TAPASAKE Dubai has opened its reimagined Restaurant and new outdoor Sky Lounge at One Za’abeel, marking a bold new chapter for the international lifestyle brand.
Set 100 metres above the city, with access to a striking 120-metre suspended Infinity Pool, TAPASAKE brings together Japanese-led cuisine with Mediterranean influence, considered mixology, design and music under its defining philosophy: Two Worlds. One Rhythm. From business lunches and intimate dinners at the Restaurant to sunset aperitivo and DJ-led evenings at the Sky Lounge, the destination is designed to change pace naturally as the day unfolds.
The reopening reflects the partnership between Sunset Hospitality Group and Kerzner International, bringing together Kerzner’s iconic TAPASAKE destinations with Sunset Hospitality Group’s expertise in culinary, entertainment and lifestyle experiences. With locations across Dubai, the Maldives, Mauritius and Montenegro, TAPASAKE continues to evolve as an international brand with a distinctive point of view.
The Culinary Heart of TAPASAKE
At the center of the destination is the reimagined Restaurant, led by Brand Executive Chef Masanori Ito. Here, Japanese culinary technique meets the warmth, freshness and generosity of Mediterranean flavours through a menu shaped around exceptional ingredients, seasonality and sharing.
Sushi and sashimi sit alongside robata-grilled dishes, contemporary tapas and creations designed to encourage discovery around the table. Signature dishes include Sea Bass Carpaccio with fennel, daikon kinpira and mandarin dressing; Tuna Tartare with onsen egg yolk, crispy potato, yukke sauce and Mediterranean vegetables, mixed tableside by guests; and Udon Vongole, a Japanese interpretation of spaghetti alle vongole, combining thick udon noodles with carpet shell clams, mitsuba and bottarga.
For a more intimate experience, the limited-seat Tapas Bar invites guests to discover the origins of TAPASAKE through a chef-led tasting menu. Inspired by the meeting of Mediterranean tapas and Japanese sake, each course is prepared and presented directly by the chefs, with optional sake, cocktail and wine pairings selected to complement the journey.
A new Sunset-to-Late-Night Address
The outdoor Sky Lounge brings a different tempo to TAPASAKE. Framed by 180-degree views across Dubai’s skyline, it is a place for sunset drinks, sharing plates and a social energy that builds as the evening unfolds.
Led by TAPASAKE’S Global Brand Beverage Manager José Gamiz, the drinks programme brings Japanese ingredients and techniques into conversation with Mediterranean vibrancy. Cocktails are built with purpose, balancing flavour, aroma and texture, and are complemented by a thoughtful selection of Japanese whiskies, sake and wine.
Highlights include the Smoky Palomita, a TAPASAKE take on the classic Paloma with wasabi-infused tequila, sesame nori, Cecina de León and Oscietra caviar; Odori Andaluz, inspired by the Andalusian Rebujito and combining Junmai sake, cryo-concentrated coconut water and mint; and the Crown Martini, featuring white chocolate, crown melon, passion fruit and yuzu. Hanami draws on Japan’s cherry blossom tradition, finished tableside for a more sensory experience.
Sake remains central to TAPASAKE’s identity, with a collection selected for the character, craftsmanship and story behind every label. Bespoke service rituals and curated pairings will invite guests to experience sake as an integral part of the wider culinary journey.
Music is equally intrinsic to the destination. The Sky Lounge shifts from sophisticated, relaxed sounds at golden hour to a more energetic, urban rhythm after dark, with resident and guest DJs shaping the mood across the evening.
Designed to Move with the Day
The interiors balance Japanese minimalism with Mediterranean warmth. Natural stone, timber, organic forms and clean architectural lines create a contemporary yet inviting setting, while wave-inspired details nod to the TAPASAKE identity. Lighting and atmosphere shift throughout the day, mirroring the destination’s transition from dining to sundown and beyond.
