Miyako
With the recent appointment of Chef Shinji, it is worth taking another look at this long-time Dubai favourite 69 Reviews
- Picture 1 of 2
BOOK A TABLE NOW
Our arrival into Miyako was announced with the traditional Japanese welcome of three thumps on the hide drum; one for each of us. As is customary this also alerted other diners in the restaurant to our arrival.
Chef Shinji’s recent appointment as head chef at the Hyatt Regency is what enticed us into Miyako — we had to taste the food prepared by a man with a reputation as big as his. He is the only chef in Dubai licensed to handle the lethal fugu fish (eating this Japanese porcupine fish is potentially fatal, so only chefs carrying a special licence can prepare it).
We had neither the intention nor the opportunity to feast on fugu but we tasted many other classics. The appetiser of a small fried fish head served with a sweet chilli sauce was challenging to look at but tasty to eat.
Our selection of sushi was enjoyable, but not the best that we have had. The vegetable tempura was attractively presented however it was bland and not very hot either.
Hearty bowls of nutritious noodle soup were lapped up once my companions, inexperienced in fine art of manoeuvring chopsticks and long slippery noodles, had overcome the embarrassment of being openly laughed at by the waitresses when requesting cutlery. This mirth was not conducive to relaxing and having fun over dinner.
Our finale, deep fried ice cream, was disappointing. A chunky layer of dry sponge was wrapped around some rough, icy ice cream and trickled over it was a profusion of fluorescent coloured fruity sauces. A sad end to the meal.
Miyako was quite busy on the night we visited, and has long been regarded as one of the finest Japanese restaurants in town. Considering the number of Japanese guests there, the food must be highly rated so we have to assume we were just unlucky or that standards have slipped dramatically.
By Carolyn Robb- Previous reviews
- 22 March,2012- reviewed by Time Out Dubai staff
- 03 November,2011- reviewed by Oliver Robinson
- 26 March,2011- reviewed by Time Out Dubai staff
- 06 April,2010- reviewed by Time Out Dubai staff
- 19 March,2009- reviewed by Time Out Dubai staff
- 08 December,2008- reviewed by Daisy Carrington
- 26 March,2008- reviewed by Time Out Dubai Staff
- 12 March,2007- reviewed by Time Out Dubai Staff
- 02 August,2006- reviewed by Time Out Dubai
- 30 April,2006- reviewed by Time Out Dubai
- 01 March,2005- reviewed by Matthew Lee
- 01 August,2003- reviewed by Rob Orchard
- 01 March,2002- reviewed by Carolyn Robb
-
- E-mail:
-
- Print:
Time Out reviews restaurants anonymously and pays for meals. Of course, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or independence of user reviews.
Dhs 1-50
Dhs 50-200
Dhs 200-350
Dhs 350-500
Dhs 500+
