How to get into Dubai's most exclusive dinner, with just 12 seats and one Michelin star. Forget for a moment about the tallest skyscrapers and giant malls. Dubai's hardest-to-get dinner isn't held in a flashy luxury palace, but on the rooftop of an unassuming residential building. There are only 12 seats at the chef's counter. No menu. And one Michelin star, awarded to one of the region's youngest chefs. This is Moonrise—a gastronomic theater where, every evening, a performance unfolds exclusively for a select few, blending Middle Eastern traditions with Japanese perfectionism. This article is your backstage pass to Moonrise. We'll share its philosophy, introduce you to dishes you won't forget, and most importantly, provide all the practical tools you need to secure one of those coveted spots at the chef's table.
What Lies Behind Moonrise's Door: Concept and Atmosphere
"I trust you": how the omakase format turns dinner into a performance
The Moonrise experience begins with its very format—it's a chef’s table, accommodating just 12 guests who gather around a single counter at the same time. This approach instantly creates the feeling of a private club or a dinner hosted by a talented chef friend, where there are no random people. The centerpiece of this evening is the Omakase concept, which transforms dining into an exciting interactive experience. You don’t choose dishes from a menu—you place your trust in the chef, who will guide you through a carefully crafted tasting menu, personally presenting each creation and sharing its story.
What is Omakase?: Translated from Japanese, it means 'I entrust it to you.' It’s a gastronomic format without a menu. The guest fully trusts their dinner to the chef, who serves a set of the finest seasonal ingredients, personally introducing each dish.
A stage for flavor: an interior design that creates a cozy cocoon
Moonrise deliberately steers clear of the ostentatious gold often found in many Dubai establishments. Its luxury lies not in glitter, but in sensations. The interior is designed as a cozy cocoon, where nothing distracts from the main focus—flavor. Imagine a combination of cool, coarse-textured marble, warm, velvety-to-the-touch walnut, and delicate, barely perceptible hints of brass. Subdued, multi-layered lighting plays across polished surfaces, creating an enveloping, almost intimate atmosphere. The focal point is a fiery-red bonsai enclosed in a glass cube—a vibrant accent against the dark color palette. Large panoramic windows blur the boundary between the dining area and the nocturnal city, turning the downtown lights into a living backdrop for your meal.
A Story On Your Plate: The Cuisine of Soleiman Haddad
An unexpected fusion of the Middle East and Japan
At the heart of Moonrise is the signature cuisine of chef Soleiman Haddad. Despite his young age, he has already earned recognition from the Michelin Guide, becoming one of the youngest recipients of a star in the region. His culinary style is a bold and harmonious fusion, where familiar childhood flavors from the Middle East take on an entirely new dimension through precise and meticulous Japanese techniques. The menu here is a cohesive, carefully crafted tasting experience consisting of several courses. It is completely updated every 2-2.5 months, ensuring that each visit is unique and offers a genuine gastronomic discovery.
Gastronomic prodigy: Soleiman Haddad is one of the youngest chefs in the region's history to receive a Michelin star. In his dishes, multicultural Dubai can be tasted: familiar Middle Eastern motifs come alive anew thanks to rigorous Japanese techniques.
Menu hits you'll remember forever
The menu here is dynamic and ever-changing, evolving every couple of months, yet certain dishes have already become signature creations of the chef, which guests continue to enthusiastically share with friends long after their visit. For example, his take on the Indian street food Pani puri: instead of the classic spicy water, a delicate sphere bursts on the tongue with the silky, rich texture of foie gras, creating an incredible "wow" flavor effect. Or consider what seems like a simple grilled sandwich, which here transforms into a work of art with gooey cheese and a generous portion of black truffle on perfectly crafted artisan bread. The non-alcoholic accompaniments deserve special mention too: these aren’t just juices, but complex, original cocktails that rival the wine list in quality and taste.
Moonrise on Dubai's gastronomic map: Who is this experience for?
To truly appreciate the uniqueness of Moonrise, it’s worth mentally placing it on Dubai’s gastronomic map alongside giants like Zuma or Nobu. Then the difference becomes clear. While those establishments are bustling, social hubs where life is vibrant and people come to “see and be seen,” Moonrise is an intimate theater for its own audience. Here, guests don’t come for social headlines but for a deep immersion in flavor, for a personal dialogue with the chef. There, you’ll find impeccable yet often formalized service typical of a large brand; here, you get a personalized experience that turns dinner into a genuine event and lasting memory. For the traveler: Moonrise is the perfect spot for a special occasion. It could be a romantic evening, a marriage proposal, a celebration of your anniversary as a couple, or a dinner for a sophisticated solo foodie who wants to focus exclusively on flavor.
Your visit to Moonrise: A practical guide
The main secret: how to book a table
Getting into Moonrise is an undertaking that requires planning. Here’s a clear step-by-step guide: booking slots open precisely on the 1st of each month for the following 45 days. Given the high demand, you’ll need to reserve your spot several weeks in advance, especially if you’re aiming for the weekend. When booking, you’ll be required to pay a deposit of 500 AED per person. It’s important to remember that the cancellation policy is very strict: the deposit is non-refundable if you cancel your visit less than 48 hours in advance.
Attention: plan ahead!: Spontaneously getting into Moonrise is practically impossible. Booking is your only ticket to this gastronomic spectacle. Set a reminder for the 1st of the month and be ready to act fast!
How to get there and what to wear
The restaurant is located on the rooftop of the Eden House residential complex. The easiest and most convenient way to get there is by ordering a taxi or using Uber/Careem services. As for attire, the restaurant has a Smart Casual dress code. Simply put: men should opt for trousers and closed-toe shoes, while ladies should choose an elegant dress, skirt, or a stylish pantsuit. Beachwear, sportswear, shorts, and flip-flops are better left for another occasion. It's also worth keeping a few of the venue's rules in mind:
- Age: Guests over 12 years old are permitted to visit.
- Smoking: Allowed only on the open terrace.
- Pets: Pets are not allowed on the premises or inside the restaurant.
Prices and rules: check before booking
Please note that all information (including the set price of 995 AED, the deposit amount, and the rules) is current as of the time this guide was written. However, the world of fine dining is dynamic: prices, rules, and even menus can change. We strongly recommend verifying all details on the official Moonrise website before planning your visit.
Is it worth it?
The answer is clear: yes. But with one caveat. If you're simply looking for delicious food in a beautiful setting, Dubai offers hundreds of options. However, if you're seeking a true gastronomic adventure, if dinner for you is about theater, emotion, and discovery, then Moonrise will exceed all your expectations. The high price and complicated booking process aren't fees for the food itself, but rather an entrance ticket to a world of exclusive memories. Recognition from the Michelin Guide and its rapid rise in the MENA's 50 Best Restaurants ranking (from 15th to 10th place) only confirm the exceptional quality of this project. In a city obsessed with ostentatious luxury, this small rooftop restaurant offers something far more valuable—authenticity. And that's precisely what makes it a must-have item on any true gourmet's wish list.
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