When it was announced that award-winning restaurant SushiSamba would be landing in Dubai, the city's foodies were buzzing. Though not short of world-renowned establishments, the arrival of SushiSamba was perhaps the most anticipated launch Dubai has seen. As it turns out, it was worth the wait.
Perched a knee-weakening 51 floors up in the St.Regis Palm Jumeirah, the sprawling 12,000 square foot venue pays homage to its Amazonian inspirations with earth-toned interiors, plenty of greenery and splashes of zesty orange as well as a 3D-printed installation inspired by Brazilian and Japanese weaving techniques. 360-degree floor-to-ceiling windows allow for uninterrupted views of the city below, from shoreline to horizon. During daylight hours, the restaurant is bustling with families, lunching ladies and businesspeople tucking into the newly launched business offering - a four-course menu comprising starters, small bites and a main. Come nightfall the atmosphere is intimate, sultry and vibrant as tables fill with couples and groups bopping to smooth tunes.
The menu at SushiSamba is - unsurprisingly, given the name - an eclectic combination of Japanese, Peruvian and Brazilian cuisines with dishes covering all bases from ceviche to gyoza. It's this tantalising mix that lures celebrities and royalty alike - as we write this, Cristiano Ronaldo and His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai are wrapping up lunch. What are they having? Well, if they're anything like us, then their table will be chock-a-block with a combination of worldwide favourites and regional additions; the Samba Dubai roll is a must-try - mango, truffle honey and avocado are rolled into one delicious bite, made all the more tantalising with a dollop of rich Maine lobster on top. If you can't decide on a seviche, go all-out and opt for the sampler or save space for upcoming courses and choose one; the salmon is a stand-out thanks to tangy passionfruit, aji amarillo and roe gems.
A menu built for sharing, there are no traditional mains. Instead, SushiSamba offers robata dishes from the Japanese grill. MOJEH recommends the Chilean seabass with miso and the angus beef tenderloin. Rounding out our savoury selection was the Japanese Wagyu A5 Gyoza which was unbelievably moreish thanks to perfect parcels that are simultaneously crispy and soft and bursting with complex flavours.
End the evening on a sweet note with panacotta - deconstructed and served with tapioca, fresh mango and a generous quenelle of mango sorbet - and what is referred to simply as "pineapple"; the fruit is hollowed and stuffed with coconut sorbet and caramelised pineapple slices. Delish.
Simply put, there's a reason why SushiSamba tops every epicure's wishlist. And, if our rundown doesn't make it apparent, then you can ask HH Sheikh Hamdan. Book now
