The new restaurant at Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab has been pulling crowds since day one.
Dubai has a stellar dining scene, with some of the finest restaurants gracing the city. But there’s a new kid on the block that’s rapidly becoming the dining destination of choice: Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab. With 13 concepts under one roof, this upmarket hotel offers a range of cuisine to devour. Valets are working overtime, reservations are hard to get, and among the buzziest of the bunch is Kira.
Kira is an Mediterranean-meets-Japanese dining concept that’s been pulling crowds since day one. Think handmade pastas with umami-rich touches backed by stunning vistas and Insta-worthy decor.
Walking into Kira feels like entering another dimension. You pass through a golden, reflective brass structure that’s more portal than entrance, leading you into a space that screams elegance without trying too hard.
Kira features warm tones and seaside charm. Marble tabletops with intricate borders, plush golden booths, textured shell-inspired walls and woven rattan ceilings make the space come together. Sea life elements such as coral reef motifs, starfish ceramics, and shell lamps occupy the restaurant, making it feel grounded in nature. The restaurant also offers a view of Jumeirah Burj Al Arab and a nightclub called LITT.
Excited to try the food, we kicked things off with the Miso soup, which offered a comforting start. The broth was seasoned sensationally, served warm — without burning the tongue — and the tofu was silky soft.
Next up were the Warm Prawns with Caviar, easily one of the afternoon’s best bites. Perfectly tender and bathed in a zesty lemon-based drizzle, the prawns were bursting with flavour and swam in a desirable dressing that tied everything together.
The Truffle Wagyu Gyoza delivered a tender beef filling subtly infused with truffle making it aromatic without being overpowering. The Crispy California Maki was a pleasant surprise wherein it was light, fresh, and well-balanced. The rice was delicately packed, avoiding the heaviness that often weighs down this kind of roll.
For the mains, the Black Cod Skewers featured a creamy richness and a subtle sweetness, that elevated the natural flavour of the fish. Elsewhere, the Angus Tenderloin arrived perfectly cooked and conveniently pre-sliced into bite-sized pieces. Each bite was juicy and tender, seasoned to allow the quality of the beef to shine despite being doused in miso butter.
The Lamb Chops were an absolute standout. Glazed with a sesame-infused marinade and finished with a bold touch of spice, this dish was richly flavoured and expertly cooked.
Being long-time UAE residents, ordering the Karak Brioche from the menu was a no-brainer. This soft, fluffy brioche was soaked in karak chai and topped with rich Hokkaido milk ice cream — which we’re told is more expensive to import than caviar. Aromatic, nostalgic, and indulgent all at once, this dessert was devoured in minutes and has already established itself as a must-order when dining at Kira.
While the service had a few hiccups — some plates came without attention to pacing, a few condiments missing and the fire alarm going off mid-meal — it was Eid, the place was packed and the staff were doing their best to keep up. For a brand-new restaurant, we’re willing to cut some slack, especially when the food hits the highs that it does.
If you’re heading to Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, Kira brings a funky, fresh fusion of Italian-Japanese cuisine to Dubai’s ever-evolving dining scene. As the night deepens, head over to LITT for glitzy interiors, crafted cocktails and a way to elongate the evening long after dinner has been demolished.
GO: Visit https://kira-restaurant.com for more information.