Probably the best restaurant in Dubai. It’s hard to beat, has stood the test of time and remains one of the trendiest spots in town to devour delicious Japanese cuisine, paired with elegantly curated cocktails and oh-so-smooth music from resident Miami DJ…OKKU, the multi-award winning Japanese Restaurant and Lounge, serves up unique signature dishes created by the most talented of chefs in the Middle East who strive on presenting their diners continually with innovative and delicious dishes. With their cutting-edge service, style and design, they create an atmosphere that works perfectly for both intimate dining and late night lounge.
Seating over 200 people in three distinctive areas OKKU caters to different experiences; the ultra-chic bar, the mezzanine lounge which includes VIP dining rooms, and in the centre the main restaurant with a sushi bar. The lounge boasts an extensive cocktail menu, a mesmerizing 8-metre jelly-quarium and a resident DJ all the way from Miami.
Overlooking the entire venue are the private Tatami rooms, which can be separated with the silk sliding doors for an exclusive dining experience, or fully opened to create exclusive seating from 12 up to 48 people or a standing event for 130. The private mezzanine bar is just for you and the team can customize the entire space to suit your requirements; ideal for presentations, brand activation, press conferences and product showcases. This is THE place to host a VIP experience in the city.
Oman Magazine sits down for a supper like no other; from the beautiful interiors, the attentive service and the incredible talents of both kitchen and bar, the mixologists stirred up quite the evening, to please both body and soul.
Upon being seated at our table by the light-on-his-feet chief waiter, Marcelo, we were promptly offered a ‘surprise’ in the form of a long cocktail. The curious take on the classic ‘Dirty Martini’ and ‘Lychee Drop’ were superb (we couldn’t tell you what was in it as that would take all the fun out of it, however we can tell you that they were utterly divine!)
With a swift sip of the drinks, the starters had arrived, promptly and packed full of flavour. Our guests wasted no time in trying out what looked to be slippery-seaweed with toasted sesames. This slender noodle-like seaweed held a gentle crunch and moreish flavour; a great start to the evening and a sign of the culinary talents to follow.
Next up was the juicy Lobster & Avocado Salad. Fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, green leaves and a light dressing to refresh the palette in anticipation of the next courses.
What was to follow took our tastebuds to another realm of taste-satisfaction; Seared Scallops with Fig Jam, Salmon Tartar Tacos and Tuna Carpaccio with Orange Zest. Each unique with a punchy flavour and fragrance.
For mains, we enjoyed the signature Black Cod wrapped in Banana Leaf (it’s so creamy and smooth, you will coo and marvel over the succulent fleshiness of the fish) O’Style Avocado Volcano (perfect for Avo-fans!) & Wagyu Himalayan Shioyaki. The Wagyu beef pieces offered a beautiful tenderness, flavour and just the right amount of fat. For those who love meat-feasts, this was the true Wagyu paradise.
For dessert, out came the signature Passionfruit & Ginger Creme Brûlée, the ultimate ending to a fabulous meal. Smooth, creamy and light in density.
