New Yorkers and Tokyoites fell in love with this theatrical and traditional Japanese dining experience, and now Inakaya has made its debut in the UAE Capital. The restaurant has opened as part of the Venetian Village at the Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal.

Ignace Bauwens, CEO of Abu Dhabi National Hotels (ADNH) ­ the project owners and managers of Venetian Village commented on the opening:

“I am extremely proud to launch yet another prestigious restaurant brand in Venetian Village. Inakaya has a loyal following in New York City and in Tokyo, and we are proud to host its third-ever restaurant worldwide. We are confident that guests will find this to be an exciting addition to Abu Dhabi, as well as the Venetian Village’s unique portfolio.”

Inakaya, dubbed an interactive theatre, presents a distinctive dining experience called robatayaki ­ a Japanese grilling art that is as much a performance as it is a way of cooking. After being welcomed by enthusiastic staff in kimono and happi coat-style uniforms, guests will enjoy a myriad of culinary choices served on 1.2 metre-long paddles by the yakikata (grill-masters). Sanbon jime, a rhythmic clapping ‘thanking’ ceremony, concludes the meal in peace and harmony. If the timing is right, diners will also be able to participate in the mochi pounding ceremony ­ a New Year’s tradition that is a nightly occurrence at Inakaya. The ceremony sees a lucky guest tasked with using a giant mortar-and-pestle to pound a large amount of hot, cooked sticky rice into a delicious sweet rice cake; celebrities, including Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz, have previously taken part in the tradition at Inakaya Tokyo.

Abu Dhabi Inakaya’s Executive Chef Keneth Kim will lead the culinary team with his extensive 20 years’ of experience, many served in Japan, including at the famous Kanetanaka, a traditional-styled Kaiseki restaurant. His impressive background also comprises roles at Japanese legends all over the world, such as Nobu in London, Sushico in Istanbul, and Honyaki in Dubai. Inakaya’s Tokyo and New York chefs, Hideki Nishihata and Shinichi Kodama, will also be on-hand to ensure the brand’s signature style is brought to life in Abu Dhabi.

Commenting on the opening, Chef Keneth Kim said:

“We are thrilled to welcome diners to experience Inakaya’s theatre and flare ­ authentic Japanese dining that is set to entice all five senses, with the freshest produce and ingredients that is simply cooked to perfection.”

The 110-seat restaurant located at the Venetian Village ­ part of the Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal development ­ is open from 6.30pm to 11.00pm daily.

Venetian Village is spread across 20,000 square meters, offering a lively environment, and beautiful Italian architecture, all in one spectacular beachfront location. Situated within the Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal development, Venetian Village offers guests the opportunity to indulge in a new concept of alfresco dining in a picturesque setting. As part of the Village, Al Fanar Restaurant & Café has already opened its doors, and Brasserie Flo will be opening later this year. Additional restaurants, including Olives and Barfly, will be adding to the diversity of dining experiences in 2015.

Inakaya Abu Dhabi is presented in collaboration with Pearl Hospitality Development and WDI Group.

For further information or to make a reservation, call 02 404 1921 or email rika.yusmita@venetianvillage.ae

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