Daikan Izakaya — Restaurant in Abu Dhabi

really delicious food but service is frustratingly awful. i’ve been here twice and both times the service wasn’t great. the first time, we didn’t have a reservation but we were able to be seated. once seated, it wasn’t until about 20 minutes later that a waiter came by to take our order. after another 30 minutes of waiting, we hadn’t gotten our food yet but we noticed that the couple next to us received their food despite being seated after us. the waiter then admitted that our meal was given to them on accident since it was the same order and that ours would be out a few minutes later. again, the food is really delicious so it’s just disappointing that the service doesn’t match that. the second time, we made a reservation via Instagram because their website was down and no one answered the phone. we were asked to provide the specifics for our reservation but then never received a confirmation. luckily, we arrived an hour early to confirm our reservation was on the list and it was but not with the specification we made (outside table). at the time of our reservation, they tried to seat us inside but we insisted on outside since that was our preference. we were seated at 8:55 PM for a 9 PM reservation which is great and we ordered right away (2 drinks, 2 appetizers, 2 ramens). Our first appetizer didn’t arrive until 9:45 PM and again we noticed others around us who were seated after us got their food before us. we also noticed the waiters would come outside with a tray of food and just look around to figure out who to give the order to rather than have a system with table numbers to avoid confusion. when we finally got our ramen at 10 PM, the extra veggies requested for one of them were not on the ramen so we had to send it back and wait an additional 5 minutes. once we finished our meal, we requested the check and the waiter came over. while standing at our table ready to show us the bill, the waiter abruptly turned around to start talking to another table. after paying, the waiter walked away without saying anything or asking if i needed a copy of the receipt or anything. i don’t want to give up on this place because the food is so good so i really hope the waiters step up their game in regard to their customer service. i also recommend implementing an actual system for reservations rather than just a clip board,...

Dear Daisy,

I wanted to express my deepest gratitude for recommending the restaurant we visited last night. The experience was absolutely outstanding! From the moment we stepped inside, we were greeted warmly by the staff and seated promptly. The ambiance was elegant and inviting, creating a perfect atmosphere for a delightful evening.

Now, let's talk about the food. Each dish we ordered was a true culinary masterpiece. The flavors were expertly balanced, and the presentation was a work of art. The attention to detail was remarkable, and it was evident that the chef and kitchen staff take immense pride in their craft. We particularly enjoyed the [specific dish] and [specific dish], which left our taste buds dancing with joy.

Not only was the food exceptional, but the service was impeccable as well. The waitstaff was attentive, knowledgeable, and friendly. They provided excellent recommendations and made sure all our needs were met throughout the evening. The level of professionalism and genuine care demonstrated by the staff truly enhanced our dining experience.

Furthermore, I would like to commend the restaurant for its attention to cleanliness and adherence to safety protocols. We felt comfortable and secure throughout our time there, which is especially important in the current circumstances.

Overall, our experience at this restaurant was beyond memorable. It was an evening filled with delectable flavors, top-notch service, and a welcoming atmosphere. Daisy, your recommendation was spot-on, and we couldn't be more grateful for your suggestion. We will definitely be returning and recommending this restaurant to our friends and family.

Once again, thank you for your impeccable taste and for enriching our culinary journey.

Warmest...

Daikan is located in Yas Bay Waterfront. A few restaurants away from Asia Asia. Just make sure to have a keen eye as the restaurant has a signage on the wall and not at the top.

Cozy and modern interior with not so typical high chair for a Japanese resto. Ample dining inside and alfresco with views of Yas area and Al Muneera.

Staff were all welcoming and accommodating.

The menu is minimalist, though some goers, especially the first timers would appreciate images.

We had Spicy Miso, Chef’s Special ,Wagyu Nigiri, Chicken Katsu Sando and Takoyaki for appetizer. For drinks, we had Ginger Lemonade and Peach Iced Tea.

For Takoyaki, nothing special. Could definitely find better ones. The chicken on the sando was flavorful and the meat was tender. But the sandwich itself is a bit dry.

Both of the drinks were refreshing and good for palette cleanser. Though the serving is quite less than I expected.

For the ramen, the spicy miso is not too spicy, which is great. The broth was thick, creamy and flavorful. It somehow reminds me of Tantanmen. For the chef’s special, you may want to tossed it well as the flavor sits at the bottom of the bowl. The first few sips maybe bland for us, but I notice it becomes quite salty as I emptied the bowl. All the sides (veggies and meat) were all tender and not overcooked.

I must say the king of our table was the Wagyu Nigiri, the meat melts in the mouth and the smell is delightful. Sad part is that, it came only 2 servings per order, so you may find yourself wanting more.

*TIP if you find the service great, though there’s a 10%...