Mimi Kakushi Dubai — Jazz, Art Deco, and Timeless Japanese Flair

The ultimate guide to the city's most atmospheric venue: from menu secrets and signature cocktails to dress code and booking rules.

Forget about the skyscrapers outside your window. Behind the heavy door of the Four Seasons Hotel, you won't find the buzz of a metropolis, but rather the mellow saxophone, the clink of a cocktail shaker, and whispers of secrets—welcome to Osaka in the 1920s. Mimi Kakushi is a portal to another era. Forget everything you thought you knew about Japanese restaurants in Dubai: here, you'll experience a "restaurant-performance," where design, music, cocktails, and cuisine are equal acts in one captivating show. This guide will be your personal companion into the world of Mimi Kakushi. We'll not only tell you what you absolutely must order, but also how to get the most out of your visit, revealing all the secrets and sharing key practical details for planning the perfect evening.

A step back in time: Art Deco atmosphere and design

The first thing you feel as you step through the doors of Mimi Kakushi is an instant sense of teleportation. Bustling, futuristic Dubai fades into the distance, and you find yourself in a secret jazz club from the heyday of Art Deco. Here, design isn't just a backdrop—it's the main character of the story, making you forget which city and year you're actually in.

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Osaka in the 1920s in every detail

The London studio Pirajean Lees was responsible for the incredibly accurate recreation of the atmosphere of Jazz-era Japan. There are no random details here: noble dark wood, elegant brass accents, stained-glass panels that flood the hall with soft amber hues during the day, and delicate beaded curtains that subtly divide the space. The walls are adorned with hand-painted murals, and custom-made furniture transforms the hall into a private club where casual items have no place. It's no surprise that the interior has become incredibly photogenic and "Instagrammable"—an integral part of the modern Mimi Kakushi experience.

The secret to the best photo: When booking, request a table by the stained-glass panels or in one of the cozy alcoves with Japanese screens. The evening 'amber' lighting here creates perfect conditions for atmospheric photos without flash, which will gather hundreds of likes.

A play of light and shadow: From business lunch to social evening

The restaurant's atmosphere changes dramatically throughout the day. During daylight hours, thanks to natural light streaming through the stained-glass windows, the setting is calm and elegant, ideal for a leisurely lunch or a business meeting. In the evening, however, the space transforms completely. Soft, warm lighting creates a mysterious and intimate atmosphere. The air is filled with carefully selected jazz and lounge music, and on Fridays and Saturdays, live music completes the image of an elite club from the 1920s.

The taste of the jazz age: What to try at Mimi Kakushi

The cuisine at Mimi Kakushi matches its ambiance—refined, modern, yet deeply respectful of Japanese traditions. The menu follows the principle "sharing is caring," with dishes served family-style and perfectly suited for sharing with friends to sample as many flavors as possible.

More than sushi: Signature dishes on the menu

Although the sushi and sashimi here are impeccable, the Mimi Kakushi menu offers much more. Here are a few items that have become the restaurant's calling cards:

Black Cod Gyoza with Miso: These gyoza are legendary in Dubai. Imagine the thinnest dough, almost melting on your tongue, with a silky, slightly sweet filling of black cod infused with the deep flavor of miso. Everyone orders this dish, and you'll understand why after just one bite.
Baked Black Cod: It may seem like a classic, but here it's taken to perfection. The fish isn't just baked—it's glazed to a caramelized crust, beneath which lies tender meat that flakes apart into delicate petals at the slightest touch of a fork.
Premium-quality sushi and nigiri: The freshest fish and seafood are the very foundation, handled here with skill and reverence. For those ready for a full gastronomic immersion and trusting the chefs' taste, there's the Omakase option—a "chef's choice" that turns dinner into a true culinary journey.

What foodies praise and what you should be prepared for

Guest reviews are consistently high, but as with any establishment of this caliber, there are certain nuances to keep in mind.

What they praise: Guests unanimously highlight the impeccable quality and freshness of the fish, the vibrant and memorable flavors of signature dishes, as well as the highly aesthetic and original presentation.
What to watch out for (and what to be prepared for): Let's be honest: portions here are more elegant than abundant. Mimi Kakushi is a place for tasting and savoring flavors, not for filling up on just one dish. Also, keep in mind that not all menu items are a fireworks display of experimentation. Some offerings, like the tuna tartare, are more of a flawlessly executed classic. If you're looking for avant-garde in every dish, this might come as a slight disappointment.

The cocktail menu as a separate art form

Be sure to pay attention to the bar—it's one of Mimi Kakushi's main highlights. The bar menu offers a wide selection of signature cocktails inspired by Japanese aesthetics and the jazz age. Many regulars and critics claim that this is where you'll find some of the best martinis in all of Dubai.

Your visit to Mimi Kakushi: Planning and practical tips

Now that you're inspired by the atmosphere and cuisine, let's move on to the practical side. We've gathered all the key information to ensure your evening at this unique venue goes off without a hitch.

Reservations: how to avoid being left without a table

Walking into Mimi Kakushi spontaneously is practically impossible. Making a reservation is essential, especially if you're planning dinner on weekends (Friday or Saturday evenings).

Recommendation: Book your table at least 7–10 days in advance.
Methods: You can make a reservation by phone or online through the restaurant's official website.

Budget: how much does a trip through time cost?

Mimi Kakushi is a top-tier establishment in Dubai, standing alongside giants like Zuma or Coya. Be prepared for the fact that dinner for two with a couple of cocktails will easily exceed 1500–2000 AED ($400–550). Yes, most guests feel that this unique experience justifies every dirham spent, but it's worth coming here with a clear understanding of the price level, so you can enjoy the evening without constantly worrying about the bill.

Plan your budget in advance: Be prepared for prices here being above average even for Dubai's premium restaurants. Dinner for two can cost 1500–2000 AED or more, especially with signature cocktails. We recommend checking out the menu on the website to avoid surprises on the bill.

Dress code and rules of conduct

To maintain the restaurant's special atmosphere, certain rules are in place.

Dress Code: Smart Casual. This means an elegant yet not overly formal style.
What Not to Wear: Shorts, beachwear, and sportswear are strictly prohibited. In the evening, adherence to the dress code is particularly closely monitored.
Children: The restaurant allows visits with children; however, the overall atmosphere, especially in the evening, is more geared toward an adult audience.
Smoking: Smoking inside the establishment is forbidden. A designated common area by the hotel entrance is provided for this purpose.

How to get there

The restaurant is located on the grounds of the Four Seasons Resort on Jumeirah Beach.

Transportation: The most convenient way to get there is by taxi or private car.
Parking: Guests of the restaurant are offered a free valet parking service, which is very convenient.

Mimi Kakushi or competitors? How to choose the perfect Japanese restaurant

Dubai offers a wide range of top-notch Japanese restaurants, and Mimi Kakushi holds a special place among them, thanks to its numerous awards from Michelin, Gault&Millau, and MENA's 50 Best Restaurants rankings. But how do you know if it’s the right choice for you?

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For lovers of classics and a business-like atmosphere: Zuma Dubai. This is the benchmark for modern Japanese cuisine in a dynamic setting. Unlike it, Mimi Kakushi offers a more intimate, theatrical, and deeply immersive atmosphere steeped in retro aesthetics.
For fusion and global brand enthusiasts: Nobu Dubai. The renowned restaurant with Japanese-Peruvian influences. Mimi Kakushi, on the other hand, emphasizes a more classic Japanese foundation, with its uniqueness lying in its historical concept rather than gastronomic fusion.
For uncompromising hedonists (omakase and Kobe): Takahisa. An ultra-premium establishment focused on exclusive ingredients. Mimi Kakushi provides a broader à la carte menu and places emphasis not only on gastronomy but also on a vibrant social ambiance.

In this battle of titans, Mimi Kakushi doesn't so much win as play in an entirely different league. If Zuma represents energy and status, Nobu is a global brand, and Takahisa embodies gastronomic purism, then Mimi Kakushi is pure escapism art. People come here not just to eat Japanese cuisine, but to disappear from reality for a few hours.

Verdict: Is Mimi Kakushi worth your evening?

Mimi Kakushi is an "experience restaurant," where food is important but still only part of a grand and beautiful spectacle. It's an investment not so much in dinner itself, but in emotions and memories.

Who it’s perfect for:

For a romantic date that will be remembered for a long time.
For a stylish dinner with friends in an incredibly beautiful setting.
For celebrating a special occasion that demands a wow effect.
For seasoned travelers and "hunters" of unique restaurant concepts.

Who should consider other options:

For a quiet family dinner: subdued lighting, loud music, and an adult atmosphere might prove tiring for young children.
For travelers who count every dirham: Mimi Kakushi is an investment in experience, and attempting to save money here could spoil the entire impression.
For those seeking exclusively traditional Japanese cuisine without any creative reinterpretations.

And if for one evening you’re truly ready to trade Dubai’s futuristic landscapes for the whispers of jazz and the clinking of glasses in 1920s Osaka, know this: your "time machine" is already waiting behind an unassuming door at the Four Seasons. Just don’t forget to book your ticket back in time.