10 to try: Japanese

Benihana: Deep in the sophisticated Al Bustan Rotana hotel, chefs bang pots and juggle knives in the Benihana restaurant. Offering both sushi and teppanyaki, guests can choose to sit in one of two rooms: one with the grills and one for those opting for a healthier, quieter evening. The decor is fairly simple with brown panelled walls and medium lighting, but you don’t come here for the decor, you come here for the experience. The chefs are fast, friendly and humorous. Ours explained all the ingredients he cooked, but turned them into sweet versions: ‘Now we add some ice cream (actually butter) to the Japanese bananas (actually courgette) and season with some sugar (actually salt)’. The service is excellent, prices reasonable and ingredients good quality. Try the sizzling salmon and scallops with their house ginger sauce. All main dishes are accompanied by rice (either steamed or fried with veggies and egg), salad and a delicious onion soup to start. The entertaining atmosphere is an idea for birthday parties and families; groups of up to seven or eight per grill.
Al Bustan Rotana, Garhoud. Call 04 282 0000 for more information.