Sponsored: Akira Back Dubai at W Dubai – The Palm has long been a favourite of team FACT when it comes to chic Japanese eats.
We’re not sure if it’s the tasty Japanese delicacies, the skyline views or the seductive atmosphere that captivates us more each time we pass through the vortex-like entryway illuminated in neon lighting.
Akira Back Dubai’s interiors ooze a sultry charm, offering pockets of darkness and intimate table configurations accentuated by sleek metalwork and subdued lighting. While we’ve visited the restaurant countless times since it opened, we’re always excited to dine at the chic Palm Jumeirah hotspot.
The reason for our most recent visit is the restaurants new Monday night promotion, ‘Ni-Ni-Ni’, which allows diners to select two dishes and two alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages and receive two Chef’s choice items for a very reasonable AED 222 per person.
Available every Monday this summer until 30 August 30, ‘Ni-Ni-Ni’, which means ‘two two two’ in Japanese, is the epitome of acclaimed chef Akira Back’s blend of upmarket Japanese cuisine with a distinct Korean twist.
The ‘Ni-Ni-Ni’menu features many of the restaurants signature dishes, including the Tuna Pizza, which offers a crisp base covered in thin slices of tuna that camouflage the umami aioli and white truffle oil that are secretively hidden beneath. It’s revelatory stuff and a textural delight.
Elsewhere on the menu, you can discover salads, sushi, and hot and cold dishes, including the Pop Rockin’, which features spicy crab and asparagus in an undeniably tasty maki roll that provides a hit childhood nostalgia from the unexpected inclusion of popping candy.
With so many appealing dishes on offer, it’s tricky to choose just two. Still, we’d highly recommend the Brussel Sprouts, which accentuate the humble green vegetable with a Kimchi glaze and puffed rice for additional texture. Elsewhere the Wagyu Fried Rice is both moreish and hearty, while the Salmon Tataki presents thin slices of salmon with a marinade of mustard su-miso and pickled wasabi. The signature AB Tacos also delight with a crisp taco shell generously stuffed with Wagyu Bulgogi, roasted tomato ponzu and topped with a slice of fiery jalapeño.
During the evening we visit, the chefs choice items include a rich and homely miso soup and a Yuzu Citrus dessert that presents a beautifully plated combination of strawberry gelato, sable crumble and small peaks of meringue.
The ‘Ni-Ni-Ni’ beverage offering includes a choice of grapes, hops and cocktails that include the Shiso – a refreshing drink created with juniper, sake and fragrant Kaffir lime.
The limited-time Monday night promotion offers an exciting introduction to Akira Back Dubai’s alluring cuisine. It will likely encourage diners to return for the full a la carte service or newly launched brunch collaboration with Candypants. With an eclectic mixology selection, energetic staff, exciting cuisine from chef Giovanni Ledon and an incredible vantage point overlooking Palm Jumeirah. Akira Back lives up to its reputation for adrenaline-fueled Japanese cuisine.
‘Ni-Ni-Ni’ is available at Akira Back, W Dubai – The Palm on Monday nights from 7p to 11:30pm (two hours per table). AED 222 per person (choice of two dishes, two beverages and two Chef’s choice items)
GO: Call (0)4 245 5800 for reservations and more information.
