The Space
The first thing I noticed was how open and inviting the restaurant feels. There’s a lot of light wood, clean lines and plenty of space between tables. They’ve clearly thought about families as well, there’s a kids’ menu and even a small play garden tucked in the corner. It makes the restaurant approachable without losing the Japanese minimalism.
The Food
Hands down, the star of the show is the ramen. Naturally, it was the first thing I ordered. I went for the shoyu ramen, Executive Chef Atsushi Yamamoto’s signature. The broth combines soy and clam tare with chicken stock, finished with black truffle and porcini oil. It’s rich without being heavy and every element works together beautifully.
From there, I tried a spread of small plates. The prawn and chicken spring rolls were a standout. Crisp, light and honestly, the best I’ve had in Dubai or maybe ever.
The tuna tataki was another highlight, lightly seared and topped with yuzu and tobiko, served in a creamy ginger ponzu that gave it just the right kick. The smoked butter corn, brushed with miso butter and grilled until smoky, was simple yet oh so addictive. The prawn tempura came out golden and crisp with a light soy dip. I also loved the king oyster mushroom skewers in teriyaki and shiso butter. They had so much depth they could’ve been a main course on their own.
To finish, I had some organic Japanese green tea, a perfect way to cut through the richness of the meal and end on a light, clean note.
The Verdict
What I liked most is that the new Palm Jumeirah branch doesn’t feel like a copy of the Mall of the Emirates outlet. It has its own character, more relaxed and family-friendly, while keeping the focus on well-executed food. The ramen lives up to its reputation and the small plates show the menu is stellar across the board.
Overall, my visit to the new Konjiki at Palm Jumeirah Mall was a total success. If you’re on the Palm, this is an easy choice. If you’re not, it’s worth making the trip.
