An Izakaya addition to JBR : Ramusake Dubai

I get excited when it comes to Japanese food. Back home, we go to my favourite yakitori bar for a skewer or two with a ice cold glass of umeshu, and frequent the many izakaya bars scattered around town. When we moved to Dubai, I was somewhat disappointed that though there are quite a few japanese restaurants around, none came close to giving me the same feel as that of what I was used to.

Then Ramusake came around 🙂

Last night, we were invited to a media dinner of a recently opened Izakaya bar : Ramusake, located in Doubletree Hilton in JBR. This will be our first time to this hotel, and with the restaurant having only opened its doors on the first day of Ramadan – our first time there as well.

I love the interior.  Giant wooden abacus spanning between timber logs, classical japanese paintings hung off concrete walls, open kitchen. 

DSC00496

DSC00501

DSC00493

We were shown the outdoor terrace and that was when I fell in love 🙂 The girls would love this ! It’s a tad warm now and will get even warmer, but give it a few months and I can see it being completely packed. Any chance of having a weekly ladies nights ? 🙂

DSC00482

DSC00488

DSC00491

Now it all looks pretty, what about the food and drinks?

Out of the few on the Ramusake cocktail menu, we got to try the Sanguria – a mixture of pinot grigio, Umeshu (my favourite), Cointreau Peach Tea Syrup, Mint Leaves and plum bitters. A perfect start to a big dinner, it is as refreshing as it sounds. ( Don’t give me that look, I only had a little bit because yes, I’m still nursing Little S ! 😉 ) 

DSC00505

Another hit is the Asahi – not to be mistaken with the beer of the same name, it is a concoction of nikka, lychee, roasted ginger, yuzu juice and syrup. This one’s not for the faint hearted – it is very strong but delicious all the same, served in a funnel shaped glass sat on another filled with glass to keep it chilled. Mum loved it!

DSC00541

Now, food. For the media tasting menu last night, of all the various dishes served, the ones that stood out would be the sweet potato fries, coated in buckwheat flour, served with a side of kimchi mayo (talk about fusion!), and jalapeno mayo. 

DSC00513

The other highlight for us was the finale – the dessert. Mochi, supposedly home-made (I’m still quite sceptical when it comes to that he he) was prepared right – the outer mochi soft, the inner ice cream chilled. The ice-cream selection – avocado, cocoa, mango sorbert – served with slices of dragonfruit , strawberries and oranges – beautiful end to a feast. I could have more, if only I had another tummy.

DSC00543

The rest of the dishes – I would recommend the Tuna Sashimi Pizza and Fried Truffle and Cheese Dumpling.  I think we were all hoping for a bit of salmon sashimi in the sushi, so the vegetarian options that were served didn’t live up to our expectations (though I’m sure it will do to a lot of vegans/vegetarians in Dubai!). The teriyaki glazed salmon fillet was tasty – though not so special to us as we do cook this regularly at home. A bit heartbroken when we could not finish the miso brined baby chicken – we were just so full, or at least saving the last space for desserts !

A scan at the prices, would throw Ramusake on the higher end – with Edamame priced at 35 AED, sushi averaging at 75 AED and grills closing into the 100s AED.

If Ramusake follows on the footsteps of the other japanese restaurants of similar levels here in Dubai, that would mean no 241s for liloneoftheashes and friends 🙁 They do do have a Ramadan Set Menu for 180 AED per person right now so it’ll be a good chance to check it out. Going forward, I’m hoping they will at least do a ladies night deal – I’ll make sure they do 🙂

Thanks to Sue for taking care of us last night.

PS – Definitely a spot to go with friends for meals and drinks, or a date with your other half. I would suggest leaving the little ones at home, at least if you’re going there for dinner! There’s numerous steps throughout so it’s not really pram-friendly, though I’ll give Ramusake lots of credit for accomodating Little S last night, thus giving me a break from staying at home as well … 🙂

 

Posted by

Dubai resident. Stays most of the time in the marina as she can't be bothered going anywhere else after work and in the weekends. Originally from the land of the orang utans, spent the latter half of her life in the land down under. Always on the look out for deals, loves organising get-togethers, and occasionally steals some time for a sip of wine or four at ladies nights.

4 thoughts on “An Izakaya addition to JBR : Ramusake Dubai

  1. I’m super jealous! This one is popping all over my social media and I’m super keen to give it a chance. Glad you got to experience it — love the pics and that mural is beautiful. 🙂

    1. Hey ya! Place is beautiful. Will be keen to go back and try it out on a ‘normal night’ and see how the food and service fares as well! Looking forward to your thoughts on it!

Leave a Reply