Netsu has been open a little less than a year, and by the looks of it - they are doing a more than decent job to attract the high rollers of Jumeirah - a steady flow of locals and Russians enter the restaurant. One stair up from the open kitchen restaurant is the bar, decorated with graffiti samurais and ninjas, and one long bar counter in black stone. The cocktails are somewhat molded in the standard Japanese form - umeshu, sake and Nikka all seem to be ingredients in almost everyone of the signature cocktails - and while that’s not bad per se, it feels kind of standard. The real gem in this bar is the staff - all friendly and eager to know more about preferences, discussions of cocktails, and last but not least - they’ve got the memory of elephants. It’s been almost six months between my visits, but sure enough they remember me and my preferences. That is a safe way of having returning business. Well done!
Come for the long and detailed discussions with the bartenders, enjoy the bar snacks (especially the fried squid) and contemplate going to Tasca for the nightcap.
Atmosphere: 5/8
A bit of a hidden gem, this bar is just upstairs from the swanky Japanese steakhouse with the same name. The bar is waaay too dark though, and even with the peculiar reading lamps that are handed to the guests, it’s just too dusky.
Cocktails: 6/8
Well executed signature cocktails with minimal flair or trimmings - just clean and crisp.
Bartenders: 6/8
Well-versed bartenders eager to discuss, and, given the quiet week-nights, also with a lot of time on their hands for the customers.
Ice: 8/8
Proper big, clear ice cubes combined with one solid ice block for carving as a centerpiece - this place is a role model.
Tasca
Mandarin Oriental
Jumeirah Beach Road
Jumeirah 1