I was holding off visiting the new hotspot, Morimoto, until my mum came out to visit me in Dubai. There’s nothing quite like the first experience at a restaurant that’s anticipated to be one of Dubai’s best, and in a culinary scene where restaurants open up every other week, that in itself is quite an accolade!
The question is though, was it style over substance? Good PR or good food?
It’s positioned well in the newly launched Renaissance hotel in Downtown Dubai, being celebratory’s ‘Iron Chef’, Masaharu Morimoto, first opening in the region. The hotel alone casts a good light; it’s trendy, cool crowd, great views and has brought in other celeb chefs like David Myers to add to the hype.
I went with J and my mum, opting for an indoor table despite the terrace offering some of the best views in Dubai. The bar outside was packed, full of what appeared to be the after-work crowd with a few of the larger tables already seated and tucking into some of the specialty cocktails (The ‘U’ in particular caught my eye; nigori sake, citrus infused vodka, lychee, grapefruit).
Come 8.30pm and inside was also filling up nicely. Tables of two enjoying a romantic date night, larger and more lively groups relishing in the electric atmosphere and families appreciating the delicate food. A welcome sight to see a restaurant lend itself so well to diverse diners.
For starters, we had the tuna pizza, toro tartare, oysters and spicy Alaskan king crab – alongside a sushi platter which was dug into before I got the chance to snap it!
I would love to give you just the one dish as a highlight but all three plates below were sensational and highly recommended!
Cocktail, is of course, optional ;)
Although strongly advocated…
For mains, whole roasted lobster with garam masala and braised black cod with a ginger-soy reduction. Served with broccoli and a zucchini pad thai (one I’ll be taking home with me!).
The lobster is served with a lemon crème fraîche, simple, but genius! I wouldn’t typically order lobster for dinner just because I never find it that filling (more of a beach-side, lunchtime dish for me) but this was an exception. Beautifully meaty and lies atop a bed of perfectly seasoned (and filling) vegetables to accompany the dish.
The real star of the show, though?
Unexpectedly for me – the desserts…
You can tell both mother and I were quite excited!
You might have already gathered but in answer to my first question…
Morimoto is both substance and style. It has ticked box after box and I see a very bright future for it in Dubai. My only critique was that the lighting inside the restaurant should have been a touch dimmer to match the evening ambiance, but if lighting is the only thing they have to work on – it’s a pretty damn good start!
And if you’re looking for the best spot to spend NYE in Dubai, the Morimoto terrace is your answer!
Find out more by visiting their website here or call to book a table.
Have you been to Morimoto? Do you have any questions about the restaurant? Comment below!
LLG x
