Strawfire Is Your New Favourite Japanese Restaurant

A night out at Emirates Palace is never a bad thing, but the opening of Strawfire adds an impressive offering to an already-packed stable of top notch restaurants - dare we say it’s our favourite dining destination there?

The brainchild of Ross Shonhan - who has found his way to a new home at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental from rural Australia via London and Dubai - Strawfire combines plenty of wow-factor moments backed up by genuinely great food. Of Netsu Dubai and Bone Daddies fame, we’re so excited to see Ross bring his creativity and talent to the capital - Strawfire is a must visit for serious foodies.

From the moment you walk in, the spectacle unfolds: the Tsukimi Lounge is chic and perfectly offset by a giant moon floating front and centre, the space inspired by a Japanese full moon festival. Be sure to enjoy a welcome drink in the bar moving through to the main restaurant for dinner - it’s a gorgeous space and deserves its moment in the spotlight.

The restaurant’s namesake is the definition of dinner AND a show: we couldn’t stop gazing at the regular strawfire blazes as everything from premium cuts of meat to oysters and even avocado were cooked in this reimagined waryaki style. From the bright flames to the smell of smoke and even the tiny straw particles drifting through the air of the glassed-in open kitchen, it’s an immersive experience.

The food is epic: opt for the Chef’s Omakase Menu like we did and leave the food choices to the experts in the kitchen. Course after excellent course arrived at the table, each with a story to tell - and the exceptional staff were on hand to deliver those stories with flair. 

Everything we ate was a stand out, and the strawfire cooking technique really imbues your meal with a new depth of flavour. The meat is premium quality, as you’d expect - no notes! Opt for the prawn toast - it was the best we have ever tasted - and for something different, go for the Hand Rolls Tableside Experience - the sushi chef will craft the rolls and deliver them straight into your hand at the table, a nod to the heritage of the dish.

Dessert is not to be missed: the Caramel Popcorn Tableside Experience involved literally popping corn at the table and elicited an actual squeal of delight with its grand finale! We won’t spoil it, but it's a showstopper.

Don’t leave without taking a peak into the private dining room if it isn’t in use - it’s home to the largest synthetic Shimenawa rope ever made, painstakingly commissioned and then transported all the way from Japan to Abu Dhabi. 

From beginning to end, Strawfire delivers: exceptional food, gorgeous interiors, wonderful staff and an experience you won’t forget in a hurry! 

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Open: daily | from 6PM

Contact: 02 690 7999

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