Benkay
Address: Hotel JAL Tower, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai
Tel: 04 308 0000
Web: www.jaltowerdubai.com
Dress code: Smart casual
Times: 12pm to 12am Sunday to Saturday
Price Range: $$$
Japanese die-hards bemoaning the rash of contemporary fusion joints will rejoice that newcomer Benkay has entered the fray. Purists can rest assured that this 49-51st floor, three-storey venue is as authentic as they are going to get outside Shibuya - with a whole floor dedicated to sushi, another bursting with tappanyaki aromas and a third for those super-private dining rooms. The decor reflects the minimalist Japanese aesthetic; don’t expect glitzy Dubai-style touches that abound in other eateries in the city - the emphasis is definitely on the food. The teppanyaki chefs entertain with their trademark theatrics, plating up freshly cooked meat, vegetables and rice; this is a show kitchen in every sense of the word, so it’s worth getting a pew alongside the teppanyaki station for the quickest service and ring-side seats for your eats.
FYI: There will soon be 24 JAL hotels in total spanning the world from Bali to San Francisco.
Signature Dishes: Sushi platter with Japanese BouillabaisseWagyu beef tenderloin and fois gras, tempura with Chawanmushi savory egg custard.
