It might be one of the pricier ones on offer but if you’re looking for a multi-course fine-dining Japanese feast in fancy surroundings – a plethora of plates that’ll satisfy your every craving – then ROKA Dubai’s iftar is definitely one to pick.
Known for its robata grill, this sister spot of Zuma, has a prime perch overlooking the Downtown Dubai skyline from its Business Bay location. Those wanting al fresco dining – ideal for social distancing – should opt for a terrace table as the weather is still cool enough to eat outdoors.
The menu showcases all its signatures – and there is a lot of food brought out – even if you haven’t eaten all day, you’ll struggle to finish everything on the sharing-style plates. Starters are dispatched promptly, with a mocktail accompanying refreshing slivers of iceberg lettuce topped with caramalised onion dressing, shrimp tempura maki, fresh crab-topped California rolls and flambéed nigiri that literally melted in the mouth. Crisp sweet potato tempura came with a creamy counterpart, while beef dumplings were enlivened with ginger.
Mains included a miso sea bream and a perfectly-cooked beef fillet, served alongside sesame soy asparagus and their trademark ‘baked’ potato. The latter may sound unexciting but it is anything but – it turned out to be our dish of the night and the one item the restaurant has to keep on every tasting menu, such is the demand. Crisp skin, a fluffy interior, and loads of yuzu-spiked sour cream plus chives made this the ultimate comfort food.
Dessert is a show-stopper so keep your cameras handy. A towering concoction, scoops of ice-cream and sorbet keep a miso mango-almond cake and date pudding company, as sculpted fruits provide a more healthy counterpart to all the so-delicious-its-worth-it sugar.
Service was always well-paced, friendly and present without being overwhelming at any time. They also definitely knew their menu and were able to answer any questions without missing a beat. Definitely a treat worth trying as you’ll tick off all the classics that this chic venue is known for – and have the appetite to properly enjoy them.
The ROKA Dubai iftar menu is priced at Dhs380 per person, inclusive of food and a mocktail. Find Roka Dubai at The Opus by Omniyat, Al Aamal Street, Business Bay. Book Now
