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Zuma

Dubai

Glitzy East Asian cooking with a glamorous Western edge

Japanese maximalism: Where Japan shows restraint, Zuma offers excess. It essentially takes the technique and study associated with Japanese food and splices it with glitz and glamour from the West to rip-roaring success. Ingredients are of unimpeachable quality across the board, and the huge team of chefs are some of the most skilled practitioners of Japanese and Asian cookery.

How many kitchens? Three. These include the main section, where most of the plates are prepared, a sushi counter and a robata grill. The restaurant itself is split over two floors, linked by a sweeping staircase – arguably the most dramatic design feature of the high-style dining room. Earthy brass tones and aged-steel walls contrast beautifully to the geometric Arabic shapes. There is also a terrace for post-prandial drinks and alfresco action.

On the Pass

Rainer Becker

What should I order? On offer is a standout range of sushi and sashimi, but the star of the show is its range of grilled meats which deliver both in terms of theatre and flavour. Think seared slices of beef tenderloin, doused in spicy chilli oil and sweet soy, or wafer-thin sea bass sashimi with yuzu, truffle oil and salmon roe. Round it off with a pecan pie sundae topped with robata-cooked sweet potato and kokuto caramel.

Not just for dinner: As is customary in Dubai, a hugely popular brunch offering is available at weekends. The mid-week business lunch is also lauded as one of the best value offers in the city.

Pre-dinner drinks: Zuma’s bar is just as accomplished as its dining offering, reaching No.38 in The World’s 50 Best Bars 2022 ranking.

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