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The Domain Bahrain’s Imari restaurant and lounge, which opened its doors earlier this month, is already a magnet for diners craving contemporary Japanese fare in a laid-back environment.
Located on the 35th floor, the trendy venue in the Diplomatic area boasts breathtaking panoramic views over Manama, Bahrain Bay and Muharraq – a sight to behold while feasting on a selection of sushi, sashimi, Robata grill skewers and other classic Asian dishes.
The entire floor is glowing in a cool white and blue tinge which fits well with the stylish interior that is inspired by the illustrations on Japanese Imari porcelain.
The clean-cut, modern look is accentuated by the various settings Imaria has to offer.
There is a classy sit-down restaurant, which can seat 44 patrons, for an upscale formal dining experience. Others looking for an upbeat ambiance can visit the lounge area which can accommodate 68 guests.
In between the restaurant and lounge is a chill-out zone where resident DJ Shirry Wang spins her soulful tunes and it can seat 26 people.
There is also a private dining room for special occasions, suitable for six, with its own elevator and bathroom.
Aside from its hip and happening appeal, its Izakaya culinary concept is a big hit.
Izakaya is a Japanese tapas-style experience that is growing in popularity around the world. It is known for its sharing food culture and relaxing atmosphere.
Imari’s team of Japanese chefs, including Chef de Cuisine Riichiro Matsui, assistant Chef de Cuisine Naotaka Tokuhisa and sushi Chef Hoi Mun keat, can be seen cooking up a storm in the live kitchen and serving up beautiful platters of scrumptious tidbits that can only be described as out-of-this-world.
Tudor, my friendly server, guided me through Imari’s extensive menu of authentic Japanese cuisine with a modern twist. He advised me to try the best sellers which included the Shake x Shake Salad, the Edamame Stick, the Pink Panther Sushi Roll and the Dynamite Roll Tempura, among other tasty dishes.
Before starting what was set to be an amazing eating out experience, a waiter presented me with an oshibori (hot or cold towel depending on the season) to wipe my hands.
Tudor, always with a smile on his face, appeared with an amuse-bouche to clean my palate of tofu and spinach. I am being polite when I say that I am not a fan of tofu. But the bite-sized hors d’œuvre was so good that I wish I had grabbed a spoon to get the little bits instead of using chop-sticks.
Within minutes Tudor presented my Edamame Sticks, a delight made up of edamame paste and coriander in a spring roll skin. It was very creative.
The Shake x Shake Salad was another delight including wasabi dressing, Romaine lettuce, Asian Mesclun, marinated tomato, green apple, asparagus and roasted walnuts. The best part of it all is that the ingredients are shaken up in front of the diner in a glass canister then plated at the table.
The chef kept guests salivating with bursts of fresh wasabi flavours hidden in sashimi and sushi rolls as I experienced first-hand in my Imari Sushi Selection plate.
The Pink Panther was fantastic. It’s a light Aburi Salmon with eel, avocado, crème cheese, pistachio, chili mayonnaise and Bonito flakes. And, just when you think your taste buds can’t handle any more goodness, out comes the Dynamite Roll tempura prawn with avocado, asparagus, fried potato and unagi sauce.
Other phenomenal dishes on menu that I had the pleasure of sampling were the wagyu beef tenderloin Saikyo-zuke, the boneless chicken wing on a skewer the anago nigiri and my favourite, the grilled Kinoko mushroom.
I was transported to culinary heaven with every bite. Whenever I managed to peer over my table full of food, I noticed that I wasn’t the only smiling face at the restaurant as a couple sharing a romantic meal nearby could not stop taking pictures of the food and cooing over every dish.
Overall, I made new friends, tried innovative dishes and found a hot new place to hang out in with loved ones. What a great night!
For details, contact 16000333 or visit www.thedomainhotels.com
