Winner of the Caterer Awards' 'Restaurant Of The Year' for three years in a row, this luxury Japanese restaurant and lounge, located at the H Hotel, #1 Sheikh Zayed Road, serves up some amazing signature dishes. With an intimate, yet sophisticated atmosphere created by its chic décor and aesthetic design, OKKU is ideally suited to either a romantic dinner or a group gathering.
What we ate
To get a sense of the menu, we were served a taster selection especially prepared by the chef. This included three types of edamame beans (chilli-garlic, truffle teriyaki and hakata sea salt), together with green bean tempura with yuzu-truffle aioli, and grilled asparagus skewers. From the small plate menu we tried the 'O' style ginger salmon sashimi, tuna & foie gras carpaccio and the O' style avocado volcano. For mains we had the wagyu himalayan shioyaki, miso lobster onigarayaki, seabass mushiyaki and a mouth-watering platter of selected sushi. Everything was cooked to perfection, and even though there was an abundance of food, all the plates went back empty!
Verdict
In addition to some of the best Japanese food I have tasted, the level of service and attention to detail was impeccable. From the welcoming cocktails on arrival, to the Sommeliers expert advice on wine pairing, the whole experience was faultless and definitely a night to remember.
Price
Youkoso's start from Dhs 19, Salad's from Dhs 60, Grilled Skewers from Dhs 48, Tempura from Dhs 45, Small Plates from
Dhs 60 and Mains from Dhs 105.
Open Monday to Thursday 12pm to 3pm for lunch, daily from 7pm to 3am for dinner, with a Disco Sushi Party Brunch every Friday (see page 59). Call +971 4 5018777 or email reservations@okkudubai.com. -P.C.