Cuisine Style: Japanese with a Korean kick
Vibe: Ultra-slick, neon-lit, and a bit dramatic (in the best way)
Price Range: £££
Star of the Show: Cow-Wow Roll
How Japanese Is It?: Fusion-forward with Japanese technique at the core
Zenith Says: Come hungry. Leave smug. Tell no one. (Actually, tell everyone.)
Tasting Japan: Where the Sushi’s Flashy and the Ribeye Wears a Tux
If traditional Japanese cuisine is a quiet tea ceremony, then Akira Back is the afterparty.
You don’t stumble into Akira Back – you arrive. From the moment you ascend the moody corridor inside W Dubai – The Palm, you’re stepping into the world of a Michelin-starred chef who blends Japanese precision with Korean heat, all wrapped in a slick, neon glow. At Akira Back, dining is performance, indulgence, and attitude served in equal measure.
Atmosphere & Setting
Think Tokyo after dark meets cyberpunk cocktail bar. Sleek woods, glowing accents, dramatic lightplay, and a playlist that keeps the energy high without shouting over the food. It’s bold without being brash. There’s a strong “Dubai after hours” crowd-stylish couples, small groups, and the occasional celebrity slipping into a corner booth. The open kitchen hums quietly in the background.
Let’s Talk Food
We kicked off with the AB Wagyu Tacos, which are basically posh nachos from another universe. Crisp, delicate shells cradling beef so tender it practically winked at us. The spice? Just enough to remind you who’s boss.
The Scallops on the Half Shell arrived like little oceanic love letters. Subtle, sweet, melt-in-your-mouth gorgeous.
Next: Lamb Chops. Sticky, smoky, finger-licking good. Not traditionally Japanese, but they slapped hard (in both the millennial and culinary sense).
And then, the main event: the Kiwami Ribeye 9+, which sounds like a video game upgrade but is actually a dangerously marbled piece of cow heaven. We indulged. We gasped. We swooned.
THE STAR OF THE SHOW: Then came the Cow-Wow Roll, and wow indeed. Seared beef, truffle oil, perfectly balanced rice—this isn’t sushi, it’s a headliner.
The sides weren’t just sides:
- Brussels Sprouts: caramelised with a sweet chilli edge.
- Potato Purée: smooth yet delicious.
- Creamy Spinach Salad: unexpectedly zesty.
Authenticity vs Innovation
This is not Kyoto. It’s not trying to be. Akira Back dials up the flair and ditches the formality, blending Japanese foundations with Korean fire and a bit of LA gloss. The flavours stay rooted in technique, but the presentation and bold seasoning feel perfectly tuned for Dubai’s global, high-energy palate. In other words: fun, polished, and entirely its own thing.
Service & Experience
Service is slick and confident. The staff know the menu back-to-front and aren’t shy about steering you toward their favourites. The pacing is smooth, the presentation is theatrical without being fussy, and the energy is warm but elevated. No chef table theatrics on our visit, but the open kitchen gives you a clear view of the action. They’re working fast, but never rushed.
The Verdict
Akira Back isn’t trying to be your Japanese grandmother’s kitchen—and thank goodness. It’s sleek, it’s bold, it’s cheeky, and every dish feels like it knows it’s hot. This is fusion that works: part Tokyo, part Seoul, all Dubai.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐☆☆
