Hannah Nesbitt experienced the unique flavours of Japan on a visit to Sora’s Sushi Night.

Sora Rooftop restaurant is a Japanese restaurant perched on the 21st floor of Park Hyatt Doha Hotel in Msheireb Downtown Doha, from which it offers breathtaking views of the Doha skyline.

The restaurant offers a variety of themed nights throughout the week and an array of menus including Monday Sushi Night, Wednesday Ladies’ Night, Sushi and Robata Night every Saturday as well as live entertainment every Wednesday and Thursday night and a brunch on Fridays.

The eatery presents a diverse array of menus, each thoughtfully curated by the head chef and crafted in-house to highlight the finest Japanese cuisine. The restaurant’s layout provides a variety of seating options, each designed to take advantage of the varied views from its prime location. Guests can relax in the serene lounge area, enjoy the vibrant atmosphere at the rooftop terrace, with its panoramic city views, or choose the captivating sushi bar seating, where you can witness up-close the artistry of your meal being prepared right before you. The dark wood and golden accents indoors contrast with the light-coloured marble and tables on the terrace. Set against the backdrop of the Doha city skyline and twinkling lights, the hustle and bustle of the city below is easily forgotten.

Monday Sushi Night at Sora offers a carefully curated three-course, sharing menu. The extravaganza begins with an enticing selection of starters. Served in small, traditional, individual dishes, we began with a comforting bowl of miso soup, its rich umami flavour enriched by plentiful amounts of thinly sliced green onions. This classic Japanese dish is the perfect way to warm up the palate.

A spicy kick came from the edamame beans, where perfectly steamed soybeans are tossed in a fiery chilli sauce, delivering a satisfying combination of heat and juicy texture. For a refreshing contrast, the baby spinach salad offered a light, vibrant option. Topped with parmesan and orange zest shavings, the combination of savoury and sweet gave a refreshing coolness after the heat of the edamame. The fresh spinach leaves were complemented by crunchy pomegranate seeds, creating a delicious flavour with a subtle sweetness.

Finally, the crispy salmon tartare was a highlight of the starter selection, marrying textures and flavours in one dish. The velvety salmon, chopped finely, is served inside a crisp rice nest, adding a delightful crunch with every bite. It’s topped with caviar and a tangy sauce that balances richness with a hint of acidity, making this dish a true standout before the sushi selections.

The Sushi Chef’s Selection at Sora is served in a spectacular array of sashimi, nigiri and rolls with plentiful amounts of ice and the obligatory dry ice for the ‘must have’ Instagram shot. It includes a stunning variety of the freshest sushi and sashimi, handpicked and masterfully prepared. Our selection began with a trio of sashimi: buttery tuna, delicate Japanese hamachi and rich, flavourful salmon, each skillfully sliced and laid on a bed of shredded carrots and cucumber for an added hint of colour. The presentation of this dish matched the exquisite flavours.

The maki offerings showcased both traditional and creative rolls. The kani VO maki featured succulent crab, with crunchy vegetable components that add texture and freshness. The ebi tempura roll brought a satisfying crunch with crispy tempura shrimp wrapped in seasoned rice and seaweed. For those seeking indulgence, the Katsu Overload roll is packed with crispy, golden-brown katsu, providing a delightful contrast of flavours and textures.

A standout dish for me was the luxurious Wagyu beef roll. The tender, marbled Wagyu was lightly seared and laid on top of carefully rolled sushi rice, offering an exquisite, juicy, melt-in-the-mouth experience with every bite.

For nigiri, the chef showcased perfectly seasoned sushi rice topped with pristine cuts of seabream, salmon and prawn. These bites provided a well-rounded conclusion to the Sushi Chef’s Selection, highlighting the best of Sora’s sushi craftsmanship. If you still have an appetite after the feast, any of the sushi dishes can be replenished upon request.

The final course at Sora Rooftop features a unique twist on traditional Japanese desserts. The Japanese cheesecake was light and airy, with a subtle sweetness enhanced by a gooey strawberry compote that added a touch of fruitiness, perfectly balancing the richness of the cheesecake. Accompanying this was a matcha coconut and berry pavlova. The crisp pavlova offered a crunchy contrast, to the creamy matcha dressing. Topped with fresh berries, the beautiful combination of the sweet coconut and light meringue resulted in a refreshing yet indulgent dessert. Both options provided a delicious and satisfying end to the meal.

Whether seated indoors in the chic, tranquil interior or outside on the breathtaking rooftop terrace, the restaurant offers a relaxed and inviting environment, making it an ideal destination for sushi lovers looking to indulge in a sophisticated evening. ✤

GO: CALL 3158 7941 FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO MAKE A BOOKING OR FOLLOW @PARKHYATTDOHA & @SORAROOFTOP.