Yubi Handroll Bar has opened on 25 Jump Street. The format is casual and social, and the kind of meal here tends to take its time.
The restaurant comes from chef Reif Othman, a familiar name on Dubai’s dining scene. Yubi is his take on a handroll bar: a home-grown concept built around straightforward, good-quality Japanese food in a setting without much ceremony.
The room feels relaxed from the moment you walk in. Walk-ins are welcome, though booking ahead is the safer option if you want to guarantee a seat. Guests can choose between a table by the multicoloured tiled walls or a counter stool facing the kitchen. The counter gives a clear view of the food being prepared, which adds something to the experience.
The ordering process is simple. Guests tick items on a pencil-written menu and hand it back when ready. There is no pressure to order everything at once, and the pace of the meal is easy to control.
Handrolls are the main draw. The sake roll with gochujang mayo is a strong choice, as is the Kagoshima wagyu and shrimp tempura. For something lighter, the crispy avocado roll with goma sauce works well. Beyond handrolls, the maki selection is worth trying, and the lightly seared salmon sashimi is a good addition to the order. The cold dishes are where the kitchen performs best, though the hot plates hold their own.
Prices sit at the higher end if you are ordering handrolls only, but the quality of the ingredients makes the spend feel reasonable. Yubi has a clear sense of what it is: good food, no pressure, and enough time to enjoy both.
On a street that suits this kind of dining, it sits comfortably. It is the sort of place that is easy to return to.
This review was conducted anonymously, with the meal paid for independently.
