Nami at Riveli: A Flavourful Escape

by Iyath Adam

If you’re looking for a nice dinner place by the beach, then look no further than Nami at Riveli in Hulhumale’ Phase I.

As part of Riveli restaurant, Nami at Riveli is a cosy little space with views over the sea. With rich wooden tones, soft ambient lighting and a warm, inviting atmosphere, Nami offers a dining experience that feels both relaxed and refined.

Nami is open for both lunch and dinner, and while you can make a reservation by contacting them, you can also just walk in too.

The menu is simple; it leans towards Japanese-inspired favourites with sushi, grilled seafood, and hearty Wagyu steaks. There are also interesting fusion drinks and desserts with flavours like tamarind, yuzu, matcha and lavender in the mix.

The staff were quick to greet and attentive, and soon we had given our order. We went with a mocktail called ‘Asian Fusion,’ a starter of teriyaki squid and octopus, prawn tempura maki and seafood and mushroom rice as our main.

We began with the drink – a mix of tamarind, lime, Thai chilli, lime leaves and soda. Served in a margarita glass with a salt rim of what seemed like Tajín, the drink was absolutely sensational! If you’re a fan of majaa or sour food, then you’ll absolutely love the refreshing, tangy, spicy flavours of this drink.

Then came the prawn tempura maki roll. Each piece consisted of well-seasoned rice with a golden, crispy tempura prawn centre and a small bit of sweet soy sauce on top. The contrast in texture between the crunchy prawn and the soft rice gave a satisfying bite – even better with a touch of the dipping soy sauce and a piece of pickled ginger!

The teriyaki squid and octopus salad was simple yet delicious – tender, smoky pieces of seafood layered over a bed of greens, tomatoes and radishes, lightly dressed with a flavourful soy sauce dressing. Every component of the dish was executed well, and the different textures and flavours made for a light, appetizing starter.

Moving on to the main dish, the seafood and mushroom rice was warm and deeply savoury. Generously dotted with shrimp, squid, fish and mushroom, the rice was full of umami flavour. It had a touch of ‘wok hei’ or wok char that gave it a satisfying depth, making it both hearty and flavourful without being heavy.

Altogether, Nami delivers a dining experience that feels thought-out and grounded in good taste. Whether you're dropping by for a quiet dinner or looking to impress someone with a refined, flavourful meal, Nami is a place worth checking out.