BysairaFOOD & DRINKSMay, 2025

DISCOVER A REFINED TRADITIONAL JAPANESE SET MENU IN DUBAI

Head to Akabeko for traditional Japanese set meals.

Hidden behind an unassuming door in the heart of Palm Jumeirah is Dubai’s first tabletop yakiniku Japanese restaurant. Akabeko serves world class Japanese A5 Wagyu, that is cooked to perfection at your table.

The minimal wood interior is calming and pared back, allowing the beautifully presented food to steal the spotlight.

Akabeko offers fabulous set meals, embodying a simple dining tradition with a perfectly balanced combination of dishes. This menu takes diners on a rich and immersive culinary journey inspired by Japan’s iconic dining culture.

On our first visit we tried the Akabeko Set-a perfect introduction to the restaurant and the Japanese culture of yakiniku. Priced at AED 450 per person, this 6-course beginner set features an appetizer platter with seasonal ingredients, an Akabeko Salad, a seasonal Miso Soup and a selection of 3 Wagyu cuts of the day. For the mains there is a choice between the Wagyu Curry, Wagyu Stew and Yuzu Ramen.

The meticulously presented dishes resemble works of art-all bursting with flavour. The biggest draw has to be the trio of daily wagyu cuts of the day, expertly cooked to perfection by the servers-there’s a king of a hypnotic magic in watching them at work. We enjoyed every bite with the variety of sweet and spicy dipping sauces. The wagyu curry is rich and hearty packed with tender bites of wagyu mince-but for something lighter the yuzu ramen is a strong vegetarian alternative.

We concluded the meal with matcha ice cream served on a bed of red bean paste and topped with a piece of mochi.

Akabeko offers a calm atmosphere, well-timed service, and dishes that are painstakingly perfect.

Akabeko Set (6 course beginner set) – AED 450 per person | Signature Set (10 course intermediate set) – AED 700 per person | Ultimate Set (12 course expert set) – AED 950 per person

Date and time: Available from Tuesday to Wednesday between 12pm to 4pm and 6pm to 11pm | Thursday to Sunday between 12pm to 4pm and 6pm to 1:30am | Mondays: CLOSED