Hanami brings the magic of Tokyo’s bustling streets to the emirate and awakens your senses with contemporary street-food, captivating concoctions, panoramic views and more
It’s happening! Dubai’s restaurant scene is finally springing back to life. Following a long period of staying indoors, ordering in and binge-watching our favourite shows, venues across the emirate are now opening up, with all the safety norms in place, to bring back those memorable (and safe) dining experiences we’ve been craving for months. And if amidst the news of several reopenings, you missed the launch of this brand new Japanese venue on Palm Jumeirah, it’s time we remedy that!
Perched atop the 15th floor of Andaz Dubai The Palm, Hanami is the latest addition to the emirate’s Japanese dining scene. This cosy restaurant and bar promises to ignite your appetite with delicious sharing-style street-food dishes, sure to transport you to Tokyo’s bustling alleys. Complemented by an inspired beverage selection, dining at Hanami is sure to be a real treat.
This exciting venue boasts an expansive space at Andaz Dubai The Palm with intimate indoor seating and large outdoor spaces, perfect for the cooler months. And it’s complete with 360-degree skyline views of Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah. If you visit just before sunset, you can also see the fronds of Palm Jumeirah emerging from the Arabian Gulf.
At the helm is Chef Yutaka, who has called upon his Japanese heritage to carefully design a menu that epitomises Tokyo’s culture of social dining, with a delicious array of sharing dishes on offer. From starters (including the chef’s signature takoyaki), nori tacos and tempura to sushi moriawase platters, maki rolls, charcoal grill-skewers and much more – Hanami’s menu is stacked with Japan’s best-kept culinary secrets, reimagined.
The extensive selection will leave you spoilt for choice, but if you leave it up to the staff, rest assured all their recommendations will be a hit. Just like it was with us, during our last visit. Signatures that we simply loved and can’t wait to be back for include the deep-fried chicken sandwich with kabayaki sauce, octopus balls served with a sweet and sour sauce, the irresistible sake avocado maki and the avocado tempura.
When it comes to acquiring the perfect pairing, the beverage menu features an extensive assortment of barrel-aged and signature cocktails, premium sake, sake infusions, grape, hops, spirits, and more. And as Hanami boasts just the right setting, you’ll be tempted to linger longer with a drink or two!