Take your taste buds on a trip to South America at La Mar, where renowned chef Gastón Acurio brings his signature Peruvian cuisine to Dubai's sunny shores
Boasting 17 restaurants, including eight helmed by celebrity chefs, the newly opened Atlantis The Royal, on the shores of Palm Jumeirah, is a dining destination in its own right. Only a few months since the hotel's official opening, its venues have made a mark on Dubai's culinary landscape. One, in particular, we're loving at the moment is La Mar, the Peruvian hotspot brought to the city by renowned chef Gastón Acurio.
An extensive menu of South American delights welcomes diners to this new hotspot in Dubai. Curated by acclaimed chef Acurio himself – who is credited with elevating Peruvian cuisine to new heights internationally – the dishes honour the time-tested culinary traditions of South America, which are influenced by the variety of ethnic backgrounds found throughout Peru. And, of course, each creation features a true Dubai touch.
In the capable hands of Chef De Cuisine César Alonso Bellido, diners embark on a journey to Peru and back in one sitting at La Mar. Expect the likes of traditional ceviches, grilled meats, charcoal-braised seafood and more, all prepared using recipes handed down through generations.
Chef Bellido says: “The team and I at La Mar are proud and excited to showcase the diverse flavours of Peruvian gastronomy to our guests. Through our signature dishes like La Mar’s iconic cebiches, freshly grilled anticuchos, speciality dishes and cocktails, diners are invited to sit back and enjoy an authentic Peruvian journey.”
The setting
The venue features a luxe theme, with dark stone, wooden touches and dangling lights creating a sleek setting. One of the first things that will catch your attention – like it did us – is the seafood bar, which boasts a dedicated cebiche station and the fresh catch of the day.
During the cooler months, the outdoor deck is the place to be and is the ideal vantage point to catch the region's first fire-meets-water show taking place at the Skyblaze Fountain on the hotel's grounds.
On the menu
For those delving into Peruvian cuisine for the first time, whittling down your options from the extensive menu might not come easy, but your server will be more than happy to take you through a brief history of Peruvian gastronomy, while highlighting the ingredients that make every dish special as well as signature must-try items.
The cebiche selection is the place to start, and the venue also has a tasting platter for a sample of everything on offer. Fans of the Nikkei concept (Peruvian meets Japanese), will find that the tiraditos and nigiri also work as great appetisers.
Mains will have you diving right into a selection of anticuchos, featuring succulent meats grilled to perfection with the venue's signature blend of spices and sauces. The meats pair perfectly with the arroz con mariscos, a traditional rich dish featuring seafood (think scallops, squid, octopus and shrimp).
Complementing the meal is a vast array of speciality cocktails and, if you're anything like us, a crisp glass of Pisco Sour is just what you need to elevate your experience. And, if you're after that perfect Insta shot, the pineapple punch, with its creative apparatus is just the order!
Finally, if you have any room left, the El Choclo, which is creatively prepared to resemble corn, is no different from art on a platter. We couldn't think of a sweeter end to a memorable meal. We can't wait to be back!
For reservations or more information, click here.