Amin Abbas

Katsuya is a Japanese restaurant that features the dynamic pairing of master sushi chef Katsuya Uechi and design impresarios Philippe Starck and Yabu Pushelberg. 

With unique rolls, sushi and sashimi platters, Chef Uechi skillfully translates Japanese flavors for the American palate. The superb talent and exacting precision of Katsuya has changed the face of Japanese cuisine.

Master chef Katsuya Uech analyzed the eating habits of the American public and stepped outside of what is considered to be traditional Japanese cuisine, mixing the former with California style cuisine. This innovation ignited the new sushi trend that spread like wildfire throughout the industry.

Amjad Haidar, F&B Director of Katsuya told Arab News Japan the story and main concept of Katsuya in Dubai: “Katsuya is a Japanese concept restaurant that was first established in Dubai in 2011 originally founded by master sushi chef Katsuya Uechi. The country has seen a few Katsuya branches opening and closing over the last three years, but Katsuya at Hyde Dubai has proven that it is here to stay. The restaurant was fortunate enough to hit the ground running averaging AED40k and 150 covers per day in revenue in its first month of opening in November 2021. It continued to improve by seeing a 10% month-on-month improvement to a point where in March 2022, it was the 2nd highest achieving venue within the Accor specialty portfolio of over 75 hotels.”

About the challenges for establishing & opening Katsuya in Dubai, Haidar said: “We had the opportunity to work with a very strong marketer and connoisseur, as well as the full backing of the Ennismore regional team. The most difficult component, in my opinion, was reintroducing the original and authentic Katsuya concept to a new site and area. Recruiting the proper brand face was also a hurdle that we thankfully overcame.”

About the response & feedback from the people who tried Japanese food at Katsuya in Dubai, Haidar said: “The venue has welcomed in its short history many prominent world leaders and celebrities such as Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai; Wasim Akram, former World Class cricketer Pakistan; Larry Wheels, American Professional powerlifter, Kid Ink – American Rapper; DJ Snake French Record Producer, Red One, Moroccan-Swedish singer-song writer. Katsuya has enjoyed an unrivaled following from UAE Nationals who continue to support the venue nightly along with a range of nationalities. The consistent positive reviews and high rankings in TripAdvisor and Google prove that it is still one of the best loved restaurants in the city”.

Regarding Katsuya upcoming plans, Haidar said: “There is a concerted effort to enhance the dining experience by incorporating more Japanese culture into the service style. This could involve introducing traditional Japanese elements such as table settings, plating, and menu items, as well as adopting practices that emphasize respect, hospitality, and attention to detail, which are hallmarks of Japanese service culture.”

“Furthermore, our staff is greatly focusing on sustainable product options, which could include sourcing local ingredients or using eco-friendly packaging to reduce waste. This commitment to sustainability could reflect the restaurant’s values and desire to reduce its environmental impact while still delivering high-quality food and service.”

“Overall, Katsuya is committed to delivering an exceptional dining experience that is rooted in Japanese culture, sustainable practices, and diverse offerings. By focusing on these elements, the restaurant aims to differentiate itself and appeal to a broad range of visitors who value quality, sustainability, and cultural immersion,” he added.