TakaHisa
Photo: Courtesy TakaHisa
A worthwhile contender to the luxurious Japanese dining scene, TakaHisa beautifully spotlights the relationship between rare ingredients and the artful chefs who prepare them. The elegant restaurant space in Caesar’s Palace centers around the open kitchen, where diners get a front-row seat to the careful preparation and plating. Diners won’t find sauce-soaked dynamite shrimp here, with TakaHisa’s signature Omakase menus focusing on premium ingredients sliced and served by dedicated masters of their craft. Sushi master chef Takashi Namekata has curated an experience with authentic sushi, nigiri, and sashimi, while wagyu master chef Hisao Ueda has sourced only the finest Japanese beef and other meats, including from his hometown of Hokkaido.
At the live counter, your chef will point out each protein’s point of origin on a map of Japan, from the 12-score A5 Kobe beef to the shoals of sashimi, sourced directly from Japan’s famous Toyosu Fish Market. The chefs’ passion for high-quality produce is clear, with each piece of sushi, a wedge of wagyu sando, and a slice of fatty bluefin tuna treated with delicate reverence. An a la carte menu is also available to diners, in addition to an extensive sake list. A point of difference in a city that has it all, TakaHisa has invested in its bar as much as its kitchen, with the dedicated flair bartender adding a sense of fun to his cocktails. Showcasing precision pours with a hint of magic, diners can watch him at work on the Louis Vuitton-embellished rooftop terrace as part of the menu’s grand finale.
Boardwalk
Photo: Courtesy of Boardwalk
Located on a pier over the creek, Boardwalk at Dubai Creek Resort offers a unique dining experience with a vintage maritime theme that transports diners back in time. The award-winning venue is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience picturesque waterfront views and flavourful culinary offerings. Accompanied by a revamp the restaurant is now offering a new Italian-Mediterranean menu curated by Chef de Cuisine, Paolo Romano. In an homage to his own heritage, Chef Paolo brings raw dishes such as Scallop Crudo, delectable small bites, and mains including Josper Grilled Lobster and Veal Cutlets Milanese.
Sumosan
Photo: Courtesy of Sumosan
After delighting gourmands around the world Sumosan, a multi-award-winning Japanese restaurant, has opened its door in Dubai at the Dubai Edition Hotel in Downtown. The restaurant may draw inspiration from traditional Japanese culinary techniques but there is nothing old-fashioned about the menu here as it gets infused with a contemporary twist to create flavors that cannot be found anywhere else. Offerings from this appetizing menu include the thinly sliced yellowtail with truffle yuzu vinaigrette, 24-hour miso marinated black cod, and more along with a little something for sushi connoisseurs –an extensive selection of the finest sushi, sashimi, and maki rolls.
Qs Bar & Lounge
Photo: Courtesy of Q’s
Located within the Palazzo Versace, Q’s Bar & Lounge is arguably one of the best live entertainment venues in Dubai, it has been awarded as the ‘Best Live Music Bar’. Launched by the Grammy-winning American record producer Quincy Jones the venue has been host to a number of unforgettable performances by emerging artists picked by the legend himself. The newest face to perform at this stage is the American musician Zaxai, a semi-finalist from The Voice, who has been enthralling the audience with his incredible vocals and the ability to sing in six languages.
Experience: Banquet of Hoshena by Dinner Time Story at Raffles Dubai
Photo: Instagram.com/dinnertime.story
Dining experiences don’t get more immersive than The Banquet of Hoshena at Raffles Dubai. With kings and queens, fairies and volcanoes, coming alive across your plates, tables, and surroundings through cutting-edge 3D manifestations, this is a truly entertaining dinner with a show. Sights, sounds, tastes, and flavors take up the task of serving up a memorable meal. Story-telling theatrics and illusion merge into a spectacular two-hour, six-course banquet that translates the tale to your plates – think palate cleansers served in jewelry boxes, dry ice concoctions that bubble forth, and starters and desserts served in flower pots. That coupled with talking statues and plates? A feast for the senses, if there ever was one.
Koko Bay
Photo: Courtesy of Koko Bay
Inspired by the pristine beaches of the Far East, Koko Bay has quickly become a favorite amongst Dubai residents. With summer approaching there is nothing we want more than to lounge by the beach or dance away to a DJ as the waves hit the shore and Koko Bay caters to all of these desires while launching its first-ever Koko Loco Brunch. Every Sunday from 12 pm to 4 pm the venue will be offering a laid-back brunch with free-flowing beverages, a flavourful menu and to top it all off, private beach access including a sunbed or private cabana based on availability.
Virgin Izakaya
Photo: Courtesy of Virgin Izakaya
This modern izakaya-style restaurant offers a truly distinctive experience. A traditional robata grill sits at the heart of the venue offering guests a chance to witness the mesmerizing techniques of the chefs as they create both traditional and contemporary Japanese delicacies. The culinary journey then presents everyone at the table with a chance to try something new as different courses are served on small plates one after the other – everything from sushi and sashimi to mouthwatering kushiyaki and the grilled robata specialties.
Torno Subito
Photo: Courtesy of Tourno Subito
Famed Italian restauranteur Massimo Bottura’s Torno Subito has an exciting month up ahead as it participates in Dubai Restaurant Week and collaborates with Ferrari for a unique event. Starting from April 28 to May 7 guests will be able to indulge in a flavorsome two-course set menu in honor of Dubai Restaurant Week – offerings include a selection of Seppia E Peperoni, Vitello Tonnato, Cacia E Pepe, Pollo Alla Cacciatora, and Torno’s iconic Tiramisubito. On May 5 the restaurant offers another feast for the senses with Ferrari as it combines the most exquisite six-course Italian menu with the finest sparkling Ferrari wines created in the vineyards of Trento, Italy.
