Brunch review: Ronin in Dubai

Time Out Dubai

25-04-2025

The gong rings and, at Ronin, that means it's time for brunch.
Welcomed in with the traditional Japanese chimes, authentic flavours and service are waiting.
Located on the ninth floor of the swish FIVE LUXE hotel, picking your seat at the Japanese restaurant is tough. Choose between cool darkened tables inspired by traditional pagodas indoors or out on the terrace with glittering JBR views. They're both lush, so you really can't go wrong.
This isn't one of those spots where you'll find parading dancers, drummers or serenading singers. At Ronin, the brunch entertainment is in the dishes themselves.
Each course (or dish) comes with its own flair. Pick a piece of spicy tuna out from the smoking raw sushi platter, or watch your chicken yakitori skewer finish grilling on the burning hot kushiyaki station.
(Credit: Ronin)
Even plates that don't come with their own fanfare are set to impress. The simple wok-charred edamame packs a punch, and the miniature wagyu sliders feature a perfect sunny-side-up egg so tiny you won't be able to resist taking a snap of it.
There will always be multiple plates in front of you (yes, a good problem to have), which means the smaller portioned mains do just the trick.
Giving you the choice of four dishes, the barbecue yuzu black cod is the star of the day, sitting on a creamy miso sauce that'll have you scooping up every last drop. The grilled wagyu tenderloin is cooked to perfection and comes in at a close second. Priced from Dhs395 for the experience, you'll be more than satisfied with the range of plates on offer (there are almost too many to eat your way through), while service is swift and you'll never catch an empty glass.
(Credit: Ronin)
This may not be a get-up-and-dance brunch, the kind Dubai is known for, but is a sophisticated affair where you'll sip on an Asian-inspired mixed drink or crisp, cold glass of grape while diving into an explosion of flavours. The background music, while upbeat, is soft, so it's a perfect place for a cool catch up with your mates while soaking up the views.
Good food, good company and good vibes… it's a recipe that Ronin has down to a tee.
For those who want to carry on the party, you'll be guided to glide over to the neighbouring mixed drink bar Paradiso for sundowners overlooking Ain Dubai.
The gong won't sound again to finish the afternoon, but with a satisfied stomach, you'll know it's the sign of a feast to remember.
Dhs395 (soft drinks), Dhs495 (house beverages).