Latest news with #UmiKei
Khaleej Times
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
Dubai: Japanese eatery Umi Kei is a tribute to tradition
It's official: I have found the chicest restaurant in Dubai. Umi Kei engulfed me in an instant sense of muted harmony, with soft lighting encased in gentle cedar and bamboo panels. The venue is centred on the overtly traditional sushi bar, complete with a display of the freshest and highest-grade fish Dubai has to offer, and surrounded by high chairs for those who wish to enjoy a more casual dining experience. We sat adjacent to the sushi bar and robata grill, ensuring we kept our eyes on all the action. As we discovered upon exploring the menu, Umi Kei is part of 'The Fore' — a network of four restaurants within the heart of Marsa Al Arab. This allowed us to order a delightful beverage from a neighbouring restaurant while pouring over the dishes available within Umi Kei. Our smart and passionate waitress talked us through the menu and the concept, and then took us through the daily 'fish market'. This was presented in a handai (traditional Japanese wooden bowl) and showcased a host of rare and delicious sea-born delights, including caviar, a whole squid, and lobster tails, among others. We proceeded to choose the lobster tail to be cooked on the robata grill for later in the meal. To start, we indulged in the fresh hamachi carpaccio, served atop a spicy, citrusy, buttery cream sauce and topped with a vast amount of finely chopped chives. Both simple and flavourful, this was an elegant start to an elegant meal. We also enjoyed the tempura shishito peppers, topped with a perfectly light shiso leaf. The fresh raw fish against the lightly battered peppers bounced off one another in a playful dance of flavours. From the dishes that followed, some of our favourites included the A5 wagyu, cooked to a perfect rare temperature on the fiery grill and served with togarashi seasoning. In true surf-and-turf fashion, this was served at the same time as the Hokkaido scallops. These were true stars — sat in a zesty cream and topped with chive oil and salmon roe, they embodied everything one would look for in such a dish: salty, sweet, and acidic. Following our main courses, the desserts continued to uphold the same level of flavour and impressiveness. The matcha cheesecake was rich and creamy, with gentle notes of high-grade matcha and not a hint of bitterness in sight. Overall, this restaurant offers diners a true sense of zen and can only be described as a minimalist haven that whispers tradition in every dish. Hero dish: The Hokkaido scallops were the perfect indulgence – 9/10 Senses: The low-lit, effortlessly refined venue stirred happiness and pleasure in all — 8/10 Menu curation: As serene and precision-led as every other aspect of the venue — 8/10 Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, Dubai, 800 323232
UAE Moments
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- UAE Moments
JUMEIRAH MARSA AL ARAB LAUNCHES
2025, 30 June, Dubai - Standing along the sun-drenched shores of the Arabian Gulf, Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, Dubai's new lifestyle destination, is inviting guests to experience new seasonal offerings at some of their unique dining locations this summer starting 1 st July. With special introductory rates available for a limited time, this is the perfect opportunity to explore the resort's world-class culinary offerings in an exceptional setting. From Iliana's Lunch menu, served in the restaurant's leisurely Greek Islands-inspired setting with stunning sea views, to Rialto's refined Italian Pranzo O'clock lunch, and Late Ramen Nights at Umi Kei, the resort caters to all culinary cravings. Iliana – Greek Elegance by the Sea For long afternoon lunches, escape to Iliana, led by Head Chef Andreas Gkipalis, offering stunning views of Jumeirah Burj Al Arab. The restaurant features light interiors, tactile textures, and a colour palette and menu inspired by Greek simplicity, precision, and passion, creating a relaxed seaside dining atmosphere. Diners start their meal with vibrant starters such as traditional homemade spreads and dips, light salads made with the freshest produce, and delightful mezzes, along with grilled octopus. Main courses are elevated with fresh seafood and grilled meats, ranging from fish fillet and tender lamb chops to classic moussaka, all prepared with care and finesse. Dishes are complemented by Greek-inspired infusions and cocktails, including Iliana's exclusive selection of Tsipouro, a Greek spirit distilled from grape pomace—the largest collection in the UAE. Guests can indulge in sweet Mediterranean delights to finish on a high note, enjoying signature desserts like traditional orange pie or velvety Greek yoghurt ice cream. Price: From AED 195 per person | Time: 12:00 – 17:00 | Available Monday through Friday Rialto – Pranzo O'clock Tucked inside the resort, Rialto is where Venetian-inspired design and North Italian flavours blend in a sleek and old-glamour setting, an ode to Italy's timeless Golden Age. Led by the resort's executive Chef Roberto Rispoli, the summer season brings a delightful menu encompassing everything from fresh seasonal salads, signature pastas made tableside and premium meats and seafood selection. from AED 140, diners can choose from a curated set menu, starting with light yet satisfying choices including the Pear Salad prepared with blue cheese and walnuts, to Yellowtail Crudo and Burrata. To follow, a selection of Primi dishes set the stage, including fresh Gnocchi Cacio e Pepe, as well as Trofie Al Pesto prepared theatrically tableside, and Scaloppine al Limone, tender veal steeped in a light and tangy lemon sauce. A lunch at Rialto isn't complete without a taste of Italy's sweetest sensations. Here, the delicious Dolci specials include the fan-favourite Tiramisu, which is scooped out and plated onto guests' plates alongside a selection of refreshing yet authentic homemade Italian gelato flavours. Whether it's a quick lunch or a midday indulgence, Rialto, adorned with rich marble floors and plush velvet fabrics, promises Italian flair in a luxury beachfront destination. Price: From AED 140 for a choice of Antipasti and Primi and AED 165 for a choice of Antipasti, Primi and Dolci | Time: 12:30 – 15:30 | Available Monday through Thursday Umi Kei – Late Night Ramen Club Umi Kei brings a fresh perspective to the Izakaya experience, combining refined Japanese classics with a modern approach. This summer, the restaurant launches its Late-Night Ramen Club – a menu dedicated to bold, comforting ramen dishes designed to satisfy even the latest of cravings. Made entirely with natural ingredients and guided by a zero-waste philosophy, each bowl reflects Chef Yukou Nishimura's deep respect for tradition, with a broth that's pure and full of depth. Inspired by the Japanese art of kintsugi—repairing broken objects with gold—Umi Kei celebrates traditional craftsmanship through a contemporary lens, set within the striking surrounds of Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab. The ramen menu includes inventive takes on classics, such as Chicken Ramen, Clam and Lemon Ramen, Wagyu Beef Ramen, and Chilled Spicy Ramen, all prepared with rich, nourishing ingredients. Beyond ramen, guests can explore Umi Kei's wider à la carte offering, led by Chef Yukou, whose Michelin background shapes every detail. From his signature omakase to the open robatayaki grill, each dish reflects the precision and artistry of Japanese culinary.
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The Citizen
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Thuli Phongolo lives it up in Dubai [PICS]
Thuli fully immersed herself in the luxury and glamour of Dubai. Actress and DJ Thuli Phongolo is living her best life in Dubai, treating herself to some much-needed rest and relaxation. The Generations: The Legacy star, who recently made her return to the popular soapie, has shared snippets of her holiday on social media, giving fans a sneak peek into her lavish getaway. From soaking up the sun by the poolside to dining at some of the city's top restaurants, she fully immersed herself in the luxury and glamour of Dubai ALSO READ: A holiday to remember at Sun City Thuli Phongolo: 'What a dreamy, yummy experience' Thuli said one of the standout moments from her trip was a dinner experience at the upscale Japanese restaurant, Umi Kei. She mentioned enjoying a surprise menu curated by the chef. 'Highly recommend — what a dreamy, yummy… funny experience we had,' she added. Thuli Phongolo in Dubai. Pictures: IG Stories/@thuliphongolo She also dined at The Theatre, Dubai's top luxury dinner show, which combines fine dining with live performances. Dressed in a striking pink gown by Style Connection SA, she captioned the snaps: 'Invite me to dinner, Frank…' Thuli also shared poolside pictures in a two-piece swimsuit, soaking up the sun. She did not reveal who she is travelling with, but in one cryptic post on her IG stories, she wrote: 'You don't owe anyone your whole life. People can speculate, but you own the truth. Every time you show up with your light — even if it's quite messy or imperfect — you win.' NOW READ: New film unveils the world of John Lennon and Yoko Ono
