BysairaFOOD & DRINKSJanuary, 2026

A VIBRANT ROOFTOP DINING EXPERIENCE IN DUBAI

IKKA delivers an immersive dining experience that celebrates culture, creativity and connection.

One of our first 2026 foodie finds is IKKA-a vibrant dining destination where fusion cuisine, Dubai skyline views and artistic expression come together. Guided by the culinary artistry of Jose Luis, IKKA blends the bold flavours of Peru with the precision of Japanese technique, creating ‘Nikkei’ dishes that come together so unbelievably well.

IKKA has been curated to seamlessly bring food and art into one setting-the menu is designed with the same attention
to colour, texture, and composition as a painting. Inside, contemporary art, a live in-house DJ, and the pink llama mascot, Mr. Pinkie, shape the atmosphere.

IKKA’s interiors feature hand-painted artwork from Jose Luis and a design aesthetic that blends Peruvian warmth with Japanese precision. In fact, art is woven naturally into the space, with a dedicated in-house art gallery hosting monthly rotating exhibitions featuring works by world-renowned artists, giving diners an opportunity to appreciate the artwork as part of the experience.

Our booking was on a Wednesday evening-also Ladies’ Night-a fun food, skyline views, signature cocktails and a distinct artistic touch. A live painter captures each table in an impressionist style, turning groups of friends into modern-day portraits. Shortly after we sat down she introduced herself, took a few candid photographs, and returned to her board to begin our portrait. The result was a thoughtful and fun addition to an already lovely evening.

We enjoyed a selection of starters, mains, desserts and beverages. The menu features refreshing ceviche alongside exceptionally fresh sushi. The Ceviche A La Piedra-a bright mix of salmon, onion, limo chili, coriander, leche de tigre amarilla, and sweet potato-is a must-try.

The sushi offering is a colourful showcase of bold flavours, with our top picks being the A La Parmesana-a distinctive combination of panko shrimps, avocado, scallops, batayaki sauce, parmesan cheese. The elements work surprisingly well together!

For mains, the Arroz Con Moriscos arrived as a deeply satisfying bowl of creamy rice, shrimps, squid, mussels, acevichado sauce, and grilled capsicum. We also tried the Lomo Saltado-a classic stir-fry of tenderloin with cherry tomato, oyster sauce, baby potato, finished with quail egg.

We ended with a generous serving of velvety Hokkaido ice cream served with toasted hazelnut crumble and a bright strawberry compote.

Dinner at IKKA was a memorable, relaxing midweek experience-from the panoramic rooftop views and the artist capturing groups in soft brushstroke to the well-executed food. We left not only left energised, but also with a piece of art to take home.