Diana Farah

DUBAI: OKKU, the newly reopened Japanese restaurant in Dubai, has set people raving as they experience a lavish meal in an upscale and sophisticated venue on the Palm Island.

With Japanese elements evident all over, OKKU welcomes its guests with a long corridor lined with colorfully lit up sake barrels on either side, immersing people in the Japanese experience from the get-go.

3D printed samurai soldier statues are also one of the first few Japanese elements diners will see when they enter. Once inside the restaurant, the minimalism, simplicity and the attention to details is clear to see, also playing into the restaurant’s inspiration from Japan.

Tables and chairs are aligned carefully to ensure that the furniture is neat and precise. One half of the restaurant is a lounge setting, with sofas and a jellyfish aquarium inspired screen.

While the other half is perfectly lined with tables for diners, a sushi counter, as well as a bar right in the center for those interested in trying OKKU’s specialty drinks.

The venue proves to be impressive but does the food menu?

The simple answer to that is absolutely. With a menu full of all the Japanese dishes diners know and love, a modern twist ensures that the meal will be an unforgettable one.

Starting off strong with chili-garlic flavored edamame, Hamachi carpaccio and crispy rice topped with charred tomato, slightly mimicking the classic bruschetta, the dishes fuse classic flavors together ensuring guests a one-of-a-kind experience.

A wagyu taco was also served, with the convenience of two taco shells in each so that when one shell gets somewhat soggy from the filling, another dry shell is there to provide the crunch in each bite.

Other dishes included the miso aubergine, a baked Japanese eggplant with a sweet miso glaze, an avocado, mushroom and asparagus served in a flaming half-shell, a seabass ceviche, and black cod with a side of truffle rice.

Towards the end of the meal, a variety of maki rolls and sashimi was served fresh and concluding the meal with something sweet including the ‘O Style Mango Mousse’ and a variety of different flavors of mochi.

Speaking to Arab News Japan, OKKU’s Brand Founder & Chairman Ramzy Abdul-Majeed said that while the restaurant is not from Japan, it is wholly “Japanese-inspired.”

“From the food to the design and the atmosphere, everything is inspired by Japan,” he said.

Abdul-Majeed said some elements were even brought in from Japan itself, such as the 68 sake barrels that can be seen at the entrance and the crockery used in the restaurant.  

A few of the chefs in the kitchen are Japanese and Abdul-Majeed said he would love to have more Japanese guests dine at OKKU.

“We’ve had a few Japanese diners come in, and I would love it if more chose to visit OKKU,” he told Arab News Japan.

OKKU also offers its guests entertainment with a DJ, drummers and violinists ensuring a fun and exciting experience. Private dining is also available for those looking for a more intimate meal.

“The private dining room is designed to look like a cozy room in a house, where guests can control the lighting, the music and more,” Abdul-Majeed said.

The contemporary restaurant is open daily and is a one-stop shop for fine dining, entertainment and an overall immersive Japanese atmosphere worth experiencing.