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. 

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 ? 🙂

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 ! 😉 ) 

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!

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. 

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.

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 !

Tuna Sashimi Pizza served with Truffle Ponzo and Wasabi Tobiko

The classic edamame served differently with a hint of yuzu and malden salt

Chicken and Ginger Gyoza / Chicken Karaage Sliders

Vegetarian Sushi / Nigiri

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 … 🙂

• Ramusake Dubai
• Facebook Page : https://www.facebook.com/RamusakeDubai/
• Website : http://www.ramusake.ae 
• Tel : 04 559 5300
• Current Deal : Ramadan Set Menu for 180 AED per person