Katsuya Dubai HYDE Hotel Dubai

BACKGROUND Originating in the USA, Katsuya is renowned for skilfully translating Japanese flavours into unexpected culinary combinations. Chef Katsuya Uechi’s innovative eatery puts a Californian spin on Japanese cuisine and features signature cocktails, unique rolls, specialty sushi, and sashimi platters. The whimsical décor compliments the signature dishes and provides an intimate setting for a relaxed meal.

WHAT’S IT LIKE? The interior conveys a mélange of the traditional with the contemporary. The loft-like space emulates the intimacy of an authentic Japanese Izakaya with clever use of wood panelling, Japanese lettering, paper lanterns, and pillars adorned with images of mythical dragons. Artwork leans heavily on the varied female styles emblematic of Japan, ranging from depictions of geishas to Harajuku girls, and lends the restaurant an art gallery air. Aromatic scents waft from the open kitchen at the Omakase like subtle preludes of the feast to come. A spacious terrace, ideal for

Katsuya merges authentic Japanese avours with modern culinary techniques for a unique experience

balmy evenings, provides exceptional views of dichotomous Dubai with the bustle of Downtown and the soft lights of the Burj Khalifa bouncing o the canal.

THE FOOD Japanese cuisine is given an international twist, with a cocktail menu to match. The crunchy Jidori Chicken Salad drenched in a plum vinaigrette is an unmissable Katsuya classic. Fresh and flavourful sushi rolls are presented in HOURS 12pm to 1am

LOCATION Hyde Hotel Dubai, Marasi Dr, Business Bay, Dubai

CONTACT Call +04 871 1010; email katsuyadubaireservations@hydedubai.com; sbe.com

unique styles, with the crispy and spicy rock shrimp tempura served on a bed of spicy tuna rolls. A personal favourite was the melt-in-the-mouth Wagyu Gyoza served with pickled cabbage, taberu rayu and black garlic ponzu. An indulgent treat came in the form of the Mushroom Nabe, a sizzling rice hot pot loaded with di erent types of Japanese mushrooms, sake broth, and shiso butter. This culmination of aromas, flavours, and textures is brought together by Katsuya’s signature sweet soy bop sauce, which is poured and mixed with the rice at your table. The star of the evening was the creamy lemongrass infused crème brûlée served with a coconut sorbet and mango salsa – the ideal combination of eastern flavours fused into a western classic.

THE SERVICE Sta are friendly and keen to recommend the menu classics.

THE WORKSPACE A great location for an after-work dinner, conducive to conversation. Also good for a pocketfriendly Business Lunch, which is available throughout the week from 12pm to 3pm.

VERDICT A great venue for those who enjoy Eastern flavours with a contemporary twist. Sonia Sultan