be seen. The seventh Zuma to open globally, the Abu Dhabi location continues Becker’s commitment to authentic Japanese ingredients and techniques. The food is, as Becker told us, “authentic, but not traditional,” so if you’ve not tried it yet, prepare to experience Zuma’s fresh take on traditional Japanese fare, which emphasises quality ingredients and simple presentation. Zuma takes this ethos to the next level: the selection of ingredients is rigorous and the presentation impeccable, and it’s all served up in a vibrant, friendly atmosphere that has been winning earning high praise from locals since day one. Set on the beautiful waterfront of Al Marayah Island, the restaurant is sophisticated yet warmly inviting. For the interior, Becker challenged Noriyoshi Muramatsu of Studio Glitt to create a space that was very different to the Dubai location, but still captured the elegance and style of the Zuma experience. The resulting design is based upon the four natural materials used in all Zuma venues – stone, glass, wood and steel – but with a difference. If you are a regular customer of Zuma’s international locations, you will feel instantly at home in the Abu Dhabi setting, but will equally find something new to inspire. The management staff are top Zuma veterans, including General Manager Ilir Caushi and Head Chef Pawel Kazanowski, so there’s a wonderful sense of continuity and community. To join them, Ajaz Sheikh, the Managing Director for Zuma Middle East and Turkey, carefully handpicked a strong team for Abu Dhabi. The staff are renowned for their friendly, approachable manner, as well as their

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