An exhilarating evening of exotic cuisines and stunning views was on the cards for Apple Sharma as she embarked on a culinary adventure at SUSHISAMBA.
If hearing the name SUSHISAMBA brings to mind Japanese delicacies and lively Brazilian dance, you’re spot on! True to its name, this renowned international brand offers a unique take on dining excellence, celebrating Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian cuisines. Perched atop the 25th floor of Conrad Bahrain Financial Harbour, SUSHISAMBA has been the talk of the town since its opening late last year. Eager to see if it lived up to its name, I recently had the chance to experience it for myself.
As the elevator doors opened at the rooftop, the signature neon orange SUSHISAMBA BAHRAIN sign welcomed us to this exotic land of tricultural cuisine. Upon entering, we were immediately enveloped in a soulful and energetic atmosphere. The Restaurant Manager, Mina Mishelle, greeted us with genuine warmth and gave us a quick tour.
The first thing we noticed was the breathtaking views of the Manama seafront and Bahrain Bay, especially the spectacular sunset from the outdoor poolside area, which was truly Instagram-worthy and not to be missed! Another unmissable poolside feature is the prominent flame orange-coloured tree. Standing tall and visible from the highway below, it’s like a beacon beckoning diners to the lively world of SUSHISAMBA.
The interior was equally impressive, with Amazonian-inspired décor. Lush foliage and a striking green and terracotta colour scheme set the stage for our evening, while lively South American music perfectly balanced the ambience without overpowering it. The sophisticated fine-dining setting featured an impressive open kitchen, a dynamic bar, dim lighting and intimate table arrangements offering more splendid city views. I loved the unique vibe – it certainly ticked all my boxes for a great night out!
As we took our seats at a cosy corner table next to the large, floor-to-ceiling windows, the amiable Executive Chef, Sergio Medina, briefed us on the popular menu items and gave his recommendations, including, to my delight, some vegetarian options. His passion for the restaurant’s concept was infectious and his creations showcased the culinary innovation that defines SUSHISAMBA.
Our gastronomic journey began with Sambatini, a monthly cocktail crafted in-house, of which we tried three mocktail varieties. Our lovely waiter, Sagar, suggested starting with Mango Batida, a fruity tropical blend of pineapple, mango, kiwi and mint. Next came Botanical Garden, a light, citrusy concoction, infused with lemon, mint and cucumber. The final preparation, inspired by Bahrain and aptly named Between the Two Seas, combined lychee, pineapple and homemade soda water. All three were a refreshing prelude to the evening’s feast.
We began our meal with a selection of Aperitivos (starters). The classic edamame, sprinkled with sea salt and lime, offered a perfect introduction to the menu’s Japanese elements. The Samba Chips, an assortment of vegetable crisps presented with a tangy Peruvian aji amarillo pepper sauce, were vibrant and crunchy – a wonderful contrast of texture and taste.
With the Aperitivos setting a high bar for the evening, we delved into the Small Plates with great anticipation. The Wagyu Gyoza, golden dumplings served over a bed of kabocha squash purée, were a delight. The crispy exterior cocooned a rich Wagyu filling, with the velvety purée adding a slightly sweet balance, while the sweet soy sauce further enriched the savoury taste.
Opting for the vegetable version of the Crispy Taquitos, we found these little boat-shaped tacos to be deliciously crunchy, with a mix of avocado, radish, red onion, peppers and pickled shimeji mushrooms. I absolutely loved this dish! Hands down, one of my favourites; it had a perfect balance of freshness and just the right amount of tanginess – a soulful marriage of textures and flavours.
Moving on to the Raw section of the menu, the Salmon Seviche was vibrant, refreshing and went down a treat. Diced salmon cubes were beautifully paired with tamarind, sesame, seaweed, macadamia and sweet potato. This visually striking dish was a standout, with the macadamia nuts adding crunch and the tamarind providing a moreish, sweet and sour tang.
The Chicken Anticuchos, a highlight from the Robata section, harmoniously blended Japanese and Peruvian flavours. The skewered meat, cooked to perfection on a traditional Japanese charcoal grill, was juicy and tender with a lovely barbecue taste served over crunchy, charred Peruvian corn. It was accompanied by a spicy aji amarillo sauce that offered just the right amount of heat.
Next up was another stunning dish from the Large Plates section – Black Cod with miso, pickled ginger and shichimi (a Japanese spice mixture), accompanied by aji rice. Executed with great finesse, the tender, flaky fish with a delicious, caramelised glaze was simply presented but packed an impressive flavour profile. The sweet and salty notes, with a hint of chilli heat, were perfectly complemented by the bright yellow, tangy, lemony aji rice.
Last but not least, we tried the Samba Veggie from the Chef’s Inspiration part of the menu. This beautifully presented platter, with three pieces of nigiri and a row of veggie maki, was another favourite. The vibrant nigiri, with its subtle flavours, tasted as elegant as it looked, and the maki – crunchy vegetables encased in sticky sushi rice – provided a delightful morsel.
Coming full circle, we ended our evening on a Japanese note by indulging in a dessert medley of Assorted Mochi. The pastel-coloured, gelatinous balls were filled with creamy mango, vanilla and chocolate ice cream, served alongside white chocolate ganache and buttery biscuits – a fitting end to an exquisite feast.
SUSHISAMBA, with its celebration of Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian cuisines, delivered on its promise of exceptional food, inventive drinks and impeccable service. Tantalising all the senses, it offers a sophisticated yet lively dining experience. Whether you’re drawn by the culinary creativity or the spectacular views, SUSHISAMBA provides a memorable journey through diverse flavours and cultures, satisfying both the stomach and the soul.
For more information or to make a reservation,
please call SUSHISAMBA on 7797 9779 and 3377 9979 or
email BahrainReservations@sushisamba.com
@sushisambabahrain