The refined yet futuristic feel of the W Dubai – The Palm is echoed throughout the décor at Akira Back, the Japanese-meets-Korean restaurant by the international namesake chef himself.

Walking into the hotel, temperature is discreetly checked via a camera to the right of the door, while ample hand sanitiser stations are spotted about the grand lobby, and as you head out onto the fifth floor, where the edgy eatery is located, you are welcomed by a mask-wearing hostess who guides you through to your table – note the stunning skyline of Dubai through the floor to ceiling windows.

As is in keeping with these post-modern times, the menu is available through a QR code on the table, and features plenty of contemporary iterations on traditional dishes. We were directed to start with the toro/yellowtail tartare, which arrives on an elegant yet oversized platter and dressed in oscietra caviar and wasabi soy in front of you, before delicately placed on top of brioche toast – delicious. Which of course we enjoyed alongside some kimchi edamame.

One simply cannot go to Akira Back and overlook the signature sushi: the spider roll, filled with soft shell crab, cream cheese and spicy unagi sauce is a vivacious house favourite, along with the health-conscious protein roll. It features tuna, salmon, yellowtail, crab, shiso, as well as asparagus, and is wrapped in soy paper as opposed to rice for a lighter touch. You’ll also find a section on the menu labelled Robata – the Japanese take on barbecue – which should not be overlooked here. Opt for the mouth-watering scallops in half shell, served sizzling with kimchi, veal bacon and kochujang butter.

For our main course we decided on the flavourful and light miso black cod that’s presented with a side of intriguing yet delicately delectable yuja sake foam and shishito, along with the truffle rice clay pot with mushroom and parmesan. Although delightfully full we managed save a little room for dessert, which consisted of the black and white sesame matcha cake, served with salted agave ice cream and the playfully delicious chocolate in a cup – a gianduja cake and chocolate crumble, with banana foam and vanilla gelato.

Akira Back’s modern cuisine and vibrant nuances, along with its elegant safety measures, make it a refined option when in the mood for Asian food.

Ladies can expect a one-of-a-kind experience where drinks and delectable sharing plates flow seamlessly to the table on Batafurai Ladies Night every Sunday from 7-11pm. Find Akira Back at W Dubai – The Palm, West Crescent, Palm Jumeirah CALL NOW or BOOK HERE

Chocolate in a cup 

Light miso black cod with a side of Yuma sake foam and shishito

Spider Roll