Zuma

Massively hyped Japanese restaurant at DIFC 63 Reviews

Meal Deal

Business lunch

A choice of two or four courses. Dhs72 (two course), Dhs130 (four course) Timings: Noon-3pm (Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday)

Friday Brunch

The buffet offers authentic Japanese robata, sushi and desserts, and guests can order specialities from the à la carte menu, such as black cod, Korean chilli-marinated lamb chops, jumbo tiger prawn with yuzu pepper and spicy beef tenderloin. Dhs345 (soft drinks), Dhs465 (selected house beverages), Dhs590 (bubbly) Timings: 12.30pm-3pm (Friday)

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From Time Out Dubai Eating Out 2009

At the ultra-hip Zuma, the modernist brass tones, and chilled-out trance all seem stamped with the words, ‘Exclusive: hoi polloi do not enter’.

You would assume the staff would be the pinnacle of snootiness, but they are the warmest, most unpretentious crowd in there; they make you feel like you belong just as much as any of the cool, good-looking lot already filling the 300 seats.

But, while you don’t have to be a weight-conscious waif to dine at Zuma, a small appetite wouldn’t hurt. Aside from the price tag, it is difficult to distinguish between starters and mains.

A Dhs125 order of grilled scallops comes two to a plate, and you’ll want more as they are excellently prepared. An order of grilled rib eye is a heartier rendition, and comes presented impeccably as several perfect cubes stacked in a neat pyramid.

Alongside its contemporary fare, Zuma offers the staples like sushi and tempura and, still, the chefs surprise with the high quality and fine cuts of fish; the nigiri is so tender it evaporates on the tongue.

Finish the meal with a divine green tea flavoured sponge cake with caramelised banana and crushed peanuts. The bill is high, but for fine dining, it isn’t tear inducing.

By Time Out Dubai staff
Time Out Dubai, 22 March 2009

• Previous reviews
  • 22 March,2012- reviewed by Time Out Dubai staff
  • 23 March,2011- reviewed by Time Out Dubai staff
  • 23 March,2011- reviewed by Time Out Dubai staff
  • 24 March,2010- reviewed by Time Out Dubai staff
  • 11 October,2009- reviewed by Daisy Carrington
  • 13 October,2008- reviewed by Daisy Carrington

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Time Out reviews restaurants anonymously and pays for meals. Of course, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or independence of user reviews.

User reviews:

Posted by: Mandy on 17 Mar ' 13 at 19:38

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• Would you go back to this restaurant? No

This was the worst experience I had in Dubai! I went in for dinner and drinks with friends. Before we sat the hostess kept saying she will only seat us if we have dinner. That's why we were there! A second later we were told the kitchen is closing and we have to order RIGHT NOW! Or move to the bar. It was soooo embarrassing the way so many employees kept forcing dinner as soon as we sat. We asked for more time to look at the menu but we were asked to move. NEVER go to this place! VERY BAD service.

Posted by: Mercedesslr on 09 Mar ' 13 at 09:33

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• Best for: Business lunch
• Would you go back to this restaurant? No

What a hypebeast place. It's soooo overpriced and you still leave hungry. Plus they make up there own rules about what it considered acceptable as wearable in there Resturant part. Since when is a polo considered sporty. It will be too soon if I have to go back. It's not worth it at all.

Posted by: Nicola on 24 Oct ' 12 at 15:37

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• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

I booked for a romantic dinner on my wife's birthday and honestly I wish to confirm its glamorous reputation. Impeccable ambiance and service. The food was unbelievably exquisite and the bill doesn't come cheap but for its standard it's also no surprise. It is not an every day place but for important occasions I cannot suggest a better place.

Posted by: Anonymous on 13 Aug ' 12 at 11:08

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• Would you go back to this restaurant? No

The restaurant is average and I would not consider it having a wow factor . Staff were friendly though.

The crockery is a bit off putting and not funky as the plates look like tiles off of the bathroom floor and the chop stick holder looks like a small piece of concrete.

I found it to be a bit pretentious and overrated as the food is not made with fresh ingredients(with the exception of the raw meat) and has loads of sugar in some of the main dishes.

Posted by: John on 14 Apr ' 12 at 03:42

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• Best for: Brunch served
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Edited by TimeOutDubai.com

Went there for my wife's birthday as she likes Japenese food, I don't so there was a limited menu for me ,thankfully I filled up on the starters as the main meal was exactly what it said it was .... balck cod wrapped in a leaf absolutley nothing else on the plate (except a little pot of sauce) what I had was nice, my wife loved it and the staff were excellent but it is over priced. I would go back but not very often

Posted by: johan on 19 Feb ' 12 at 18:19

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• Would you go back to this restaurant? No

I came as a tourist to Dubai and ate out almost every night. The city has much to offer foodies, but this place was full of itself, over priced and an arrogant atmosphere. Once was enough

Posted by: Rahul Pinto on 18 Feb ' 12 at 13:42

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• Best for: Brunch served
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

I went to Zuma for Brunch yesterday and had the most amazing time with my family. I don't usually write reviews but truly, I don't recall receiving the whaow factor anywhere for a long time.The food was heavenly, the service very attentive. My kids spent their entire time playing in the kid room, leaving my wife and myself enjoying a sweet break. What a shame we were sat next to a large group of loud English people who ruined our moment near the end giving a hard time to the lovely staff there when they could not get more drinks...
Anyhow, I definitely will return!

Posted by: Chris Tam on 19 Jan ' 12 at 01:14

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• Best for: Family friendly
• Would you go back to this restaurant? No

Went to the bar for cocktails, the bar tender acted as thougth he was an expert, but the cocktails sucked. I asked him to re mix them and even then they were not up to standard.

Posted by: John on 05 Dec ' 11 at 15:15

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• Best for: Business lunch
• Would you go back to this restaurant? No

I was invited to this Dubai restaurant and could not believe the prices. Our host was very generous, but for those prices I expected great service and great food. The service was hopeless!

Posted by: ali on 15 Nov ' 11 at 20:26

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• Best for: Brunch served
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Been there most of the time, drinks, lunch, dinner & brunch... Zuma never failed me & my frenz.. always on their toes even they are not afraid with new openings around them.. new dishes, special of the day, new cocktail list. keep up the great afford. Zuma best in town!

Posted by: jasmine on 15 Nov ' 11 at 20:21

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• Best for: Family friendly
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

no words to say but outstanding as always.. amazing and they always have something new on the menu & cocktail list!! keep it up...

Posted by: Linda on 15 Nov ' 11 at 18:05

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• Best for: Brunch served
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

LO-LO-LO-LOVE IT!!!!!!!!

Posted by: John Smith on 11 Oct ' 11 at 03:44

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• Would you go back to this restaurant? No

We complained to the management about being over charged and ripped off at this smoky joint.
The response was arrogant and unapologetic. We were told that everyone who goes to Zuma leaves happy and satisfied, clearly the an unhappy customer does not exist.
Avoid this place it's over rated, over priced and the service is extremely poor. If you complain you are told that you are wrong!

Posted by: axle on 30 Sep ' 11 at 17:54

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• Would you go back to this restaurant? No

Service is poor, they con you into over ordering and rob you blind with the bill. I used to love this place, but the magic has gone and the service is 3rd rate. Go elsewhere.

Posted by: foodie on 27 Jul ' 11 at 13:55

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• Would you go back to this restaurant? No

Went there for a weekend lunch. The service was good and the flavours were amazing. However if you're really hungry and do not want to spend a bomb for morsels of food, i do not recommend it. I also felt the main course options are much better than the entre's

Definitely worth a one time experience or for special occasions,

Posted by: William Markinson on 07 Jul ' 11 at 17:01

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• Best for: Family friendly
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

great sushi and great bar scene also. try the beef n crab, super Busy on the weekends.

Posted by: Nidal on 17 Jun ' 11 at 18:23

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• Would you go back to this restaurant? No

I used to like this place, not anymore, not sure what is happening there. very bad service and completely unprofessional staff.

Posted by: Doon on 01 Jun ' 11 at 18:52

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• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

the food was really out of this world! i would defiantly go to it again... the service was excellent and the decor was heavenly...

Posted by: Maryam on 16 Apr ' 11 at 16:15

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• Best for: Brunch served
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

everything we tried was delicious! the lobster, the beef, the crab, the squid, and the sushi. one word for all of them: FANTASTIC.

the sauces were quite unique.

the fruits were amazing and fresh. their chocolate fondant was amazing.

everything in this restaurant was clearly fresh.

zuma and okku are the best japanese restaurants in dubai. Theres no doubt about that.

Posted by: Maryam on 02 Apr ' 11 at 07:59

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• Best for: Family friendly
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Great FOOD! highly recommended

Posted by: Chief on 16 Mar ' 11 at 13:57

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• Would you go back to this restaurant? No

Food is great but the staff are incredibly arrogant. Barely had we finished our meal and we were thrown off the table to 'sit by the bar' if we desire... Unbelievably expensive, which in itself is no problem as the food is great and I love the ambience, Zuma just need to stop being so exceptionally money/profit orientated and realise that repeat trade eventually fizzles out with inhospitable service and customer care.

Posted by: Sunny on 22 Feb ' 11 at 19:29

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• Would you go back to this restaurant? No

Good to have experence, but one time viset is enough.
No value to pay this price for me.
Deco is excellent. But I didn`t go there for sightseeing. I went there to eat.

Posted by: Lynne on 22 Feb ' 11 at 13:05

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• Best for: Business lunch
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

This is a great place for a business lunch or for after work drinks. The food is great, no doubt, but will definitely put a dent in your wallet.

Posted by: Talha on 29 Jan ' 11 at 11:53

• Best for: Family friendly
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

I liked ZUMA very gorgeus restaurant!!!!!!!!

Posted by: Rey on 28 Jan ' 11 at 11:33

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• Best for: Romantic

this my first visit to Japanese restaurant in my life. i always had that feeling Japanese food is not tasty till i tried ZUMA. a friend of mine convince me to try it. first we tried the sushi which i found normal anyway the most tasty sushi in the world will be average taste to me i don't know why after all it's paunch of rice but not till i tried the steak with sesame sous which blow my mind that was so tender and juicy. and when it come to sweet we tried chocolate cake and shawan. o man i fall in love with ZUMA something to be written in history
but unfortunately it is overprice which will prevent us from visited again

Posted by: Shaikha on 25 Jan ' 11 at 14:16

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• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Let me start off by saying I've been to Zuma more than you could ever imagine, and the food is always great! The Maki Rolls are to DIE for! I keep on coming back for more! The Service is good, and sometimes great. The Decor can be a little bit in a higher standard putting into mind that every table pays more than 1000+ DHS. The value is a little bit over the top, but because of the fresh food and the taste that drives me nuts, I'm willing to pay.

Posted by: Robyn on 30 Dec ' 10 at 04:14

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• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Went to Zuma for my b'day and had a tasting sensation! All the food was brilliant and danced on your taste buds!

Thank you Zuma for providing me with the most amazing food I have ever eaten! I will not forget that meal in a very very long time!

Pure eating bliss! I will be back!

Posted by: Carrie on 11 Dec ' 10 at 16:44

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• Best for: Brunch served
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Fantastic Friday brunch,really enjoyed the experience. The staff were attentive,helpful and knowledgeable.I see from earlier reviews that other people have not found this the case. I can only say we did not experience ANY bad service. The food was brilliant. It is pricey but worth it. Dont go if you cant afford it. Simple.

Posted by: SD on 10 Nov ' 10 at 09:08

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• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

3 wrods ' I LOVE ZUMA'

The best Japanese food ive tasted - far far better than fancy pants Nobu.

The best black cod, edamame, dessert and ambience.

Will recommend it to everyone living and visiting Dubai.

Posted by: rachel smith on 10 Oct ' 10 at 20:06

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• Would you go back to this restaurant? No

EXTREMELY OVERPRICED.Service just fine.worse dining experience id ever had.

Posted by: TA on 27 Sep ' 10 at 09:47

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• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

The manager is about as impressive at customer service as the likelihood that the taxi driver getting you there is good at driving. The food is undoubtedly great but the service has really gone off. When politely letting them know this you do not expect the answer to come from the client is always wrong book of customer service. Change the manager and many more will come back... Arrogant!!

Posted by: mohammed on 10 Sep ' 10 at 09:15

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• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Amazing place, knowledgeable staff who also offer to teach you a bit or two about the food you are having, excellent wine and saki pairing reccomendations, superb food, and the ambience is perfect if your out with friends.

Sushi is a highlight, and the chocolate mint desert is sublime.

bit expensive, and your bill could shoot up if you dont watch yourself :) but worth it everytime.

Posted by: Valeria on 11 Jul ' 10 at 11:46

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• Best for: Family friendly
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

the Superb Black Code, I have never eaten before! the best japanese restaurant in Dubai!

Posted by: ahamed ifham on 06 Jul ' 10 at 18:52

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• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

best plase,, mouth watering food,, good staff,, thank you zuma,, see u soon,,

Posted by: Hilda on 01 Jul ' 10 at 07:55

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• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

I went to Zuma last night and I am so impressed! I loved the vibe you get as you walk in to the restaurant: I had thought that was long gone in Dubai! As the writer mentioned, you would expect the beautiful crowd to be here, and you would do well to dress to impress.

The service was excellent. Although we had no reservations, we were taken to the chefside counter which was equally comfortable. Waiters appeared with our food, drinks and check with no coaxing from our part. All the staff were very friendly- not at all snooty as you might expect.

The food- we had sashimi, albeit veg- was excellent, very tasty. Agreed, they are small portions and pretty expensive. But the food is of the best quality and this is one of those fancy pre-theatre(if we had theatre) kind of places that you would go to for a special occasion and warrants a splurge. Unless you're entertaining on the expense account of course!

Overall: makes for a great ritzy night out!

Posted by: Moza on 07 Jun ' 10 at 19:45

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• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

i ordes a seafood salad with steak sesame sauce, the food was great, i ended my dinner with a fabulous fondu cake, i would defiantly go back again,

Posted by: Nour Ismail on 07 Jun ' 10 at 09:37

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• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

I was at Zuma on an idle weekday evening, and was surprised to see it packed to capacity. My last visit was nearly a year ago and honestly i expected the influx of 'oh-so-cool, oh-so-chic, u gotta be here to be it, look-at me-i-can-hold-chopsticks' eateries to have some or other effect on Zuma...

...boy was i mistaken. It is still as trendy as it ever was or as any place could be, the dj is still rocking, the staff is still making you feel every bit as VIP as the celeb on the table next to you, the chefs are still coming up with new ways to both tease you and keep you interested. In Dubai dining experiences like these don't come around too often, so I savour, literally SAVOUR, every moment.

I will end off with one thought, GREEN CHILLI MARINATED PINE-APPLE!!!!!!! pure genius, this one... i've never hummed so much while eating something in a long time.

Love Zuma. And will definitely go back for more.

Posted by: AW on 29 May ' 10 at 06:42

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FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Business lunch
• Would you go back to this restaurant? No

This was my second visit following an enjoyable debut.

However, following my most recent visit I hope NOT to be afforded the opportunity to return.

Service: poor....slow, inefficient,disinterested.
Food: mediocre, uninspiring, tempura very poor, black cod average.
Ambience:Table density too high leading to cramped intrusive dining.
Value for Money: None.
Conclusion: A money orientated restaurant operating at the expense of the dining experience. A very poor Japanese dining experience.

Posted by: ayman on 23 Apr ' 10 at 05:47

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Posted by: zelda on 18 Jan ' 10 at 18:59

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• Best for: Family friendly
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

amaaaazing food! great service.. loved it!

Posted by: pends on 14 Jan ' 10 at 09:07

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• Would you go back to this restaurant? No

Very ordinary business lunch. The food portions were tiny and unremarkable. Drinks overpriced - my AED 28 cappacino was a weak, grey, lukewarm concoction of 70% froth. Service poor, with my course arriving at least 10 minutes before that of my dining partner. The space has potential, but is currently furnished with ugly scratched beachwood dining tables and soiled tatty chairs. Not impressed.

Posted by: what a shame on 11 Dec ' 09 at 06:55

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• Would you go back to this restaurant? No

Maybe I was crushed after leaving because my expectations were extremely high going in, but still; 7300AED dinner for 8 with 2 good bottles of saki is not acceptable considering the food wasn't even close to amazing, the best part about it was that it was clearly fresh but nothing that blows you away. While the bar upstairs looked really nice for some drinks, I was extremely disappointed with the restaurant as a whole downstairs. The final nail in the coffin was when I asked why there arent any type of noodles in the menu and server replied ''because this is a japanese restaurant not a chinese one'' CLEARLY THEY HAVE NEVER BEEN TO JAPAN THEN! And I am sure you can find some things on their menu that are not Japanese either!
Thank you Zuma for giving me another reason to travel more. After 8 years here I see myself traveling more and more and focusing on restaurants when I am away. Last month in Canada I went to a restaurant that would blow ZUMA or anything else in Dubai out of the WATER! and it only cost 3700 AED for Dinner for 10, 3 great bottles of wine and at least 12 double drinks. This was ''the hot spot'' in the city, with movie stars and celebrities at every corner not some dump in case any of you are questioning.

Posted by: ahmad on 26 Oct ' 09 at 15:23

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• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Been there for dinner. it was jam pack & full house. service was ok not that perfect but i understand why they behave that way. big scale of restaurant... basically its not noodle chain restaurant but this is how they want it to be i suppose. need to improved on the service only.

food was perfect. fresh & worth to pay for. i put full stars on value as i know what im paying for as they are not a local fishes from the market. its all overseas & surprise they can maintain it well to keep it fresh. i rather come here often as i know the food will always be fresh due to a high volume of people dines in. to all the people out there. see it to believe... Nobu is too old now!!! need more enegry.. this is the real thing. ZUMA is the best....

Posted by: joker on 15 Oct ' 09 at 11:31

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• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? No

i never seen service so bad in my life - dinner 900 for 2 + 700 wine ... been asked to leave in less than 2 h and move to the bar - carp - wont ever go back there and will tell everyone this

Posted by: Lara on 07 Sep ' 09 at 08:50

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• Best for: Business lunch
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

I love the restaurant... the ambiance, food, drinks, service just perfect

They need to work on the music though!

Posted by: Fakina on 12 Aug ' 09 at 12:45

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Awesome, service is awesome, food is awesome

Posted by: Swati Pant on 01 Aug ' 09 at 05:44

OverallService

• Would you go back to this restaurant? No

Been there before and I like the food however got so so put off by the person confirming my table this time that decided not to go. Tables only for 2 hours and I asked her what if I dont finish my meal by then? Well if there is no booking we won't push you to leave was the response? That I think is ghastly - PUSH me to leave? I am a paying customer and i thought this was about customer service. While I understand the need for higher customer throughput ,we are not discussing a noodle canteen here. for all those people who say lots of UK restaurants operate this way - firstly this is not UK and having dined in the UK several times, I wonder what restaurants are they talking about. Rushing someone through a meal in two hours at a reasonably expensive place is not acceptable anywhere in the world unless you are perhaps at a fast food chain.

Customer service is defined by places like Reflets and seriously restaurants need to take some lessons from them.

So i guess it is goodbye Zuma for me. The food is not that great to put up with this rubbish !

Posted by: Maria on 30 Jul ' 09 at 07:07

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• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

The food is great, the ambience is unlike any other place in Dubai, the staff is friendly and attentive, yes, no one is perfect, but they do their jobs quite nicely! - Yes, I am a ZUMA FAN!

Do any of the revieweres that said they wouldn't go back because they were asked to leave the table ever Listened to the receptionists explaining this over the phone when the booking was being made, or the second reminder when you are being taken to your table???...In UK many high end restaurants opearate this way?

Also, there is no starters or main courses at Zuma, it's a first made-first-served dish policy, emphasizing in sharing food! - which suprisingly enough it is also explained to you at the table bythe wiater -If all dishes came at the same time, quality of the food served would be compromised and you'd be eating in Yo-Sushi!!!

Maybe I've been very lucky during all my visits....but it also helps to pay attention to staff, rather than just ignoring them while we talk away with our friends or try to impress our new lady/man/colleagues!

Just sit down, enjoy the food and stop whinning!

Posted by: Sharad on 18 Jul ' 09 at 09:54

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• Best for: Family friendly
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

It is expensive and classy. If you don't have the wallet for it, then please don't write nasty reviews. It has a 100% occupancy rate at any given time.

Posted by: Saadia Khan on 11 Jun ' 09 at 08:26

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• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

when it gets busy, the service gets sporadic and the hot food often arrives vey tepid/cold- this is esp true if you eat in the lounge area upstairs. but my biggest gripe are the ridiculous prices which unfortunately let this sleeky designed, buzzy place down...heaven help you if you decide to have a few drinks with your meal.

Posted by: Yamada on 26 Apr ' 09 at 08:24

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• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

I am Japanese and my friend took me here. As Japanese, we dont really expect decent Japanese food in Dubai, but my friend and I were very happy about the quality of food and the staff. They actually care about the real way of presenting Japanese food and the Japanese service in details, which I was very surprised. So I think if you are non-Japanese, you will be surprised how the food looks or tastes different from other `Chinese-Japanese rentaurant..' because the food in here are actually much more real(or similar) in Zuma..

I would not say all the food are exactly the same as the one in Japan, but they still use lots of real Japanese ingredients and present it in a very artistic way and sometimes surprise us with the very delicious fusion of Japnese - western food. And we can experience the fancy atomosphere and be served by very profesional & friendly staff.

The only thing is the Ambience outside of the restaurant. It was a shame there was not a good view from the window...and since my friend paid for me..I think the price would be expensive for me to afford.. ..But definitely would recomend anyone who are willing to pay and experience somethings new in Dubai.

Posted by: Sam on 19 Apr ' 09 at 17:38

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• Best for: Business lunch
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

The food is excellent. I find the set lunch extremely good value for the quality of the food. The sushi is fresh and the sushi rice is well prepared. The grilled dishes are autherntic. I agree the waiters do not know when to clear the plates and when to leave them. A good place for expense accounts.

Posted by: Smruti on 15 Apr ' 09 at 09:37

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• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Loved my experience at Zuma. Went there for drinks -- decided to have dinner and we were seated immediately at the sushi bar. Food was great and service was exceptional. Both the sushi chef and another member of staff took the time and seemed genuinely interested in answering all my questions, even though the restaurant was packed. In fact to the amusement of my friends I ended up in a 15 minute conversation with one their staff on the sourcing of their fish.

At many restaurants you can expect and be delivered really tasty well presented food, but the difference is truly in the staff -- and at Zuma I found the staff to be engaged, friendly, and knowledgeable. A real treat! Plus the food was very good!

Posted by: ayesha on 05 Apr ' 09 at 16:07

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• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

very good food! though expensive! like the place.

Posted by: Martin on 01 Apr ' 09 at 20:22

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• Would you go back to this restaurant? No

Now I must say Timeout should review who is on their panel to give Zuma the best japanese restaurant award!

Disgracefully poor service, definitely overpriced as some people commented, and the staff have no clue of what is hospitality is all about!

I was moved out of my table and was given the option to go to the bar before I was able to get to my desserts! Disgraceful! I had a 1200 dhs bill (2 people) . I can confidently say that visit had my last contirbution to Zuma's overly priced food!

Posted by: julian skyrme on 01 Apr ' 09 at 07:07

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• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? No

The best you must be kidding, we had a reservation and everything went well untill we were hounded off our table. We had not finished our meal plus a rather pricey bottle of wine. We were then asked to take the bottle to the bar. This type of service will never survive in Dubai. By the way to the manager who removed us from our table, drink carries the highest margins who are you trying to kid, thats why you served the bottle of wine and 5 mins later refused the order of additional food. Long live Nobu and i hope Zuma hits the wall.

Posted by: Heather on 01 Apr ' 09 at 06:57

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• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Has to be the best restaurant in Dubai abeit at a cost. Everything sampled was delicious and having been 3 times with hungry boys, believe me we've tried most dishes!

The decor is fabulous and comfortable. The table under the stairs should be removed, for the prices they charge, you really do not wanna be sat there, it removes from the otherwise superb dining experience.

2 hour time limit on the table is annoying but this is something that is voiced loudly at the time of booking and fairly standard in these types of restaurants.

My favourite place in Dubai without a doubt.

Posted by: Anne on 17 Mar ' 09 at 12:47

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FoodAmbienceValue

• Would you go back to this restaurant? No

Probably one, if not the worse dining experience I've ever had! Me and my husband enjoy fine dining and therefore have experienced some of the best restaurants around the world. Zuma Dubai is an extremely pretentious restaurant trying to mimic the likes of Nobu but with great fail on all aspects: food, service and value. It can much better be described as a bar/ pick up joint than a quality fine dining restaurant and yet you end up with a blown up bill as if you had eaten at a top gastronomic restaurant. The advice I can give is, if you're not looking for three course meal go ahead, as their "2hours" only dining gap barely takes you to desserts! In our case, we were served our 600 AED wine bottle just five minutes before our "two hours" was over which lead us to not being able to order additional foods, obviously not finish our wine and skip desserts!!!! And may I add all for a 1900 AED bill after 2 hours. I understand the restaurant industry needs to be profitable but during these two hours we had been ordering a considerable amount of food and were only trying to get our desserts! This kind of mentality goes against what hospitality industry stands for and restaurants of this sort should not be allowed to practice. The whole experience was highly embarrassing as we were dining with guests.

Posted by: Yann on 10 Mar ' 09 at 18:01

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Posted by: Chris on 17 Feb ' 09 at 04:59

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Business lunch
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

I went in the evening, but I think this place would be great for a lunch. Food was very good, and service was not as bad as previous reviews. They tried to give us one of the 1st tables by the stairs when one of our party had booked one far from the entry by the windows, but this was quickly sorted out. Waiter was nice guy from Zuma London, which put me at ease..he was charming, friendly and efficient. It is expensive, don't order too much like we did.. if you're still hungry you can order more dishes as you go along..I would def go back, one of the more stylish places in Dubai for sure, mind you my view was out the window and not into the restaurant, so no idea what the crowd was like..

Posted by: Brett Scyan on 09 Feb ' 09 at 09:03

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Business lunch
• Would you go back to this restaurant? No

Extremely overpriced when you can have similar if not a LOT better dishes in a restaurant in Souk Al Bahar, Old Town, think its called Momotara....

The traditional Gintara Miso in Zuma, very well cooked although the accompanying sauce is too tangy and definitely not the right one for the dish. Service was just OK, absoultely nothing personal about it, they seemed to know what they are doing although not well versed with the menu when it came to making recommendations. From the reviews read above, it seemed that waiters did not know when to clear a dish or serve one in time, they were either too slow in serving or too fast in clearing, things like that could definitely be avoided if they had only tried to connect with the customer and understand what they really want for the exorbitant price paid. The Sake list is also rather difficult to understand neither was the sommelier able to help (who had decent knowledge of the wines but steered us into having the warm hous sake)

The maki portions were miniscule for the bombshell of a price paid which is definitely for the location, name and ambience. If you really do want to impress someone, do check out Momotara in souk al bahar.

Posted by: Jon Dyke on 05 Feb ' 09 at 10:51

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Would you go back to this restaurant? No

I though I was the only person in Dubai who found it terrible. Decor is ok, but pretty standard nowadays in terms of style venue. Nothing different.
Service was an utter joke. A team of 7 poring over the reservations book, whispering, looking for our names while we waited for what seemed an age. Took an age to order, and meals were then being removed from under our noses while still eating. Food was 'ok', very overpriced.
Don't believe the hype.

Posted by: Sal on 23 Dec ' 08 at 14:33

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

The food at this establishment is tremendous! I mean tremendously good. The ambience during dinner time of for a drink at the bar or lounge upstairs is unmatchable. The decor is divine. But alas, in Dubai there is no such thing as a perfect place. The service is abhorable! I mean, it is so far below the standards set by the food and ambience that it is a HUGE let down. Just bear this in mind when you go. Be prepared to be disappointed by the service and you will be able to enjoy the food.