Amin Abbas

The iconic Tokyo-based Kill Bill Restaurant, Gonpachi is a Japanese restaurant or Nishi-Azabu that is known for being the location of former-US President Bush and Former-Prime Minister Koizumi’s Izakaya Summit, and even more famously known for its scene in Quentin Tarantino’s 2004 film Kill Bill. The nostalgic atmosphere brings people back to Japan of a bygone era.

The Gonpachi menu features authentically prepared Kushi-style grilled skewers, tempura, fresh soba noodles, sashimi, sushi, and the famous wagyu paired with innovative mixology, which can be enjoyed within the traditional interiors or outside on the foliage-filled terrace perfect for outdoor dining.

Gonpachi Dubai is one of the best options for authentic Japanese food in the city, serving fine food in a relaxed, unpretentious setting.

Decked out in warming woods and bamboo beams, the restaurant is spread out over two floors with a bird’s-eye view of the entire restaurant from a mezzanine floor available for group bookings and parties.

A representative of Gonapchi said exclusively to Arab News Japan that the restaurant opened its doors in Dubai in January 2021 as a traditional Japanese Restaurant.

The representative said that the main challenge Gonapchi has faced has been getting the flow right and understanding how the service would work. Luckily, the restaurant had amazing chefs and a team who are passionate about delivering an exceptional experience to their guests. 

The representative said the feedback they have received from the people who tried the Japanese food at Gonapchi, the representative said:

“The feedback has been overwhelmingly amazing. Some of our guests, who have also dined in one of the GonPachi branches in Japan, have told us we are keeping the standards up,” the representative said.

“We believe that we uphold traditional Japanese cooking methods and are possibly the most authentic Japanese food in Dubai,” the representative added, commenting on the aspects that distinguish Gonpachi from other Japanese and Asian restaurants.

Arjohn Mediavillo Aynera, Head Chef of Gonpachi told Arab News Japan exclusively about his story and experience with Japanese cooking. Having been involved in the Japanese cuisine scene for 15 years, Aynera said that he didn’t start off as a Japanese chef, but it was his dream as he was always passionate about sushi. When the opportunity to become one presented itself, Aynera said that he “jumped at it and have never looked back.”

Resultantly over the years he had led teams in Miyabi Sushi and Bento, Hako sushi, Sumo Sushi and Aji.

“My concept with cooking Japanese food is to keep it simple. Source the best ingredients possible and don’t play around with them. Let them speak for themselves,” Aynera said. Nevertheless, he emphasized his desire to continuously offer something exciting through finding new dishes to delight guests with.

The representative provided some advice those who want to try the food at Gonpachi or learn how to make Japanese food by saying that “Japanese food is more than just sushi and raw fish, there is something for everyone. We use our robata (cooking over charcoal) a lot, many different grilled meats and vegetables.  There is also our Meshi dish which is a traditional hot stone rice bowl. Our staff here to explain all to you and let you see how approachable Japanese cuisine is for everyone.”

The Gonpachi menu features authentically prepared Kushi-style grilled skewers, tempura, fresh soba noodles, sashimi, sushi, and the famous wagyu paired with innovative mixology, which can be enjoyed within the traditional interiors or outside on the foliage-filled terrace perfect for outdoor dining.