A complete guide to one of the most stylish restaurants on Palm Jumeirah: menu, views, dress code, and booking secrets.
Atop the W Dubai – The Palm hotel, where the lights of the metropolis meet the stars, lies a restaurant that doesn’t play by the rules of classic Japanese cuisine. This is Akira Back. Forget everything you thought you knew about traditional sushi and sashimi. Chef Akira Back, a former professional snowboarder, brings the same bold freestyle spirit to gastronomy: he starts with impeccable Japanese technique and adds vibrant, daring flavors from his Korean childhood. This guide will be your key to an unforgettable evening at Akira Back—from selecting the best dishes to practical tips for booking.
The atmosphere at Akira Back: Design, views, and the pulse of the evening
A visit to Akira Back is an immersion into a unique atmosphere, where every detail is carefully crafted to create impressions long before the first dish arrives at your table. It’s a place where design and the city’s panoramic views become full participants in your dining experience.
A breathtaking design
The restaurant’s interior can be described as modern Japanese Art Deco—restrained yet filled with artistic details. Natural wood, polished black marble, and steel dominate the décor, creating an ambiance of refined yet understated luxury—the kind of "smart" opulence you sense in the quality of materials rather than in the glint of gold. The anthracite palette serves as the perfect backdrop for the bar’s neon lighting and calligraphic wall panels, which give the space a unique character. But the establishment’s main highlight is undoubtedly its floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows. They transform the view of Dubai Marina’s gleaming skyscrapers and the shimmering waters of Palm Jumeirah into a vibrant, ever-changing scene, turning every shot into a ready-made cover for a travel magazine.
A chameleon-like atmosphere
The atmosphere at Akira Back shifts throughout the evening, adapting to the mood of its guests. At the start, it exudes a serene and romantic ambiance, ideal for dates and leisurely conversations. As night approaches, the space fills with energy, the rhythm becomes more dynamic, and a DJ takes over, transforming the restaurant into a stylish social hotspot. Thoughtful zoning ensures that everyone can find their perfect spot: whether it’s a table for two by the window, a cozy terrace for a warm Dubai evening, or one of the private rooms for celebrating a special occasion in an intimate setting.
Two rhythms in one evening: Akira Back skillfully changes its mood. Come earlier for a calm, romantic dinner or book a table for a later time to immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere accompanied by DJ sets. This place is perfect for both a private conversation and a social gathering with friends.
Akira Back cuisine: Japanese technique, Korean soul
At the heart of the restaurant's culinary concept is Chef Akira Back's signature approach: he takes the best of Japanese culinary traditions—clean flavors, impeccable techniques, and respect for ingredients—and adds bold, vibrant notes from his Korean heritage.
The philosophy of flavor by Akira Back
This fusion is evident in the details: familiar Japanese dishes are transformed by the addition of Korean ingredients such as fermented cabbage kimchi or spicy gochujang paste. At the same time, the quality of the original ingredients remains uncompromising. Guests consistently praise the freshness of the fish in the sashimi and the tenderness of the meat cooked on the traditional robata grill. Complementing the gastronomic experience is a carefully curated drinks menu, featuring an exclusive sake collection, a rich selection of wines, and creative signature cocktails that perfectly pair with the complex flavors of the dishes.
What to order: An insider's guide to the menu's hits
If you're here for the first time, don't get overwhelmed by the menu—here are a few tried-and-true favorites that best showcase the chef's philosophy:
- Tuna Pizza: Don't let the name fool you—this isn't pizza in the usual sense. Imagine the thinnest, crispiest crust topped with delicate tuna tartare drizzled with truffle oil. This is Akira Back's signature dish worldwide, and it’s a must-try.
- "Perfect Storm" Roll: A perfect storm for your taste buds. Inside, you’ll find tempura shrimp and spicy crab, topped with a zesty sauce and slices of salmon. The combination of textures (crispy, tender) and flavors (sweet, spicy) is pure artistry.
- Beef Ribs (48-Hour Wagyu Short Rib): Meat that has been braised for 48 hours and literally melts in your mouth. Served with an original sauce based on Korean spices. This is the very dish where Japanese technique meets Korean soul in its most concentrated form. It’s haute cuisine, where you’ll spend several seconds photographing your dinner before finally deciding to eat it.
Quality seal: Michelin Guide: The restaurant’s high standard is confirmed not only by enthusiastic guest reviews but also by experts. Since 2022, Akira Back has regularly received recognition from the prestigious Michelin Guide, which guarantees consistent quality and first-class service.
Comparison with giants: Akira Back vs. Zuma and Nobu
To understand Akira Back's place in Dubai's gastronomic hierarchy, it’s easiest to compare it with two other titans of Japanese cuisine. If Zuma is an enduring, respectable classic in the heart of the business district—a spot for prestigious meetings and time-tested recipes—and Nobu at Atlantis is a global legendary brand with its famous Peruvian flair, then Akira Back is a bold and artistic rebel. People come here not for conservative chic or a high-profile name, but for avant-garde design, the chef’s daring experiments, and, of course, those very views that turn dinner into an immersive show.
Planning your visit: Everything you need to know before booking a table
Inspired and ready to go? Great! Now let’s move on to the practical details that will make your visit to Akira Back flawless.
- Booking is key to success: The restaurant is extremely popular, so it’s essential to book your table in advance, especially for weekends (ideally 1–2 weeks ahead). When booking, don’t hesitate to request a window seat to fully enjoy the views.
- Dress code: elegant casual (Smart Casual): Style is highly valued here. Men should opt for trousers (no shorts) and closed-toe shoes, while ladies should choose an elegant dress, skirt, or a stylish pantsuit. Beachwear and sportswear would be inappropriate.
- Getting there: The most convenient option is a taxi or any car-hailing service. If you’re driving yourself, W Dubai – The Palm hotel offers guests of the restaurant a complimentary valet parking service.
- Visiting with children: The restaurant welcomes guests with children and can provide high chairs. However, it’s worth noting that the overall atmosphere, especially later in the evening, is more geared toward an adult audience.
Important note: budget and expectations: Akira Back offers a premium experience, and the bill will reflect that. Remember that you’re paying not only for the food but also for the stunning views, unique design, and impeccable service. If portion size relative to price is your primary concern, you might want to consider other options.
Is Akira Back worth your evening in Dubai?
Absolutely yes, if you’re looking for more than just dinner—a full-fledged multisensory experience. Akira Back is a place where signature cuisine, avant-garde design, breathtaking views, and service come together seamlessly.
Who is this place for? It’s the perfect choice for a romantic date, celebrating a special occasion, or for those who want to make an unforgettable impression. Hedonists, connoisseurs of gastronomic trends, and aesthetes will be delighted.
Who might it not suit? Travelers on a very tight budget or those who prefer exclusively traditional Japanese cuisine without bold fusion elements might want to look elsewhere.
So what exactly is a dinner at Akira Back? It’s not just about “getting to see” Dubai from above. This is a chance to truly savor the city—its boldness, its cosmopolitanism, its relentless drive to stay one step ahead. You’ll take away not only memories of exquisite food, but also the feeling that for a couple of hours, you’ve been handed the key to the coolest penthouse on Palm Beach.
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