Itadaku

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

To walk into Itadaku is to step from the bustle of Jumeirah’s Wasl Vitl Mall into Japanese zen. The interior of this intimate space is as if you’re dining in Tokyo or Kyoto, all natural materials, folding screens, lo-fi furniture and wall calligraphy. Everything you see has, in fact, been brought over from Japan. Overseeing the kitchen is Masaru Sakagami who fully respects the culinary traditions of his home country – ‘itadaku’ is short for the word ‘itadakimasu’ which means ‘gratitude for receiving’. Japanese ingredients are treated reverentially. The counter is the hot ticket, where you can watch in awe as the chefs cut raw fish with their glinting knives. Order the full omakase menu for dish after dish of freshly prepared bite-size morsels; or go freestyle with ample a la carte choices from the charcoal grill, as well as nigiri sushi, sashimi, tempura and a speciality, the grilled eel rice box. There’s even a yoshoku section with Western food given an Asian spin, the likes of wagyu burgers and an intriguing take on mac ‘n’ cheese.

Key Information

• Average price per person $62
• Tasting menu from $184
• Lunch and dinner: Tues – Sun
• 971 4 223 6122
• Visit Itadaku's Website

Location

Wasl Vitl Mall, Al Wasl Road - Jumeirah 1, Dubai,