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ALBA Restaurant Downtown Dubai Unveils New Japanese Menu: Wagyu, Robata & More

ALBA, in Downtown Dubai, introduces a striking new Japanese menu by Chef Vladimir Chistyakov, featuring premium wagyu, robata-grilled dishes, inventive maki, and unique desserts.
ALBA, in Downtown Dubai, introduces a striking new Japanese menu by Chef Vladimir Chistyakov, featuring premium wagyu, robata-grilled dishes, inventive maki, and unique desserts.

Dubai, UAE: ALBA, the acclaimed homegrown fine-dining destination in Downtown Dubai, has unveiled a striking new menu. It celebrates Japanese cooking with a bold focus on fire, flavour, and finesse. Led by Group Executive Chef Vladimir Chistyakov, the new menu champions premium wagyu and robata-grilled dishes. It offers diners a rich, umami-forward journey through modern Japanese-fusion cuisine.

From Maki to Wagyu

Known for its immersive interiors and vibrant energy, ALBA continues to push culinary boundaries. It features a refreshed selection of inventive maki rolls and a robust grill offering. Starters include a delicate range of maki such as Salmon Avo, Prawn Tempura, King Crab, Unagi, Negi Toro, Ebi, Tuna, and the vibrant Rainbow Roll. Each roll balances freshness and texture.

Premium wagyu takes centre stage in several new dishes. The Wagyu Roll features aburi wagyu striploin glazed in galbi sauce, layered with Mexican avocado, Oscietra caviar, truffle mayo, and truffle oil. The Wagyu Yakinuki offers a soul-warming bowl of marinated striploin over Japanese rice with mushroom steak and spring onion. For an indulgent experience, the Wagyu Katsu presents a deep-fried A5 cutlet topped with perilla and served with truffle mayo and steak sauce. Grilled mains expand the offering with the A5 Wagyu Ribeye, finished over robata with ancho chili and miso no tare, and the decadent Fillet Mignon, served with sautéed mushrooms, shaved truffle, and perilla oil.

Hearty Donburi rice bowls also join the mains. The Beef Katsu Curry layers panko-fried Black Onyx tenderloin over steamed rice with rich Japanese curry. The Chicken Teriyaki features chargrilled thigh with ume goma and furikake. A vegetarian Mushroom Tofu Bowl pairs crispy tofu with sautéed mushrooms and rice.

Seafood dishes include Robata Grilled Seabass served over kale, Uzbek tomato, avocado, and chili garlic. The deeply flavoured Unagi Bowl presents grilled eel with nori, ume goma, and sancho pepper. The Grilled Tiger Prawn finishes with Cajun seasoning, coriander, and oba leaf. For noodle enthusiasts, the Truffle Mushroom Noodles come with shiitake mushrooms, galbi sauce, chili garlic, and a generous drizzle of truffle oil. The menu also introduces Kohitsuji Yaki, a showstopping lamb rack glazed in ancho chili and served with asparagus, wafu dressing, and teriyaki.

ALBA, in Downtown Dubai, introduces a striking new Japanese menu by Chef Vladimir Chistyakov, featuring premium wagyu, robata-grilled dishes, inventive maki, and unique desserts.

Kakigori and Curated Sips

To finish, the dessert menu features Kakigori, a traditional Japanese shaved ice dessert rarely seen in Dubai. Light and refreshing, flavours include Tropical Breeze (mango and coconut cream), Matcha Garden (matcha, watermelon, and strawberry), and Caramel Mist (dulce de leche and crumble).

ALBA’s award-winning beverage programme continues to impress. It recently received recognition from World of Fine Wine for offering the best sake and wine lists in the MENA region. Guests explore a carefully curated selection of global wines, rare and expressive sake, handcrafted cocktails inspired by Asian flora and folklore, and an aromatic range of Japanese teas. Personalised tasting flights and pairing recommendations enhance the dining experience.

The ALBA Experience

ALBA offers a multi-sensory experience where design, flavour, and storytelling converge. Located in the heart of Downtown Dubai, just steps from the Opera, it provides an atmosphere of thoughtful elegance. Guests can come for a curated dinner or the poetic ‘Yūgure’ Afternoon Tea. This tea features a selection of sweet and savoury bites inspired by the colours and tranquillity of a Japanese sunset. For those seeking an after-hours escape, speakeasy-style Himitsu Bar awaits just steps away. This hidden cocktail lounge offers curated drinks through its playful menu and late-night elegance.
ALBA Restaurant operates Monday to Friday from 4:00 PM to 1:00 AM, and Saturday to Sunday from 12:00 PM to 1:00 AM.

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