Fans of trendy Japanese cuisine can now rejoice - restaurants are opening in Dubai, not inferior to London's Zuma and Sake no Hana. Sydney's Toko brand has also joined these popular venues by opening a restaurant at Vida Downtown in Dubai. As the company manager explained to us, the concept of Toko is based on the idea of Japanese Izakai eateries, where you can sit after work, eat and drink. You probably saw places like Toko in the cinema - a modern minimalistic design, the warmth of natural wood, a cozy bar counter and a view of the busy kitchen behind the distribution line. Outside there is an open-air dining area, which with its serenity and tranquility resembles a real Japanese rock garden - everything is surrounded by greenery and murmuring streams, and in the heat you can hide under a beautiful silk canopy. In the evenings, Toko becomes extremely lively - a lot of different and interesting people come here. The menu has high Japanese cuisine, and unusual international dishes, and national Australian delicacies that are rarely seen in Dubai restaurants. Toko is a great cook, excellent service awaits you, and the restaurant itself is extremely "atmospheric" and is in serious competition with expensive Japanese establishments in Dubai.
Location: Vida Downtown Dubai Hotel, Dubai
Tel .: 04 442 8383
Cuisine: Japanese
Average bill: from 500 dirhams
Caramel restaurant & lounge 
The future of the capital’s cultural center is confidently predicted for Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi, and so far it attracts not only lovers of first-class beaches, but true gourmets. One of the highlights of the island is Caramel Restaurant & Lounge, the second in a row in the Emirates (the first opened in Dubai at the DIFC). When you first go to a restaurant, you are enveloped in yellow neon, a seductive twilight and the warmth of a dark tree, recalling the sweetness of real caramel. Over the weekend, Caramel turns into a lounge bar, where guests relax to the sets of the best DJs in the city. However, those who just want to have dinner can still do it - Caramel has a separate quiet and comfortable dining area, as well as an al fresco area in the green garden. The menu offers a wide variety of dishes in the now fashionable miniature bar serving and, of course, traditional hot dishes. The restaurant is famous for its meat delicacies. You should definitely try the Tomahawk Rib Yea signature steak, which literally melts in your mouth. A good side dish is mashed crab. As a result, Caramel is a bizarre mix of fine dining and a great bar, and I must say that the creators succeeded in realizing this cunning combination. Everything here is conceived and executed smartly and tastefully.
Location: Hotel St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island
Tel .: 02 678 3344
Average bill: from 400 dirhams
Gq bar
Recently opened in Dubai, the GQ Bar is rapidly gaining popularity. Everything has been done here to maintain the brand status and create the atmosphere of a high society salon - restrained elegant style, strict "gentlemanly" atmosphere. Vintage sofas, fashionable armchairs and a talented game with lighting create an atmosphere that is both chic and homely. Posters of world celebrities are hanging on the walls, not letting you forget that this bar is the brainchild of a popular magazine. By the way, the opening of a bar in Dubai is the brand’s third entry into the international market after Moscow and Istanbul. In Dubai, the GQ Bar is ambitiously located in the tallest hotel in the world and blends in perfectly with the metropolis (although it could also fit into Manhattan and London Canary Wharf). On the second floor there is a spacious hall for large companies, in the lounge area (attention!) There is a huge fireplace, which is absolutely rare for the Emirates. In September, an open terrace began to work, where you can smoke a hookah. The best days to visit are Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, when DJs play sensual and energetic rhythms. In conclusion, we note that the GQ in Dubai is more George Clooney than Liam Gallagher, and you are unlikely to meet Mr. Clooney in a provincial bar at the pool table.
Location: JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Highway, Dubai
Tel .: 04 440 9300
Average bill: from 300 dirhams
