My original plans for the past weekend did not involve a big brunch, but Friday came and went with a relatively average outing to the rebranded Loft at the Opera.\u00a0 One thing led to another, and it was a later day than initially intended.\u00a0 On Saturday, I managed to pull together a somewhat productive day (Dubai Eye, meal prep, sort of packing for my trip to the States) before meeting a friend for dinner at the newly opened Akira Back<\/a><\/strong>, located at the W the Palm, a meal I was optimistic about. Having been on a string of nice, but mostly basic meals recently, I was more than ready to be impressed by a new outlet.\u00a0 On arrival, the neon blue doorway is instantly Instagrammable, and a statement piece.\u00a0 The interior is similarly suitable for the W, all dark tones, and a slightly modern Art Deco vibe, with views overlooking the property.\u00a0 There are also two private dining rooms, should you be interested.<\/p>\n

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We’re greeted by friendly GM Antonios, who walks us through the menu, which is broken down into hot and cold starters, robata offerings, sushi rolls, among other standards, along with larger main portions.\u00a0 After discussing our allergies (or lack thereof), we agreed that the kitchen would\u00a0send out whatever they wanted.\u00a0 To begin, we were sent\u00a0one of the signature starters, Tuna Pizza, AED110<\/em>, which was a bit too truffle oil forward for me.\u00a0 It finished okay, but I don’t think I would order it again.\u00a0 Fortunately, we were immediately won back by the Yellowtail Jalapeno, AED120<\/em>.\u00a0 With a bit of heat, and wonderfully fresh taste, it is definitely a dish I would order again.\u00a0 Reminiscent of a dish from Toro+Ko<\/a>, the\u00a0Truffle Bomb, AED155<\/i> (for three pieces), was another luxurious dish.\u00a0 I was glad the uni wasn’t too overpowering, and unlike the pizza dish, actually wished for a bit more truffle flavor.\u00a0 Of these three dishes, the Yellowtail was far and away my favorite.<\/p>\n

Following\u00a0these small plates, my dining partner was delighted to see Gambero Prawns, AED260 (3 prawns).<\/em>\u00a0 After living in Spain, not only did she know what this dish is supposed to taste like, but can also make a fair plate herself.\u00a0 The prawns were sweet with a bit of spice, but I’ll again note the price point seems a touch high to me.\u00a0 My favorite dish of the night (and one of the best of the month) were the Scallops in the Half Shell, AED130<\/em>.\u00a0 Creamy, meaty, and slightly spicy, this preparation of scallops is one of the best I’ve had in ages.\u00a0 Although the price point is a bit high for the serving size, it was still absolutely delicious, and I would happily order the dish again.<\/p>\n

For sushi, we tried two rolls – one the signature ‘pop rocks’ the Pop Rockin’ roll, AED70<\/em>, and the Perfect Storm, AED90.\u00a0\u00a0<\/em>The pop rocks didn’t do much for me, mainly because they lacked some texture.\u00a0 As fun as pop rocks are, I wouldn’t order the roll again.\u00a0 Fortunately, the Perfect Storm offered quite a bit that I loved – shrimp tempura and chipotle mayo among the best.<\/p>\n

For our main course, we split the utterly delectable Kiwami Ribeye 9+, AED450<\/em>, served with wasabi butter.\u00a0 Is the price a bit high for me?\u00a0 Yes.\u00a0 Was there enough wasabi in the wasabi butter?\u00a0 Not enough to really be tasted. The steak arrived with Brussel sprouts, AED50, <\/i>which my dining partner almost singlehandedly finished off, quite lovely with a caramelized\u00a0finish and rice puffs for texture (not sure if they were needed, but whatever works).<\/p>\n

Desserts were probably the least enjoyable course of the meal.\u00a0 I didn’t love the chocolate\u00a0on the bottom dish, but one of the sorbet dishes was decent enough.\u00a0 Really, in this instance, I would say – go bigger on the appetizers (and cocktails), and don’t worry about sweets.<\/p>\n

Would I go back to Akira Back?\u00a0 Yes.\u00a0 On this side of town, for me, this restaurant rates better than both\u00a0Matagi<\/a> and Ramusake<\/a>.\u00a0 I’m not entirely sure it matches Zuma<\/a> for vibes yet, but Akira Back might be the one to get there.<\/p>\n

Who is Akira Back best for?\u00a0 A night without the kids.\u00a0 Girls night.\u00a0 Fans of something new.<\/p>\n

What’s your favorite restaurant on the Palm?<\/strong><\/p>\n

A to Za’atar was a guest of Akira Back.\u00a0 Opinions are my own, just ask my husband.<\/em><\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

My original plans for the past weekend did not involve a big brunch, but Friday came and went with a relatively average outing to the rebranded Loft at the Opera.\u00a0 One thing led to another, and it was a later day than initially intended.\u00a0 On Saturday, I managed to pull together a somewhat productive day (Dubai Eye, meal prep, sort of packing for my trip to the States) before meeting a friend for dinner at the newly opened Akira Back, located at the W the Palm, a meal I was optimistic about. Having been on a string of nice, but mostly basic meals recently, I was more than ready to be impressed by a new outlet.\u00a0 On arrival, the neon blue doorway is instantly Instagrammable, and a statement piece.\u00a0 The interior is similarly suitable for the W, all dark tones, and a slightly modern Art Deco vibe, with views overlooking…<\/p>\n

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