Akabeko Review: This yakiniku experience ignites Dubai’s dining scene 

Located on Palm West Beach, the restaurant serves Japanese A5 Wagyu meat.

Akabeko is ready to set Dubai’s dining scene alight. The restaurant is home to the city’s first yakiniku experience with Japanese A5 Wagyu meat. Diners can sit at a table with a grill and watch, smell and drool as meats and vegetables are freshly cooked before them. A smouldering, sensory experience awaits. 

Located in voco Dubai The Palm on Palm West Beach, Akabeko prides itself on offering authentic Japanese flavours. Head Chef Yosuke Matusoka has worked across the world, and brings with him 30 years of experience. In Japanese, the name means red cow and refers to a legendary animal in the Aizu region. The legend inspired a popular children’s toy, and the cow makes up the brand’s logo.

Akabeko is located behind a discreet door, and it wouldn’t look out of place in Japan. The long brown banquettes are great for groups, but the design is on the muted, minimalist side. The layout lets the food do the talking, and boasts an open kitchen so you can watch the chefs at work. By day, it is filled with lots of light, thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows. By night, it is a sultry spot with red-hot hues and dim lighting. 

On our visit, Akabeko was quiet during the day, but the Japanese soundtrack added to the setting. The staff were polite and professional, and knowledgeable about the menu. The main menu spans appetisers, sushi, Japanese A5 Wagyu, yakiniku sets, vegetables, signature dishes, soups and desserts. We opted for the Signature Tasting Menu, which showcases the popular dishes. While there are vegetarian options, this is a meat lover’s paradise. 

The nose-to-tail concept offers a sustainable approach to cooking, and means that as much as possible of the animal is consumed. The appetisers included the texture-tastic Wagyu Gyoza with its crispy cocoon and moorish meat. The Wagyu Tartare showcased the premium meat, which was oh-so soft and topped with soy marinated yolk. 

The mains were where the experience came to Insta-worthy life. The state-of-the-art smokeless grills, imported from Japan, create a smoke—and grease-free environment. The skilled chefs take charge of the grill, meaning you can sit back and snap your supper.  

The highlight was the Moriawase Go with five cuts including two prime cuts, which were gloriously grilled at the table. Seasoned spectacularly, the dishes were accompanied by kimchi and namul. Plus, the Ya-Kinoko vegetables included fresh and flavourful mushroom, rocket and spinach.

The desserts included Japanese fruits, ice cream and sorbet, from truffle to yuzu flavours. The Raindrop Cake, which is a jelly-inspired dessert with fresh fruit perfectly placed inside, tasted on the watery side and didn’t hit our sweet spot. Nobody comes to a yakiniku experience for its desserts, though, so save room for more meat. 

In Dubai’s dining scene, it can often feel like concepts are trying to cater to everyone. It’s refreshing to see a restaurant own its niche, and cook premium meats to perfection. So, if you’re after a sizzling night out, choose Akabeko.

GO: Visit https://akabeko.ae for more information.