Mesmerising views of Dubai’s electric skyline? Check. Unique design? Check. Authentic fine-dining Japanese cuisine? Check. Tomo at the Raffles Hotel is a modern sanctuary that appeals to ever sense. Sight: located in the glass pinnacle of the Raffles pyramid, the architecture is second to none. Smell: the aromatic scents emitting from the kitchen send appetites into a tizzy. Taste: each dish, no matter how intricate or simple, will make your taste buds dance. Feel: forgoing forks and knives and using hands and chopsticks allow you to fully absorb the entire experience.
DECOR
The glass pyramid aside, the interior is also worthy of applause. A sleek black and dark brown colour palette is off set by the neutral furnishings. Here the attention is in the detail. From Japanese scripts adorning the walls, to the newspaper stand holding local Japanese papers, and the gorgeous crockery – one serving platter was shaped like a traditional Japanese hand fan.
AMBIENCE
While Tomo is perpetually busy, tables are the perfect distance apart so you don’t feel too isolated but at the same time don’t feel like your conversations will be overheard. Bamboo blinds section off private areas, ensuring privacy while maintaining the atmosphere.
FOOD
Tomo translates as lifelong friend, and staff certainly treat you like one. With an extensive menu, choosing what you want can seem quite a challenge, so we advise asking the staff what they recommend. They will simply ask about any allergies or dislikes and then help tailor a menu to you; the results will be outstanding.
The favourites are understandably the black cod and tempura. We also recommend, for starters, tuna and avocado sushi wrapped in rice paper, and the pickled eggplant. For the main, wagyu beef marinated in miso sauce and served on a little stone andwood oven will certainly satisfy the appetite; order alongside the noodles with three kinds of mushrooms and spinach. For dessert, the chocolate fondant doesn’t disappoint. Feeling too full? The array of sorbets will be hard to resist.
WHY BOTHER?
With a sophisticated crowd and staff that in an authentic Japanese fashion are softly spoken, this is not a raucous venue, making it ideal for a catch-up or romantic rendezvous.
GO FOR
Delectable Japanese cuisine that can be tailored to meet your desires.
THE DETAILS
Wafi
Sheikh Rashid Rd
Dubai
(04) 3577888
