A new Peruvian-Japanese restaurant will debut in DAMAC Hills

Issei Dubai resides on the 27th floor of the Radisson Hotel Dubai DAMAC Hills.

The marriage of Peruvian and Japanese flavours – also known as Nikkei cuisine – may have been born out of necessity in the 19th century, but it continues to be a gastronomic sensation worldwide. Closer to home, we’re spoilt for choice, with the likes of Clay, INTI and Amelia serving Nikkei dishes. And a new spot by the name of Issei Dubai has just joined the line-up.

An original concept created by the Radisson Hotel Group, this vibrant venue is expected to open its doors to the public on 24 November. Residing on the 27th floor of the Radisson Hotel Dubai DAMAC Hills, it promises colourful dishes complemented by majestic views of the golfing greens. The brand, which has outposts in Copenhagen, Stockholm and Tallinn, has already enjoyed tremendous acclaim in Europe.

With chefs flying in from Peru to lead the kitchen in Dubai, diners can experience an authentic confluence of flavour combinations on the menu. Delightful surprises on familiar favourites abound, like the yakitori skewers mix served with anticuchera or lime mayo, salmon tataki with jalapeño, chili and papaya or crispy octopus with a roccoto-chilli sauce, broccolini and aji verde. Love fries? The yuca fries, which are spiced with togarashi, come highly recommended.

Apart from an excellently curated menu of signature Nikkei dishes, guests should not miss the equally inventive cocktails. One such example is Issei’s very own take on the Pisco Sour, a traditional Peruvian tipple made from grapes and produced exclusively in copper vessels. Smooth, potent and invigorating, it’s a warm embrace in a glass that’s perfect for guests to experience with the exquisite view of the golf course on one side and Dubai skyline on the other. Elsewhere, the Matcha Sour is said to be a must-try – a real blend of Peruvian and Japanese ingredients consisting of dry tannins from drawn green tea, mixed with Japanese gin and bergamot, balanced with lemon juice, and then shaken ice cold with egg white to add texture.

That combined energy of land and sea is evident not only in the food, but also in the restaurant’s design – a convergence of colours and styles that is both vibrant and harmonious. The story begins from the three vivid columns with large, abstract and colourful Nazca Lines in neon that beckons guests from afar. They are then welcomed by a bold wall with memorable neon lighting that exclaims, “Let’s get Pisco’d.” The story continues with the glass display cabinets decorated with handpicked Japanese ceramics and Peruvian décor pieces like the famous Torito de Pucará, bull figurines that are found in traditional Peruvian homes and a symbol of good fortune and protection.

GO: Call 04 879 1111 or email issei.dubai@radisson.com for reservations and more information.