Smoki Moto — Restaurant in Dubai

We had a very disappointing dining experience after pleasant pre-dinner drinks on your terrace (the bar man was great!)

Firstly, the service lacked a smile. Whilst I understand the job is stressful, as paying customers we expect a dining experience where we feel welcomed, which we did not. However, this is subjective, and I can forgive this if the food was on point…..it was not!

The cut arrived as expected with great marbling. However, it was cooked poorly due to a lack of attention to detail.

Below are the observations:

1, The steak was not seasoned beforehand. 2, The cooking surface was not properly coated with the beef fat. There was a poor attempt to do so however the server seemed distracted (looking around and on the walkie talkie) so only around 30% of the surface was done. 3, The steak was placed onto the cooking surface when the surface was still warming up so not at optimal cooking temperature. 4, The steak was initially not placed in the middle of the cooking surface, it fell to side, again because of the server being distracted, looking around and on the walking talkie. 5, When checking how well done the steak is, the best practice in steak houses is to cut the steak down the middle where it is thickest. Instead, the server the sliced the steak thinly 6, To add to this, steak should be rested before slicing into as it continues cooking when taken off the heat. The steak was not rested before slicing. 7, When we asked for further cooking to reach medium rare each slice was placed back on to the cooking surface and as it was sliced thinly it would overcook very easily 8, The slices required a quick sear (2-3 seconds) on each side to be medium rare. We repeatedly told the server the steak was done enough to our liking, but they carried on cooking, eventually overcooking the slices.

When it came to the lamb cutlets, we politely asked to cook it ourselves but despite repeating ourselves the server kept intervening. This was very frustrating!

Overall we had high hopes for the restaurant but I guess we were very unlucky...

What a great place! Smoki Motto definitely exceeded expectations. As a lover of Korean food, I've been to many Korean restaurants in Dubai, most of which are simple, casual, and traditional with decent food but lacking in atmosphere. Smoki Motto truly offers something different. The design, the space, the entrance through the butchery, the bar, and the amazing view all contribute to an exciting arrival. The restaurant is relatively new, perhaps only a few months old, so the service team, although proficient, may not yet be as polished as the surroundings suggest. However, they were all lovely and made a genuine effort to welcome us and keep us engaged. The menu features modern Korean cuisine, but if you enjoy traditional Korean food, you will find plenty of familiar dishes to satisfy your hunger. Don't be intimidated by the creative elements on the menu either. The Egg Volcano may sound a little clichéd, but it was delicious, as was the beef tartare, which stood out as unique compared to other versions I've tried globally. As a steakhouse, the beef (and other meats like venison) is naturally the star of the show. When the table opens to reveal a sunken cooking pit filled with glowing charcoal, you know you're in for a treat. We selected five different meats, all of which were excellent, but the wagyu was the standout. The lamb chops, venison, and Korean marinated short rib were also well-cooked and offered a great variety. Sampling so many meats in one meal was wonderful. The staff prepared the meats at the table, which is nice, but don't hesitate to jump in and help—the chefs won't mind. Overall, we were impressed. The cocktails were great, the wine list well-curated, the menus (real!) nicely presented, and the staff made it a fun night. We will definitely...

Food:4 Atmosphere:5 Ssrvice:5

Smoki Moto, nestled on Dubai's Palm Jumeirah, stands as the city's first licensed Korean steakhouse, offering a unique fusion of traditional Korean flavors and modern steakhouse sophistication. The restaurant's interior exudes a sultry yet authentic ambiance, reminiscent of Seoul's vibrant culture, enhanced by modern artwork and graffiti that pay homage to K-Pop influences.

The culinary journey at Smoki Moto begins with state-of-the-art charcoal grills embedded in each dining table, allowing guests to engage in an interactive barbecue experience. Signature dishes include various cuts of beef, such as the chuck flat tail, Galbi, dry-aged kelp rib-eye, and butter-aged striploin, each prepared with meticulous attention to detail. Accompaniments like homemade fermented kimchi, lotus root, and bean sprouts complement the rich flavors of the meats, while the kimchi bibimbap offers a harmonious blend of crispy rice and spicy-sour tang.

Beyond the cuisine, Smoki Moto's beverage program shines with expertly crafted cocktails and mocktails, featuring South Korea's national spirit, Soju. The in-house collection of Soju cocktails, exclusive to the venue, adds an innovative twist to the dining experience.

The atmosphere is both lively and intimate, with warm ambient lighting and upbeat music creating a comfortable yet special setting. Guests can also enjoy the gorgeous West Beach view from the terrace, especially during sunset, enhancing the overall dining experience.

In summary, Smoki Moto successfully marries the rich traditions of Korean cuisine with the elegance of a modern steakhouse, providing an engaging and flavorful dining experience that stands out in Dubai's...