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Zuma

Dubai

Contemporary Japanese cooking with fun and flair

On the Pass

Pawel Kazanowski

Not just for show: 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 anywhere in the world.

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.

What to 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. Japanese wagyu seared over a flaming robata grill served with black truffle and ponzu sauce is the darling of Instagram, while the miso-marinated black cod wrapped in hoba leaf delivers a cult hit.

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.

Anything to drink? Zuma’s bar has been a regular feature of The World’s 50 Best Bars in recent years, specialising in fruit-forward drinks with excellent takes on sake-led cocktails.

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