Got-to go to Yotto!

If, like us, you’re a fan of Japanese food and you haven’t yet made it to Yotto at Yas Yacht Club then add it to your must-try list immediately!

Cipriani’s only Japanese restaurant, Yotto is small yet perfectly formed. With only ten tables at most, the small, circular dining room instantly transmits a sense of intimacy and exclusivity. Literally meaning yacht or boat, the décor at Yotto follows a similar nautical theme to the rest of Cipriani, with huge floor-to-ceiling windows, soft wood tones and bright yellow and red accents adding a hint of oriental charm.

There really is a warm, homely feeling to this intimate dining room, and seated at one of the large curved wooden tables it’s easy to sink into the soft furnishings and forget where you are. The bonsai tree in the middle of each table is a novelty, and adds to the personal touch that’s evident in the service as much as the decor.

Instead of pondering for hours over the menu, we suggest leaving the selection of dishes up to your waiter. Tell them what you like and you’re sure to be both surprised and impressed.

We have a real thing for soft shell crab and tuna so we were delighted to be served the most fabulous pepper crusted tuna steak, followed by a substantial serving of soft shell crab maki. The tuna melted in the mouth and the maki was so fresh and full of flavour. A lot of places overpower the delicate taste of the crab, but here, we could savour every moist mouthful.

The selection of traditional Japanese beverages here is also worth sampling – both the warm and chilled variety. We definitely preferred the chilled option with the fish, but when we moved on to a succulent strip of marinated Wagyu steak, the warm stuff went down a treat.

A meal here isn’t cheap, but then if you’re expecting Wasabi prices with the same level of service and the same divine setting that you’ll enjoy at Yotto then you really should stay at home and order Sumo! Alternatively, get down to Yotto this month and sample the AED 400 Omakase Chef’s Choice six-course tasting menu (not including beverages).

Megan Wynes

What? Yotto
Where: Yas Yacht Club
Cost: AED 700
We say: Don’t miss the spicy edamame!
Contact: 02 657 5400 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it