There are seasonal menus, and then there are culinary experiences that linger in memory long after the last bite. Armani/Hashi’s Sakura Menu—available from 1st to 15th April—firmly belongs to the latter category. This six-course celebration of Japan’s cherry blossom season manages to be both refined and utterly delightful, offering that rare combination of technical excellence and genuine soul that separates good restaurants from great ones.
The Ambience
What makes this experience truly sing is the setting. Dining alfresco as the Burj Khalifa’s fountains dance against the Dubai skyline adds a touch of magic to an already exceptional meal. There’s something rather wonderful about enjoying food this carefully crafted while watching water soar 150 metres into the air – it’s Dubai dining at its most quintessential.
The Menu
The experience begins playfully with Japanese Crispy Tuna, topped with black truffle and caviar and fresh jalape̱o Рa bold opening that immediately captures your attention. The
following Sushi & Sashimi Platter shows the kitchen’s light touch, with fish so fresh it practically melts in your mouth. One of the menu’s quiet stars is the Sakura Ebi Kaki-age. The delicate Kisu Tempura arrives golden and crisp, its featherlight batter giving way to tender fish, all brought together by a beautifully balanced Tendashi Sauce. It’s the sort of dish that reminds you why tempura, when done right, can be so extraordinary. From the robata grill comes a Hokkaido Scallop that’s nothing short of perfection – plump, sweet flesh elevated by a Spicy Shiso
Butter that adds just enough umami to the bite. Then comes the Saroma Wagyu MB 9+ Striploin – the sort of beef that makes you pause mid-bite. Seared to crusty perfection on the teppan, each buttery slice benefits from the bright contrast of Mixed Pickled Vegetables and rich Tare Sauce. It’s a masterclass in balance.
The meal closes with a refreshing Yuzu Granita before the pièce de résistance: a Sakura Cherry Blossom Cake so light it seems to float off the plate, its delicate floral notes lingering like the memory of spring itself.
The Verdict
Armani/Hashi’s Sakura Menu is that rare seasonal offering that feels both fleeting and memorable. From the expertly prepared scallop to that showstopping Wagyu, each course has been considered with care. It’s the sort of meal that reminds you why we go out to eat – not just to be fed, but to be delighted. And with those fountains dancing in the background, you’ll find yourself smiling between bites.
Need to Know
- When: 1st-15th April 2025
- Timings: 6:30pm-11:30pm (book for 7pm to catch the fountain show)
- Price: AED 790 per person
- Booking: armanihotels.com or +971 4 888 3010
