Tucked into the heart of DIFC’s art-drenched, skyline-wrapped dining scene, CLAP Dubai has a menu full of standout dishes, but if you’re the kind of diner who likes to skip the decision-making and be surprised, their Omakase experience is where the real magic happens.
Rooted in the Japanese tradition of “I’ll leave it up to you,” Omakase at CLAP hands over complete control to the chefs. No menus, no requests, just a seat at the table and a curated, multi-course menu built around what’s signature to the kitchen. I didn’t expect to love giving up that much control, but it was one of the most enjoyable ways I’ve eaten.
The first course was simple: edamame with sea salt. It’s a classic, yes, but a good way to ease into what comes next
Then came the crispy rice with avocado. This is a dish you’ll find on plenty of menus, but CLAP’s version nails the texture. Crunchy base, smooth, silky avocado topping, and just the right amount of heat.
A solid start, followed by the crispy shiitake salad, which surprised me. I wasn’t expecting to enjoy as much as I did. The mushrooms were fried to a crisp, and the whole thing was light without being boring. Definitely not your average “starter salad” situation.
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Next up: sea bass nigiri and corn shrimp tempura. One clean and classic, the other crunchy and playful. Together, they made an excellent midpoint, light and well-balanced.
Also worth mentioning is the view. You’re eating this with downtown Dubai spread out below and the Museum of the Future glowing in the distance. Even midweek, the place was absolutely buzzing. Low lighting, good energy, and the kind of view that makes the whole thing feel like a proper night out.
Then came the CLAP Tender Chicken, and the name doesn’t lie. It was glazed with miso, paired with umami barley, and served with yuzu daikon for a sharp, citrusy bite. This was one of those dishes that feels low-key on the plate but delivers big once you dig in. On the side: broccolini with garlic chips and shoyu, which deserved a spotlight of its own..
I’ve never been a fan of matcha. I’ve tried it enough times to be sure, the lattes, the desserts, the hype, it just never landed but CLAP’s Basque matcha cheesecake genuinely changed that. Smooth, slightly bitter, and balanced with a sharp berry coulis, it was easily the crowning jewel of the night. If I could return for just one thing, it would be this.
They followed it up with matcha mochi ice cream and a warm matcha latte, and for someone who usually avoids anything green and grassy, I didn’t mind at all. That cheesecake might have just converted me.
CLAP’s Omakase is polished without being performative. The courses are thoughtful, the pacing is spot-on, and the experience feels like it was built for people who genuinely enjoy good food.
The space itself adds to the ease of it all: a grand entrance that sets the tone, a terrace with skyline views perfect for cooler evenings, and a lively DJ who keeps the energy right where it needs to be. It’s an elevated experience without trying too hard, a genuinely well-executed dining experience that will satisfy you from start to finish.
