SUSHISAMBA Abu Dhabi: Japan, Brazil and Peru Meet on the Corniche Waterfront

Three culinary cultures, one very recognisable brand

SUSHISAMBA’s central idea is a cultural triangle: Japan, Brazil and Peru. In Abu Dhabi, that mix lands at Podium 1 of Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers in a venue spread across two levels beside the water. The ground floor holds the main restaurant, sushi and robata counters and a curved terrace wrapped in foliage, while the upper level adds another outdoor terrace, bar and private dining room. The architecture gives the Abu Dhabi outpost something distinct from its sister restaurants: direct Corniche water views and enough space for the dinner to move naturally from food to drinks without changing venue.

Sushi is only one part of the story

The current menu makes the three-country logic easy to understand. Salmon tartare arrives with avocado, tobiko, crispy nori and caviar; green-bean tempura is paired with black-truffle aioli; taquitos can be filled with lobster or Japanese A5 Wagyu; and the wider list moves through seviche, sushi, sashimi and robata. The National’s review of the Abu Dhabi opening singled out yellowtail crispy taquitos, salmon tartare, green-bean tempura and Chilean sea bass from the robata, noting that the fusion dishes were where the restaurant became most convincing. That is the right way to order here: mix techniques rather than staying entirely within sushi rolls.

Built for dinner that becomes a night out

SUSHISAMBA is a restaurant first, but it has always understood spectacle. Lush interiors, open counters, music and the waterfront terraces give the room enough energy to continue after the plates are cleared. The official site currently lists dinner daily from 6pm until late, with a Saturday brunch programme, and reservations on +971 2 811 5882. Smart-elegant dress is requested. For Simply Abu Dhabi, the venue belongs in the guide because the brand’s formula has translated convincingly to the capital rather than arriving as a carbon copy. The Corniche setting adds its own identity, while the kitchen gives diners enough contrast – raw, fried, grilled, spicy, citrusy and smoky – to make a shared-table meal feel genuinely varied.

Practical details

Location: Podium 1, Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers, Corniche, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Cuisine: Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian
Telephone: +971 2 811 5882
Hours: Dinner daily from 6:00pm until late; Saturday brunch programme
Editorial status: Open