After the launch of Ají restaurant which serves up Nikkei-style dining, us Dubai folks have an extra reason to love this glamorous city. Because the city’s chic food scene now has a trend-setting jewel to its crown.

If the news gets you excited, then you can find Ají restaurant in the brand new beachside Club Vista Mare, one of Dubai’s most prestigious postcodes. To say the least, this new opening is bound to take Nikkei-style dining to the next level of luxury.

And to give you a sneak peek of what to expect, the interiors are lavish with an amber-lit terrace, sake-shaken cocktails and eclectic rhythms, with sweeping vistas of the shoreline included. Sounds like a reverie from a movie, doesn’t it?

Nikkei-style Dining

If you are feeling a bit lost about all this talk of Nikkei-style dining, then I’m about to fill you in. The Nikkei is one of the most popular tastes of 21st-century gastronomy and is a cross-pollination between Peruvian and Japanese cuisines. Also, it transforms local Peruvian dishes using Japanese flavors and techniques, resulting in its own personality and identity.

And there’s no better chef to head this dinnery than Peruvian-raised Head Chef Erick F H Oshiro. He is a second generation Nikkei creation himself and has been a pioneer of the concept for more than 12 years. So you better start your reservations because the place will be overflowing sooner or later.

Ají Restaurant Signature Dishes

Ají Restaurant has a couple of signature dishes. These include Ají Tiradito Especial and Ají Cebiche, which will be created at the live sushi, ceviche, and tiradito counter. Then there is the Beef Ishiyaki served raw with a hot stone for maximum table theatre. Angus Short Ribs, on the other hand, are slow-braised with Tonkatsu, star anise, and membrillo for 24 hours, and will surely satisfy even the most discerning meat-lover.

Other standout dishes at Ají Restaurant include Lomo Saltado Gyoza (Beef Sirloin with Ají Amarillo and caramelized onions), Soft Shell Crab Causa with Escabechado sauce, coriander and Botija olives; and Aji Anticucho Tradicional (Beef skewers with Anticuchera sauce and Shansho butter).

All these flavor combinations within the Nikkei-style dining Ají Restaurant bring together the best of the graceful and delicate cuisine of Japan with the freshness and spicy punch of Peru. Expect your taste buds to get a rejuvenating pulsation, with the unique marrying of ingredients, combinations, textures, and cooking techniques.

At the bar, you will have a choice of a carefully selected collection of sakes. On the other hand, you could just embrace the Nikkei blend further in cocktails with a serious twist. The star cocktails are Piña Ramen, Matcha Ceremony and Kakigori.

Decadent Interiors

At Ají restaurant, vibrant interiors celebrate the incredible energy of the two cultures intertwined in an opulent beachside setting. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the dining room with light – where Peruvian prints clash stylishly with oriental-style bird cages and bright flashes of green leather. The dramatic flair is enhanced with a private dining space housed in a circular glass-paneled dome while the mirrored live sushi counter adds to an interactive dining experience.

Outside, Ají’s ample terrace leading down to the sand is sure to be the scene for the weekend brunch set. When the sun goes down, amber lighting and a steady beat of the resident DJ is all the terrace needs. And the low lounge seating overlooking Palm Jumeirah’s stunning shoreline will do the rest.

From beach hair, don’t care, to high-heeled decadence, Ají’s slickly-designed bar space is the place to be for a Nikkei-shaken cocktail. Space is designed to make a style statement. The oversized contemporary chandeliers contrast with black Inca-style stencils and Peruvian street art. Curved red leather booths are perfect for privacy, while silver metallic bar stools make an ideal spot for those that want to flaunt their presence at Dubai’s newest sundown destination.

If you are thinking about heading over there for dinner and drinks, then Ají is located at Club Vista Mare on the Palm Jumeirah in Dubai. I’m you knew that already, but it feels nice to give a precise location.