FACT Review: Can Okku Dubai make a culinary comeback? 

The homegrown Japanese concept is now open at Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah.

When a dining destination returns, it can go either way. The homegrown restaurant, Okku Dubai, was previously in H Hotel. After it closed in 2018, we said goodbye to the Japanese food and Insta-worthy jellyfish tank. Now, it is back and bolder than ever – it has reopened at Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah, Dubai and is well worth a visit.  

The Okku brand has made a name for itself in the Middle East. In 2009, it opened in Dubai, and in 2019, it opened in Riyadh. It caught the admiration of awards and A-listers. The team of chefs have cooked for Bill and Hilary Clinton, George Clooney and Madonna. Now, they’re cooking for us at their brand-new location. 

Okku Dubai knows how to make an entrance. Nestled at the side of the hotel, it is easily accessible. When you enter, you feel like you’ve left the chaos of the city. Since there are no windows, you could be anywhere in the world, from Seoul to Tokyo. When we walked through the funky corridor, lanterns lit up in cool colours – we dare you not to take a snap.

The venue is magnificently massive with industrial chic features. The space could easily fit in twice as many tables, but it is stylishly spread out and boasts different vibes for different visitors. At the centre is a beautiful bar decorated with Japanese-inspired artwork – The Great Wave off Kanagawa, anyone? Take a seat on a stool by the bar, sofas in the lounge or dining room by the open kitchen. 

There is a fine line between tacky and trendy, but Okku Dubai keeps everything playful yet plush. Not only are there samurai statues, but the jellyfish have returned – albeit on a screen. We were told that the previous fish had to have their own visa. We were also relieved that the DJ playing R&B tunes supplemented rather than shaped the evening.

As the waiter welcomed us, our only gripe was that it was too dark – none of us could read the menu, which had gold letters on white paper. A phone light later, we saw it was a sharing concept. The menu covers kushiyaki, nigiri, omakase, oysters, salads, sashimi, tempura and small as well as large plates. 

Okku Dubai has a good mix of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, which makes it great for groups. We started with the Spinach Goma, which was steamed in a sweet and savoury sesame sauce. The Spicy Suzuki was surprisingly succulent, as the sea bass was soft and soaked up the chillies. Plus, the Miso Nasu Shigiyaki made us appreciate aubergines, as it created a creamy concoction with a sweet miso glaze.

The O Style Avocado Kazan lit up the night – literally. The Insta-star arrived in flames, and was cleverly constructed. An avocado shell was filled with avocado, asparagus, enoki and mushroom, and was return-worthy good.  

Okku Dubai’s signature cocktails fit the theme and range from the shochu based Geisha to the rum based Sumo Punch. The best seller is the Asagiri with bourbon, cherry and maple syrup. Plus, there are classic cocktails available on demand. 

Welcome back, Okku Dubai. 

GO: Visit www.okku.com for more information.