Restaurant Review: Armani/Hashi

Seated in the outdoor area at Armani/Hashi felt like waging a (lost) battle against my neck. Reason? The seating area on the ground floor is adjacent to the majestic Burj Khalifa and I simply couldn't help but look up every 10 minutes to marvel at the gorgeous sight and feeling rather dwarfed by the world's tallest building. That was until the food arrived on the table and Goliath instincts took over!
Sushi and sashimi have been an ordinary man's guide to the appetising world of Japanese cuisine. Armani/Hashi gives these staples a more authentic spin. I ordered prawn tempura, tofu salad and seabass carpaccio for starters. The sensory delight is not just in the taste, but also the sights. As we progressed from one course to the other, the presentation got even more imaginative (a platter with sashimis was placed atop a pot decked with greens). Fairly impressed with the seafood, my companion and I were advised to try the seafood platter that comprised scallops, jumbo squids, black cod and seabass. I was mostly impressed with the offering, though not exactly in awe of the scallops. Ordering the gigantic platter makes sense if you have company that can dig in with you; the quantity is humongous.
Taste: It was heartening to bite into prawn tempura that, unlike the preparations in many restaurants, wasn't drowning in soy sauce. The makis (vegetable as well as prawn) held their own. There's quite a variety in desserts - I was pleased with coconut cake and mochi ice cream.
Ambience: Indoors are cosy, but the outdoors offer a colourful experience with the dancing fountains playing at the back and the Burj Khalifa standing tall right next to you. The restaurant has begun to offer hubbly bubblies, making it an ideal setting for a relaxed evening.
Service: It's good but leaves a lot to be desired. There were some odd delays in bringing food, but the staff duly compensated for it with their warm and welcoming attitude. Though the outdoor area is visually splendid, the noise can hinder communication at times.
Presentation: It's evident that Armani/Hashi takes its presentation seriously. There is a thought that has gone behind decking up each and every dish. The tofu salad, for instance, comes in a sleek round bowl, while the seafood platter comes decked with greens in a large bowl.
Value for money: The average cost of a meal for two people is Dh700. Given the meal and the visual experience one opens oneself to when one dines at Armani/Hashi, it definitely is value for money. It's an ideal spot to celebrate special occasions with a loved one by your side.
Rating: 4/5

anamika@khaleejtimes.com