Katsuya is now welcoming guests to its all-new location in Dubai as the brand reinvents and reintroduces its Middle Eastern presence. The reopening serves as a homecoming for the brand in the Middle East, following previous locations across the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain, as it establishes itself as the fine-dining flagship restaurant at Hyde Hotel Dubai in Business Bay. Katsuya Dubai will continue to showcase deep respect for Japanese culture, remarkably skilled chefs, and age-old cooking techniques, which guests have come to know and love from the bran
Luke James, General Manager, Hyde Hotel Dubai said, “We are thrilled to welcome guests through the doors of Katsuya once again in the Middle East and deliver the sleek and laidback concept to both a returning and brand-new audience. Katsuya has historically changed the face of Japanese cuisine globally for nearly a decade and we look forward to continuing this legacy. Our clientele can expect a modernised look and feel at Katsuya Dubai but with the same traditional Japanese cooking techniques and flavours. We are confident the venue will be an unrivalled dining destination in the bustling city of Dubai.”
The Katsuya brand was conceptualised over 15 years ago by Los Angeles’ renowned Master Sushi Chef, Katsuya Uechi, one of only a handful of Master Sushi Chefs in Los Angeles. Chef Katsuya honed his skills in the kitchens of Okinawa Island, Japan after which he moved to the United States and opened the doors to his first eponymous restaurant, Katsuya Brentwood in 2006 following quickly by locations in Hollywood, Glendale, Los Angeles, Miami, and Las Vegas. Most recently, a flagship of Katsuya has opened its doors in New York City, for the first time, a milestone in the brand’s impressive history.
Over the years, Katsuya has garnered a reputation as the place for celebrities to see and be seen across the most recognisable US cities, including Jay Z, Kim Kardashian, and Brad Pitt. The success is all thanks to its ability to merge traditional Japanese cuisine with modern techniques and flavours delivering an innovative experience for every diner. The brand found its way to the Middle East almost a decade ago with much anticipation and is continuing the legacy in the region with the reintroduction of Katsuya in Dubai.
With Chef Pavel Nigai at the helm, Katsuya Dubai’s menu pays homage to past and present Katsuya restaurants with a variety of Japanese favourites such as unique rolls, speciality sushi and sashimi platters, perfectly steamed dumplings and robata grilled meats. Signature dishes include the Katsuya Roll, a mix of scallop, snow crab, yellowtail, tuna, salmon and avocado, wrapped in soy paper, sushi rice and cucumber served with a side of wasabi ponzu, the buttery Miso Black Cod, marinated in rich miso sauce for 48 hours and served on a dried magnolia leaf and the Premium A4 Japanese Wagyu Beef, which is grilled medium rare and served with fresh wasabi root and Japanese chimichurri. The perfect side dish comes in the form of Crispy Brussel Sprouts which are drizzled with a sticky balsamic tsume and topped with toasted almonds, scallions, and bonito flakes. Impressive dessert platters feature decadent creations that will ensure every meal ends on the sweetest note.
Pavel Nigai, Head Chef, Katsuya Dubai said, “The team have been working hard since day one to organise a fully co-ordinated team who are well-trained and equipped to deliver unforgettable dining experiences to all guests. We pride ourselves on using the best quality Japanese ingredients and serving our guests with energy and vigour. You will feel at home once you walk through our doors and are welcomed enthusiastically with the Japanese greeting, Irasshaimase!”
Old favourites from the Katsuya menu have made a welcome return including the Chicken Kara’age, which features a yuzu aioli, sweet ponzu, cucumber sumonomo and shichimi pepper. Another classic dish for Hamchi-lovers is the Double Double; a rolled spicy yellowtail and cucumber topped with sliced yellowtail, serrano chili and onion ponzu. The famous Mushroom Bop, a sizzling Japanese hot stone risotto bowl with assorted mushrooms, truffle and aged parmesan, will also be available to savour once again with the option to add extras such as Japanese mushroom, braised short rib and miso cod.
Guests can enjoy an extensive drinks menu of signature cocktails and mocktails, sake and premium house grapes and beverages. Katsuya’s talented team of mixologists will be shaking up something special with bespoke beverages which are perfectly paired with the food menu, curated by combining traditional Japanese ingredients like Soju orange, togarashi and matcha with hints of chamomile, passion fruit, coconut and pineapple.
Diners looking for an exclusive and artistic dining experience, can turn to the highly sought-after 12-seat Omakase Bar. The bar is set against a vibrant artwork that transports diners to Tokyo through the brush strokes of traditional Nihonga artistic depictions. Named after the Japanese term for “leave it to the chef”, Omakase is a progressive tasting menu of bite-sized dishes with bold umami flavours. Starting at AED 550 per head, the Omakase Premium consists of six to seven courses and requires advance booking to secure the limited seating. Each dining experience is fully customisable according to the guest’s dietary preferences but will ultimately be a culinary surprise for guests to uncover.
South African designer, Tristan Plessis is behind the look and feel of Katsuya. The sleek and sophisticated interiors lend itself to Katsuya’s longstanding reputation for impeccable service and a stylish yet laidback ambiance. Located on the 4th floor, guests can prepare to step into a relaxed, yet modern space accented with red, pink, and earthy hues and complemented with traditional Japanese geisha artwork. The chic design spills out onto the spacious terrace which offers unspoiled and breath-taking views of the Dubai Canal and the iconic Burj Khalifa.
Katsuya is a brand from Disruptive Restaurant Group that is licensed to Ennismore.