The Travel Critic

Japanese restaurants have become what Italian restaurants once were—the go-to option when you’re not quite sure what you’re in the mood for. They’re everywhere, from boutique city corners to plush hotel dining rooms, and always seem like a safe bet when the indecision kicks in. NIRI in Abu Dhabi is no different, except that it somehow manages to stand out.

It’s fun, it’s busy, and there’s a palpable sense of energy that makes you feel like something important is happening at every table. The cocktails—thankfully not just the token sake or yuzu martini—are inventive and pack a punch, without that pretentious mixology nonsense. The service is brisk, almost to the point of precision, yet there’s still a warmth to it.

The menu? Interesting enough to make you do that thing where you nod along while thinking, Right, let’s see what that actually looks like when it arrives. And when it does, it mostly delivers. The softshell crab, in particular, was a standout—a crisp, briny hit that might make you question whether ordering another plate would be overkill.

But here’s the kicker: NIRI was full. And in a city where new restaurants crop up like skyscrapers, that’s saying something. Sure, you can check the Google reviews, but the real sign of a place worth visiting is how hard it is to find a seat. So if you’re in Abu Dhabi, NIRI is a must. Even if you’re not, it might just be reason enough to book a trip.