There are restaurants, then there are institutions. COYA Dubai falls firmly into the latter, having been a staple on the Dubai culinary scene for a decade and remaining a go-to destination for everything from date nights and family gatherings to late-night parties and long lunches. The original fine-dining Peruvian restaurant in the city, COYA Dubai is a tropical paradise nestled along the shores of the Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach. Lush greenery fills the interiors alongside hand-made crafts, furniture and traditional pottery; the space comprises a main dining room, ceviche bar, beverages bar and chanca by COYA, an adjacent lounge that comes alive after hours. Better still, most spaces can be privatised thanks to cascading curtains, making it ideal for celebrating special occasions.
The cuisine is as vibrant as the surrounds; Peruvian flavours spanning raw dishes, hot and cold starters, hearty mains and indulgent desserts have diners spoilt for choice. MOJEH advises getting the opinion of supremely helpful staff and - if in doubt - opt for a selection of COYA Dubai's signature dishes. First up, do not miss the Pargo a la Trufa (red snapper ceviche with truffle) which offers a boujie twist on a classic Peruvian staple and is delicious, decadent and oh-so Dubai. The Setas Anticuchos (plump forest mushrooms skewered, marinated and fired on a charcoal grill); guacamole; Gyoza de Langostinos (gyoza bursting with flavourful prawn and chilean sea bass, a dish that represents the influence of multiple cultures on Peruvian cuisine); and Picante de Pepino (a refreshing, moreish salad of zesty green apple, cucumber, miso and coriander) should also be part of your COYA Dubai experience - if you want to do it right, that is.
Following the starters, main courses are ideal for sharing. Arroz Nikkei (chilean sea bass atop bomba rice) melts in the mouth and is hearty, rich and warming for winter, while fighting over the last piece of Lomo de Res (spicy beef fillet) is par for the course. Spicy, sauce-smothered crispy potatoes - Patatas Bravas if you're Peruvian - are the ideal accompaniment,
Oftentimes desserts can appear to be an afterthought, especially when the restaurant's menu is stacked with show-stopping mains. Fortunately for COYA Dubai, and rather unfortunately for any hopes of committing to a health-focused New Year's resolution, the desserts are stars in their own right. Churros with chocolate and Dulce de Leche sauce is the obvious choice, though the signature Hoja de Maíz (sweetcorn meringue with passionfruit and mango yoghurt ice cream) will have you swiping the bowl clean. Probably using a churro. Can't choose? Go all-out and opt for the dessert platter to sample the best of the bunch. Book now
