TABŪ Dubai — Restaurant in Dubai

There’s a lot of new places opening around the downtown area, and there’s a new vibe where theatrical experience or dinner & show concept has really been the new buzz for a while now.

Tabu has recently opened doors, located on the 23rd floor of St.Regis, DownTown. It’s very conveniently located, has an outdoor direct access, dedicated lifts for smoother entrance, which is brilliant. Now as soon as you entre, there’s a spectacular bar, and a fabulous outdoor terrace, with uninterrupted view of the Burj Khalifa, & then a huge indoor dining arena. We went late in the night, although I am already planning to go back for a sunset view I’m sure it’ll look magical.

Now coming to the important part i.e. the food !!!! Modern Japanese cuisine by Roberto Segura. ( celebrity chef ) We sampled quite a bit of stuff. Enjoyed most of it, food is strong for a newly opened place. You can see a bit of Peruvian influence cause of the chef. Things we tried, in no particular order:-

.Shokuzen .Spicy Edamame ( perfect starter ) .Otoro Tartare ( tiny but delicious) .Chef’s Selection – Tabu Hamachi Nigiri (Tabu Salmon Nigiri, Tabu Wagyu Nigiri) Top class, quality & taste. .King Crab Salad ( not to be missed ) .Blue Fin Tuna Ceviche ( presentation & taste both superb ) . Black Tempura Calamari ( so unique, so full of flavor ) . Crispy Tofu ( unique take on traditional tofu, & it’s vegan ) . Ishiyaki-Short Rib ( this rice is a must order, generous portion & full of flavor ) .Black Black Cod ( interesting presentation, a good main, is you’re avoiding meat ) . Baby Bok Choy & Truffle Fries ( sides ) cause is all about balance. Mochi Selection ( good stuff )

Offers: Sansetto tasting hour, every day from 6pm to 8pm except Saturdays. You get to have a 5 course tasting menu for AED 195 !

Brunch coming on the 18th of June: Nōh Drama Brunch! Which will combine amazing food...

I recently had the pleasure of enjoying a brunch at this high-end Japanese restaurant, and it was an extraordinary experience from start to finish. The quality of the food was simply superb, showcasing the finest of Japanese cuisine with every dish thoughtfully prepared and beautifully presented.

From the moment we walked in, the service was impeccable. The staff were attentive and knowledgeable, ensuring that our dining experience was nothing short of perfect. They provided excellent recommendations and were always available to answer any questions we had, all while maintaining a friendly and professional demeanor.

The food itself was a highlight. Each dish was a testament to the skill and artistry of the chefs. We enjoyed an array of sushi, sashimi, and tempura, each bite bursting with fresh flavors. The ingredients were of the highest quality, and the presentation was exquisite. The brunch also included unique and delightful dishes that added a special touch to the meal, such as perfectly seared wagyu beef and delicate, flavorful dumplings.

The ambiance of the restaurant added to the overall experience. It was elegantly decorated, creating a serene and sophisticated atmosphere that was perfect for a leisurely brunch. The entertainment provided was a delightful addition, featuring live performances that complemented the dining experience beautifully. The combination of elegant decor, soft lighting, and beautiful music created an inviting and luxurious setting.

Overall, this brunch was an amazing experience. The combination of top-quality Japanese food, excellent service, and elegant entertainment made for a memorable meal. I would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for an exceptional dining experience. Whether for a special occasion or just a treat, this place is...

Travellers beware. Had a terrible experience here recently. Firstly, the door service was extremely rude. We had rung up ahead of time to check the dress code, which was smart casual. None of us had brought heels to Dubai as we were transiting here and we asked if nicer sandals would be ok. The response was 'nicer sandals would be ok we prefer heels'. We dressed as well as we could (dresses, but no heels) and when we arrived the lady at the door looked us up and down before ringing upstairs. She then returned to us saying 'usually you wouldn't be allowed in but we will make an exception this time. We usually require more elegant attire'. Once we got upstairs, the lady at the counter looked us up and down again, before leading us to our table. There's really no need to humiliate a paying guest if you are going to let them into your establishment. Just to note we also went to other restaurants and bars in Dubai where the dress code was 'smart casual' and our nice sandals matched with dresses were accepted without any comment.

We contemplated leaving but it was late and we were hungry so we thought we'd give this place a shot. And overall it was still disappointing.

Menu was misprinted (the prices were all mismatched), and the service was a mess, the wait staff were literally running into each other, bringing duplicate drinks to our table. It was difficult to even get the attention of our waitress in the chaos. Unexpected of an 'elegant' restaurant. The dishes were mostly good, although portion size was small (fine dining size for a la carte) and the wagyu short rib rice dish was overly salty.

There are many better restaurants in Dubai that are delicious, high end, and welcoming. I would not recommend this one if you don't enjoy...