A unique blend of fine dining and entertainment

By Anand HollaIn the immaculate gardens of Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl-Doha, Nozomi, the award-winning contemporary Japanese lifestyle restaurant from London and Riyadh, has made a robust entry befitting of a Samurai warrior in Qatar’s culinary battleground.The successful Japanese concept that boasts of patrons such as Rihanna, Jay-Z, and Henry Cavill, is a welcome addition to Doha’s bustling food scene, offering guests over a decade’s worth of experience in successfully blending fine dining with entertainment. Given its relaxed ambience and impeccable range of food, Nozomi Doha looks like it will go the distance.Offering acclaimed contemporary Japanese cuisine paired with European subtleties, Nozomi was originally launched in London in 2005 by renowned restauranteur Marios George. A new bespoke dining menu has been created exclusively for Nozomi Doha, which includes signature restaurant dishes such as its famous Black Cod, tender Kobe beef and world class lobster tempura.Marios George, Brand Ambassador, said, “The launch of Nozomi Doha is a much awaited addition to the increasingly elevating lifestyle experiences available in Qatar. Nozomi offers guests everything they have come to expect of contemporary Japanese cuisine and much more, particularly with our focus on fusing entertainment into the overall dining experience. Our exclusive music collections have been curated from sounds from all over the world, mixed with both modern and regional tones – it is something not yet seen in the local hospitality scene. We are proud of Nozomi’s unique concept and we look forward welcoming guests to experience it first-hand.”At the special preview for select invitees on Wednesday night, one could estimate the power that Nozomi would wield on Doha’s dining scene. High on darkened interiors, low lights, upbeat lounge music, and a chic design that are in harmony with large glass windows, the laidback vibe readily embraces the feast that would grace your table.To munch on, there are bowls of Steamed Edamame or Spicy Edamame or a glass full of Rock Shrimp. With all its tantalising subtleties in texture and taste, Chef and sushi veteran Takeumi Hiraoka’s selection Nigiri, a sushi wooden plate with Nigiri and Naki, is a rollercoaster ride for the taste-buds.Some of the hits, as attested by the gushes and gasps of the diners in the house, are Black Cod Tempura Maki, Smoking Sashimi, Salmon Avocado Tartare, Kobe Beef tataki, Mushroom takikomi-Gohan, and Arabian Gulf Prawn Tempura Maki. The vegetarian options are surprisingly many, none of which fail to impress. Just the way Chef Hiraoka makes the mushrooms-tossed rice should be a delight to watch, given its succulent taste.The preview menu also featured Unagi and foie gras, Marinated Hamachi Sashimi, Black cod, Kobe beef Sirloin, Jumbo Tiger Prawn and Crab Salad. The irresistibly decked up Dessert boat, featuring everything from sorbets to miso-flavoured ice-creams, is one vessel you may want to hop on.Nozomi Doha offers 228 seats downstairs in the restaurant, including the outdoor patio and 143 seats in the upstairs lounge; both floors have outdoor seating with stunning views over the palatial hotel and out to the azure waters of the Arabian Gulf. In September 2014, Nozomi opened its first franchise in Riyadh, KSA, and has gone from strength to strength. The restaurant has become one of the most popular destinations in the city, attracting visitors from all across the country. Nozomi Riyadh was recently voted the Best Luxury Restaurant in KSA, in the 2015 Luxury Lifestyle Awards.As one of the truly most inspiring hotels in the region, Marsa Malaz Kempinski offers bespoke dining and entertainment options for visitors and guests across 11 food and beverage outlets – an unprecedented number in Qatar. A selection of six different types of restaurants serving an array of cuisines includes Levant-inspired recipes at Al Sufra, traditional Spanish cuisine in El Faro, a blend of European and Mediterranean flavours from Sawa, as well as Pan Latin dining from Toro Toro, redefining Italian cuisine in Antica Pesa and Japanese fine-dining in Nozomi.