The venue Sitting at the far end of The Walk in Dubai Marina, the entrance to Ramusake Dubai is almost hidden in the car park level of the DoubleTree by Hilton. Originally a London-owned restaurant, the Ramusake brand has been transported to Dubai. And once you step through the metallic fringe curtains into the low-lit Sake Bar & Lounge, it really feels like a secret uncovered. From the bar lounge, the main dining area opens up to an extensive beachside terrace with a unique view of the still-under-construction Dubai Eye Ferris Wheel.

The design Ramusake takes its design inspiration from Tokyo in the 1920s. From banquette seating surrounded by elaborately painted wall murals of Japanese fishermen and their sea conquests to the ceiling adorned with oversized wooden abacus juxtaposed with neon lights, the vintage ambience is nostalgia mixed with a funky vibe. Shipping crate box tops hang from the ceiling in the lounge over charred timber tables and paper lanterns with Japanese characters float with warm light creating an intimate, cosy setting with an edge.

The experience The place is abuzz. From the lounge to the dining room to the patio. The distinctly Japanese izakaya-style dining concept is very social - and not just the sharing plates but the close tables and open-plan dining, as well as the theatrical robata counter where the chefs showcase their culinary talents. The menu features traditional Japanese cuisine with some contemporary twists. Prawn and shitake gyoza is deliciously served in a lime and dashi broth, while the cheese and truffle gyoza is an unexpected combination. A tasty twist on sashimi is the tuna sashimi pizza served with truffle cream cheese and wasabi tobiko. For the main event, it must be something from the robata - wagyu, fish and poultry are on offer. Grilled Miso Black Cod with hijiki and apple salad is a great pick, accompanied by the signature Kinoko rice with mushroom dashi, basil miso butter and ginger. For dessert, try the authentic green tea Uji parfait matcha with matcha ice cream. Of course, you can’t go wrong with the Kinako doughnuts with jam and Chantilly cream.