Smokin’ Gun returns this November, completely reimagined as a precision-crafted contemporary steakhouse at the new JA Sports & Shooting Club in Jebel Ali. Inspired by the craftsmanship of a master gunsmith and the theatre of live fire, the restaurant brings together premium meats, an interactive butcher’s counter, flavours drawn from smoke and fire and confident culinary theatre in a setting that feels polished without being formal.
The new Smokin’ Gun evolves an iconic and much-loved brand into an entirely new dining proposition. Smoke is central to the concept: not simply as visual theatre, but as an integral part of the culinary approach, bringing depth and character to the menu. From the butcher’s counter and live-fire grill to smoky cocktails and tableside finishes, the experience is designed to combine precision and craft with warmth, personality and a sense of occasion.
Set within JA Sports & Shooting Club, the restaurant is positioned as both a natural extension of a day at the range and a destination in its own right: a new form of immersive eatertainment where the thrill of the range meets the mastery of fire, smoke and steel. It adds a distinctive new dining experience to JA The Resort, home to JA Palm Tree Court, JA Beach Hotel and JA Lake View Hotel, a private beach, a nine-hole golf course, equestrian experiences, wellness facilities and an extensive range of sporting pursuits.
The Team
At the heart of Smokin’ Gun’s butchery experience is Chef Natsasi Nu-In, PhD, internationally known as the ‘Lady Butcher’. A recognised authority on the art and science of butchery and culinary education, she has more than 15 years of experience across the meat, foodservice, retail and hospitality industries and is the founder of Lady Butcher Steakhouse and Lady Butcher Academy in Thailand.
Restaurant General Manager Vanessa Nigro oversees the overall Smokin’ Gun experience, having played a central role in shaping its operating philosophy, building and training the team, and bringing its service and culinary elements together. She draws on a 13-year career spanning luxury hospitality and Michelin-starred dining environments in Florence, Milan, London, Seychelles and Dubai.
Leading the culinary direction is Head Chef Lourdes Machado. Drawing on her background across steakhouses and international hospitality, she oversees menu development, kitchen operations and team training, ensuring the restaurant’s fire-led concept is delivered with consistency and precision.
Theatre Without Pretence
Smokin’ Gun pairs its food with service that is confident, energetic and guest-aware. The butcher and grill team take centre stage, while tableside preparation, steak presentation and carefully controlled moments of flame and smoke bring theatre to the dining room without making the experience feel formal or intimidating. A dedicated private dining area creates a more discreet setting for celebrations, group dining and corporate occasions.
The bar is conceived as a destination in itself, giving guests a front-row view as drinks are flamed, smoked and finished with drama. An extensive selection of wines from around the world has been chosen to complement the different cuts and the wider dining experience, alongside signature cocktails led by the Smokin’ AK Old Fashioned, premium spirits and beers, and a handcrafted range of zero-alcohol cocktails.
From 10am, Smokin’ Gun offers coffee, tea, beverages and pastries, creating a relaxed setting for guests visiting the shooting range or starting their day at JA Sports & Shooting Club. Lunch is served from 12pm to 5pm, with steak sandwiches, burgers and selected cuts from the grill providing a more substantial daytime offering. Dinner follows from 5pm to 11pm.
