NIRI Restaurant and Bar

NIRI Restaurant and Bar brings the lively spirit of a neighborhood izakaya to the shores of Abu Dhabi. Located at Mamsha Al Saadiyat on Al Saadiyat Island, this homegrown destination moves around the heart of Japanese cuisine and spirit. The essence of NIRI is captured in the phrase I-chigo I-chie — treasure every meeting, for it will never recur. This philosophy shapes every interaction, from the first greeting at the door to the final sip of a meticulously crafted highball. The restaurant is designed to be a place for all, where families, friends, colleagues, and partners gather without titles or formality. The dining room flows with an energy that is both refined and relaxed, reflecting an izakaya culture that is not constrained by tradition but inspired by it.

Guests at NIRI encounter a multifaceted concept that combines a sushi counter, a yakitori grill, and a highball bar under one roof. The menu is a journey through Japan's most beloved culinary styles, executed with simplicity and precision. Fresh sashimi, carefully rolled sushi, and perfectly charred skewers arrive from the open kitchen, allowing diners to watch the chefs at work. The bar program emphasizes Japanese whisky highballs alongside a curated selection of cocktails, sake, and other beverages. Whether stopping by for a quick bite and a drink or settling in for a full dinner experience, visitors feel the genuine warmth that defines true Japanese hospitality. The design, the food, and the service are all kept simple, aspiring to remove boundaries and create a shared table for the community.

Dining Experiences & Culinary Spaces

The restaurant's layout is thoughtfully divided into distinct yet cohesive areas. The sushi counter is a focal point, where guests can sit up close and interact with skilled chefs preparing nigiri, sashimi, and maki rolls. Edomae-style techniques meet the freshest local and imported seafood, resulting in flavors that are both clean and memorable. The yakitori station crackles with the aroma of binchotan-grilled chicken, beef, and seasonal vegetables, each skewer seasoned with tare or salt to highlight its natural taste. The highball bar is a destination in itself, pouring ice-cold Japanese whisky highballs, creative cocktails, and craft beers on tap. These areas flow into comfortable dining sections suitable for intimate tables of two or larger groups sharing plates family-style. Outdoor seating along the beachfront promenade adds an alfresco dimension, especially popular during Abu Dhabi's cooler months.

What We Offer

NIRI Restaurant and Bar presents a menu that reflects the depth and variety of Japanese casual dining, executed with care and consistency. Every dish is prepared to order using quality ingredients, and the kitchen team values balance, texture, and presentation as much as taste. The offerings are designed to be shared, encouraging a convivial izakaya-style meal where multiple plates are ordered and savored together. Below are some of the key categories that define the culinary experience:

• Signature Sushi & Sashimi: A rotating selection of premium cuts, including salmon, tuna, yellowtail, and seasonal specials, served as nigiri, sashimi platters, and creative maki rolls.
• Yakitori & Kushiyaki: Grilled skewers featuring chicken thigh, tsukune, wagyu beef, and vegetables, cooked over high-heat binchotan charcoal for a smoky, tender finish.
• Small Plates & Izakaya Favorites: Edamame, corn tempura, gyoza, and Japanese-style fried chicken alongside rotating specials that highlight regional flavors.
• Highball Bar & Cocktails: An extensive list of Japanese whisky highballs, signature cocktails, sake, shochu, and a concise wine list curated to pair with the food.
• Desserts & Seasonal Sweets: Light, refreshing finales often incorporating matcha, yuzu, black sesame, and seasonal fruits to complement the savory meal.

Why Customers Choose NIRI in Abu Dhabi

Repeat guests and first-time visitors alike are drawn to NIRI for reasons that go beyond the plate. The restaurant’s location on Mamsha Al Saadiyat places it directly on the beachfront promenade, offering stunning views of the turquoise Arabian Gulf and easy access for a post-meal stroll. The atmosphere strikes a rare balance between upscale dining and laid-back comfort, making it suitable for a casual lunch, a romantic evening, or a celebratory gathering with friends. Service is consistently highlighted as attentive, knowledgeable, and friendly, with staff who take the time to explain menu items and guide guests through the highball selection. The open kitchen and bar create a sense of theater, where the sights, sounds, and aromas become part of the entertainment. Diners also appreciate the transparent value, with generous portions and premium ingredients justifying the price point within the competitive Abu Dhabi dining scene.

Serving Mamsha Al Saadiyat & Abu Dhabi Emirate

Situated within the Turquoise 9 building on Al Saadiyat Island, NIRI Restaurant and Bar is easily reached from Saadiyat Beach, the Cultural District, and downtown Abu Dhabi. The scenic drive along the coast sets the tone for a memorable meal, and ample parking is available nearby. The restaurant serves the diverse community of Saadiyat Island residents, tourists staying at nearby beach resorts, and professionals working in the city's cultural and business hubs. With a capacity to handle both walk-in diners and advance reservations, the team accommodates varying group sizes and special occasions. Takeaway and delivery options expand the restaurant's reach to those who prefer to enjoy NIRI's menu at home or in their hotel suites. The venue's beachfront setting and flexible layout also make it a popular choice for private events, corporate dinners, and milestone celebrations.

Hours, Location & Reservations

NIRI operates daily, opening its doors at noon and serving continuously through the afternoon and evening. The kitchen remains open until 11:00 pm Sunday through Thursday, with extended hours until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. This schedule allows guests to enjoy a leisurely lunch, a sunset happy hour at the bar, or a late dinner after exploring Mamsha Al Saadiyat's vibrant waterfront. The full address is Mamsha Al Saadiyat, Al Saadiyat Island, SDN1, Abu Dhabi, UAE. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially during weekends and the cooler outdoor dining season, and can be made easily through the official website or by calling +971 2 546 8886. For inquiries and bookings, email reservations@nirirestaurant.com. Walk-ins are always welcomed based on availability, and the host team will do their best to seat parties promptly.

Questions Visitors Ask

Does the restaurant accommodate dietary restrictions and food allergies?

Yes, the kitchen team is experienced in handling common dietary needs. Gluten-free, dairy-free, and specific allergy requests should be communicated to the server when ordering. While the menu is rooted in Japanese cuisine, the chefs can often adapt dishes or suggest alternatives. For severe allergies, it is advisable to call ahead so the team can prepare suitable options.

Is there a dress code or a specific atmosphere to expect?

NIRI maintains a smart-casual atmosphere. Guests typically dress comfortably yet stylishly, in line with Mamsha Al Saadiyat's upscale beachfront environment. The vibe is lively and welcoming, with music at a conversational level indoors and a more relaxed, open-air feel on the terrace. Formal attire is not required, but beachwear and swimwear are not permitted.

What is the price range per person?

The average spend is reported to be between 100 and 400 AED per person, depending on the selection of dishes and beverages. A lighter meal of sushi rolls and a highball will fall toward the lower end, while a multi-course dinner with premium sashimi, wagyu skewers, and several rounds of cocktails may reach the higher end. The menu offers flexibility to suit different budgets and appetites.

Are large groups and private events possible?

Absolutely. NIRI welcomes groups and can configure seating to accommodate families, corporate gatherings, and celebrations. For private events or large parties, the management recommends reaching out via email or phone in advance to discuss menu options, seating arrangements, and any special requests to ensure a seamless experience.