_Nobu Dubai | Leading culinary destination

Part of Nobu’s success at Atlantis, The Palm has been aided by embracing Middle Eastern tradition, a fact founder Matsuhisa is quick to recognise. “Nobu Dubai was the first restaurant we opened in the Middle East and that brought new practices and customs,” he says.

“We’ve adopted Friday brunch service, which makes Nobu Dubai unique from all our other restaurant locations, where Sunday brunch is common. The majority of our menu is standardised worldwide, but Dubai’s religious and cultural customs had a big part in guiding how the menu was adapted. It was a wonderful lesson in learning about a new culture.”

“There is no set standard in the decision that leads to where we open a Nobu,” Matsuhisa continues. “More than anything, by opening in a particular city, we hope to bring the Nobu vision and philosophy into the local economy. We look to be inspired by the local ingredients, people and culture and allow these aspects to help us grow in our new environment.

”In years gone by, however, Dubai’s reputation as a leading culinary destination was yet to be established. “I have seen a great change in Dubai since the time that we opened,” Matsuhisa agrees.

“More prominent chefs have entered the scene and opened restaurants in many of Dubai’s hotels.” So what is the reason behind this surge? “The people of Dubai are more interested in different styles of cuisine,” says Matsuhisa. “Dubai definitely has a distinct food culture, which is different from other cities.”