Manga

A new Japanese restaurant proves unique. But is it too different for Dubai? 4 Reviews

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From Time Out Dubai Eating Out 2009

You can’t help but feel a bit unsettled by the sight of the bobby sock-wearing waitresses at Manga, dressed to resemble anime school girls.

But it definitely contributes to the restaurant’s unique vibe. Manga, for those not in the know, refers to a style of Japanese comics, and the restaurant is awash with references: the room’s main focal point is a screen showing the anime film Dragonball Z and the menu – which is broken up by mini-comic strips – even boasts a Dragonball sushi roll.

The menu isn’t exactly the most authentically Japanese in Dubai, but the quality of fare is pretty good, and the venue’s quirkiness even extends to the presentation of the food; the dumpling wrapper on the shrimp gyoza is moulded to resemble a gold fish.

The inside – a gentle mince with garlic and ginger – doesn’t suffer for this creativity. Japanese food in Dubai is becoming increasingly commonplace. What remains rare are restaurants with personality – something Manga has in abundance.

By Time Out Dubai staff
Time Out Dubai, 19 March 2009

• Previous reviews
  • 22 December,2008- reviewed by Daisy Carrington

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Time Out reviews restaurants anonymously and pays for meals. Of course, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or independence of user reviews.

Posted by: Budo on 02 Aug ' 09 at 11:32

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Family friendly
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

The best casual Japanese restaurant so far.

Sushi and Nigiris are fresh, unlike the ones in Yo Sushi's carousel that we don't know how long it has been sitting there

Would sit next close to Sumo Sushi for value of money.

Ambience, decor and service best described as 'JAPANESE POP'.
A fun experience for people who are new to Japanese food/culture.

Posted by: Saadia on 13 May ' 09 at 10:05

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

We went to this restaurant on a week night when traffic coming in was a little slow but the service was good and menu comprehensive, with all the usual rolls, noodles etc included. its also not as gimmicky as the review seems to describe it (despite the manga covered walls and waitresses in bobby socks, that is where the comic references stop). the food was perfectly acceptable for a mid-level sushi restaurant; the mushroom miso soup was particularly delicious. I would say regulars at Sumo sushi, Yo Sushi etc should try this out as a similar standard alternative if they want a change; if youu are expecting food of a higher calibre then you will be disappointed but the price reflects that too.

Posted by: Othman Bamba on 29 Dec ' 08 at 07:06

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Family friendly
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

really its a fantastic japanez restaurant

Posted by: Rashed on 28 Dec ' 08 at 12:36

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Family friendly
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Contrasting with the reviewer’s opinion, I was really happy with the quality of food vs. value. Considering the silly portion meals served for at Zuma, Kiku and other Japanese restaurants in five star hotels which would charge a minimum of AED 1,000 for a party of 3, I would definitely go for Managa Sushi which in my opinion, is probably on par with those restaurants with reference to quality of food, if not better.

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