If you ask me what’s my favorite world cuisine, my answer will almost always be Japanese. My fascination with the culture, the food, the tea (MATCHA), the vibe, just everything really, isn’t dying out anytime soon. In fact I just have more appreciation for any Japanese experience as the years go by. So when I heard there would be a new restaurant opening serving Japanese fusion food, you know I had to go. Enter GYUTO….

From the moment you walk in you’re met with a wave of Zen; the little garden on the bottom left corner stole my heart. The cool toned dark interiors, and the asymmetrical ambient lights, set the mood for the feast ahead. Located at Al Liwan in Hamala, it’s one of the newest offerings to open their doors to the public. I love the name Gyuto, its different and fresh and it means “knife” in Japanese. The wall behind the sushi chef even had a close up of the wavy patterns on Japanese knives. Very cool. I love little attention to detail like that, it shows that everything they do here is done with the utmost care and efficiency. Being a sister restaurant to Wakame in Dubai, its reputation already precedes it. Expectations at this point, are really high…

We were greeted by the lovely assistant manager Julian and she told us that the food comes from 4 different kitchens and is served family style. I was sold immediately. There were so many sections to the menu, Dim Sum, Bao, Taco, Salad, Raw and Carpaccio, Sashimi and Nigiri, just to name a few. If you’re anything like me, and love to have a snoop at the menu before going to the restaurant, here’s a link to Gyuto’s Menu.

So without further ado, here’s what we ordered and my thoughts on the dishes:

Truffle Miso Edamame: The sauce was subtle and very tasty. Quite a unique offering, as in I’ve never seen it before and a great start to the meal.

Wagyu Truffle Dim Sum: This dish was good, like a mini burger parcel with a hint of truffle.

Crispy Duck Salad: This was BY FAR the best thing we ordered. The best part is we didn’t really think about it too much, thinking it’d be a normal salad. It was OUTSTANDING. So much so that there was nothing left on the plate. An official member of the “Clean Plate Club”. If you get one thing from Gyuto, I urge you to get this. The duck just melts, literally melts after the initial crunch. The salad dressing strikes the perfect balance between savory and sweet. Overall, just one of the best things I’ve eaten in 2022. Period.

Gyuto Ceviche: The description reads, “ tuna, salmon, hamachi, citrus soy, tapioca crackers “ The skill set of the chef is divine. Perfectly cubed. Perfectly mixed. A worthy signature dish. Oh and the tuna was excellent, no fishiness AT ALL.

Rock Shrimp Tempura: This was from the small plates section, and a must order at any Japanese fusion in my opinion. Just good comfort food. Once you pop you can’t stop kinda deal.

Yuzu Miso Black Cod: Talk about a luxurious dish. From the time it takes to marinate (24 hours) to the time it reaches your table. Seeing this dish on a menu, is always a must order for us. The fish is fresh, flaky, and fabulous. Melt in your mouth tender, and that yuzu sauce gave it just the right flavor!

Spicy Salmon Crispy Rice: This was the only dish that I had a bit of feedback on. It wasn’t bad, but it just needed a little more “Ooomph”. I love a good salmon crispy rice so I just felt like this needed to be zestier, creamier, and yeah even a bit spicier. It’s a soft opening phase so I completely understand some technicalities in presentation or taste. I’d still order it again in a heartbeat.

Crunch Prawn Tempura: The only maki roll we ordered. They totally nailed it. I could see this being a crowd favorite. Can’t wait to try the Rainbow Roll next. It’s always my measure of a good maki chef. Like pizza margaritas at Italian restaurants, and a plain Cheeseburger at a burger joint.

Mochi: The flavors we picked were, Salted Caramel, Vanilla and my favorite, an off the menu item Taro. I appreciate that they make these in house. I have my eye on the Miso Caramel Cheesecake next.

Wagyu Truffle Dim Sum

Crunchy Prawn Tempura

Mochi: From left to right: Taro, Salted Caramel, Vanilla

Proof that the crispy salad was the best thing on the menu!

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the gracious Gyuto team for this generous invite and wish them well on their soft opening. I look forward to dining here again and again.

Have you been to Gyuto yet? If so, leave me a comment of what you recommend! I’d love to hear from you :)

Curiously yours,

Hessa