Raffles Dubai | TOMO Restaurant by Takahashi Review

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Restaurant Review - TOMO Japanese Restaurant by Takahashi

Chef Takahashi has partnered with Raffles Dubai to launch TOMO, a new Japanese restaurant promoting authentic Japanese culture and food in the Middle East. Chef Takahashi and his team of skilled chefs have gained, over the last three decades, an extensive following of Japanese and other nationalities in the UAE, who appreciate the real tastes of Japan.

Authentic Japanese Experience

Located at the pinnacle of Raffles Dubai, the new restaurant TOMO offers an authentic Japanese restaurant. Thanks to Chef Takahashi who owns and manages TOMO, my guest and I had been very impressed as soon as we arrived at the restaurant, hours after sunset. Relaxing music welcomed us and we were directed by the friendly steward, dressed in kimono outfit, to our table. The stunning décor presented a shrine-like environment. Outdoor dining is available if you prefer the breeze of Dubai winter.

Dragon Roll TOMO

We felt like we were dining in Tokyo since there were several Japanese guests. We were struck by the large selection of dishes in the menu, sushis, makis, teriyaki... the list goes on. For the appetiser, I opted for the Miso soup with clams while my guest picked Yu Dofu. The dishes were served after few minutes only.

The Miso soup is very tasteful with flavours satisfying a Japanese cuisine lover. The clam meat is soft and cooked to perfection. As the old saying goes, simplicity is beauty and these dishes really stood out. Fu Doku, bean and vegetables in seaweed flavoured soup, is a great dish too! The warmth and zest evoked a true seafood Japanese flavour, as recommended by the steward.

Spider Roll TOMO

The menu offers wide selection and so we asked our lovely steward to help us choose. We picked Dragon roll, a combination of avocado, mayonnaise, sushi rice and cooked prawns. In addition to that, we had Spider roll, toasted crab meat with avocado, sushi rice and mayonnaise. I have dined in a lot of Japanese restaurants around the town but the Dragon roll and Spider roll are very unique and over the top. Every bite of the rolled sushi was worth it- we both have developed our love for both dishes. The flavours oozing into your mouth! Now those are exceptional foods! If you have a chance, make sure you put both on your list.

Wagyu Beef TOMO

We also selected Wagyu yakiniku, grilled halal beef cooked medium well, lying on a special brown sauce. The beef sliced in thin strips is tender and dish is served with lettuce and a Japanese type of kimuchi, pickled vegetables. The flavours burst in your mouth, not too salty and the sweetness mixed well. We were very happy as the knowledgeable steward introduced the dishes- very impressive.

Next up was a Pan-seared cuttlefish with diced seaweed and mashed radish. If you have ever heard of a cuttlefish, it belongs to the family of squids- but don’t be afraid, this dish was good- cooked well and the unique flavour when you combine it with the seaweed and radish will make you appreciate seafood.

Cuttlefish TOMO

Our bellies had been very happy with the delightful dishes on our table! We could see Chef Takahashi checking on the guests from time to time. We could have ordered some desserts too but we were already full. We finished our dinner trip with a Japanese tea and a mixed berry smoothie.

As we relaxed throughout the evening, I could see the guests having fun on their seats and enjoying the lovely Thursday night- as we all kicked off the weekend. The stewards never made you feel awkward and they really promoted Japanese dining tradition. A very small towel cold and wet placed on the side ready to be used as soon as the next course arrives. It’s just one of the Japanese ways we have learned that night.

My guest and I were very satisfied with this authentic Japanese experience. I would definitely recommend this if you want to try a true Japanese feast. By the way, I have already planned my next visit at TOMO! A sign of exceptional food plus great time, everything is worthwhile.

Mike
January 2013