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Zuma

Dubai

Sparkling style meets serious skill

Japanese maximalism: Where Japanese cuisine typically shows restraint, Zuma offers excess. The restaurant essentially takes the technique and study associated with Japanese food and adds a serious dose of glitz. The results speak for themselves: the ingredients are of unimpeachable quality across the board, the huge team of chefs are some of the most skilled practitioners of Japanese and Asian cookery around, and the space is about as glamorous as they come.

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 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 and seafood which deliver both in terms of theatre and flavour. Think black angus ribeye with black pepper and soy or king crab doused in ponzu lime butter. Round it off with a koji rice pudding served with grilled pineapple, fruit and sorbet, or the perennial favourite 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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