EA discovered a space full of culinary adventures and trending new tastes on a visit to Sushi Library.

When it comes to dining out with my two sons, there’s one cuisine that never fails to bring a smile to their faces: sushi. With their discriminating taste and love for all things sushi, finding the perfect spot is always an adventure. This time, our culinary journey led us to Sushi Library, a gem tucked inside the Parisian-inspired Place Vendôme Mall, in the heart of Lusail.

Conveniently located on the ground floor, Sushi Library is comfortably situated in a cosy corner of the bustling mall. The ambience is inviting with various seating options. Whether you prefer to dine inside the restaurant, enjoy the lively atmosphere of the mall from an outdoor seat or opt for the bench seating, there’s a perfect spot for every dining occasion.

As soon as we settled in, our experience began with a refreshing twist. While waiting for our food, we were offered drinks and chose the Mojito mocktail. It was a perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavours – lemon, mint and brown sugar mixed with ice and soda, topped with blue syrup. It was the ideal start to what promised to be a memorable meal.

The Restaurant Manager, Faizan, took great care of us. His recommendations sounded irresistible and we decided to trust his expertise. Each time a dish was served, he proudly explained its preparation and popularity, adding a personal touch that greatly enhanced our dining experience.

We began our meal with an array of nigiri. The Unagi, Hamachi and, our favorite of the set, the Torch Salmon, were the perfect appetisers to warm up our taste buds. Each piece was a bite of perfection, showcasing the fresh, high-quality ingredients Sushi Library is known for.

Next up was the Sushi Bento named Salmon Delight, a musttry for lovers of this tasty fish. It was a delightful assortment of salmon sashimi, nigiri, sushi and salad. The sashimi was melt-inyour-mouth tender, the nigiri had the perfect balance of rice and fish, and the sushi rolls were bursting with flavour. The salad, with its light and tangy dressing, provided a refreshing contrast to the richness of the fish.

One dish I particularly loved was Chef Suli’s fried rice. This Japanese fried rice, made with chicken, prawns, soy sauce and a medley of veggies, was incredibly appetising. Each bite a harmonious blend of textures and flavours, making it a standout on the menu.

The Seafood Saucy Wonton was another highlight. This dish featured a savoury mix of steamed white fish, prawns, crab and corn, all enveloped in a juicy and sweet gyoza wrapper. The oyster sauce and chili garlic dip added a deliciously spicy kick that complemented the delicate piquancy of the seafood.

One of the most memorable parts of our meal was the Katsu Ritual. We chose the Chicken Katsu, and the traditional sauce was prepared right at our table. Grinding the sesame seeds, pouring the sauce and mixing it created a fun and interactive experience. The chicken itself was perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making it delightful even without the sauce.

Then came the signature rolls, starting with the Nama Spring Roll. This heavenly mix of prawn tempura, avocado, cucumber, lettuce, carrot and cilantro, all rolled to crispy perfection and dipped in sweet chilli sauce, was an explosion of tastes and textures.

The Tempura Chips, the most popular item on their sushi menu, came next. This fried sushi roll, made with prawn tempura, cheddar cheese, chips and seasoned with sweet chilli sauce, quickly became our top pick. It’s easy to see why it’s the restaurant’s best-seller; each bite was a perfect blend of crunch, creaminess and a hint of spice.

We then tried the Crunchy Crab Roll, a newer addition to their signature rolls. Made with soft shell crab, fried fish, avocado, carrot and cucumber, and perfected with cream cheese, togarashi, spicy mayo and tare sauce, this roll was a delightful mix of flavours that danced on our palates.

The highlight of the ensemble was Chef SuLi’s Supreme Roll, served theatrically with dry ice that teased our senses with its dramatic presentation and enticing aroma. This roll, a mix of caviar, salmon, prawns, avocado, tobiko, crab mayo and tare sauce, was a true masterpiece, both visually and in taste.

Despite being full, we couldn’t resist the temptation of Japanese desserts. We opted for the Yuzu Brulee and Mochi Ice Cream. The brulee was rich and creamy, with a crackable toffee crust that was aromatic and full of citrus zing. The ice cream, with its soft, chewy exterior and smooth, milky sweet filling, was a delightful end to our meal.

Sushi Library’s menu is a testament to Japanese-inspired dishes tailored for every palate. It caters to both newbies and seasoned fans of Japanese cuisine, showcasing the best flavours while highlighting fresh, seasonal and impeccably sourced ingredients.

With locations at City Center Mall, Doha Festival City, Place Vendôme Mall and Villagio Mall, Sushi Library celebrates the joy of sharing food around the table. We enjoyed an incredible variety of dishes this time, and we can’t wait to go back and explore more, especially their ramen selection next time. ✤

GO: CALL 5054 7201 FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO MAKE A BOOKING.