Ever wondered where the gorgeous and cool people dine in Dubai, Japanese restaurant Sake No Hana is where.
DECOR
Part restaurant, part über lounge and part terrace, a different experience can be had on each visit.
With attractive clientele there’s no need to go overboard on the interior, which is kept minimalistic with the manga-style artwork and modern Japanese statues.
Avoiding the routine beige colour palette of most contemporary restaurants, the chairs are as fashionable as the customers with their multiple hues. The bar has a more luxe feel with marble accents and plush sofas strategically placed to provide a VIP vibe, while the terrace is the most laidback of the three areas, offering the best views of the city – Burj Khalifa and the fountains.
AMBIENCE
It doesn’t really start getting busy until after 9pm – fashionably late, of course – but this is a great place to come with groups of friends as well as on a date. Sit around the larger tables or on one of the more secluded booths and take your time.
FOOD
The menu here matches the ambience. It’s great to come down, order a selection of dishes and simply pick your way through it all as you chat away. Forgo the usual black cod and opt for the similar tasting Chilean Sea Bass Champagne Yuzu Miso Sauce. A great soft texture combines with the sweet hit of the sauce. A classic dish with a slightly different twist and always worth a place on your table.
The Kamo Foie Gras Kuwayaki is slices of teriyaki glazed sliced duck breast with sautéed foie gras that sits in a neat square on top. While the teriyaki works well and the dish has a real flavour, we would have perhaps preferred the duck a little on the more tender side.
Sumiyaki Wagyu Sirloin comes in tasty chunks that you can idly pick at. The wild mushroom sauce combines adds an extra kick of flavour but, to be honest, we could have simply ate it as it was – no garnish required.
For dessert there was only one choice as we could see, and the specialty of the house – potentially of any house – was a rose-shaped berry and chocolate mousse. Very well presented with the zing of the berries combined beautifully with the rich chocolate found inside. It could well be one of the best desserts we’ve tried.
While the menu is great, a word of warning does go to anyone with food intolerances to things like eggs and dairy: this will severely limit your choices.
BEST FOR
Mingling among Dubai’s socialite scene.
GO FOR
Trendy bites pre-bar action.
THE DETAILS
Sake No Hana | Souk Al Bahar | (04) 4327808 reservations@sakenohana.ae
Every Sunday enjoy Sake Sounds Sundays, which blends authentic Japanese culture with the avant-garde worlds of fashion and art bringing a fresh feel to the start of the week. The night will feature unique takes on geishas, sake, and eclectic sounds from the talent that spins in the revered lounges of Paris, New York and London.
Every Saturday through Wednesday, 6pm-9pm, is Zensai nights during which Japanese cocktails are served alongside a complimentary selection of authentic bites, inspired by Japanese street food.
