London’s award-winning restaurant, Zuma, will open in Dubai today at DIFC’s Gate Village, bringing the flavours of the Far East to the Middle East with its acclaimed style of Japanese cuisine.

The brainchild of German chef Rainer Becker, Zuma offers a sophisticated cuisine philosophy inspired by the informal Japanese dining style called Izakaya.

Becker developed the Zuma concept of authentic, but not traditional Japanese cuisine, after returning to London from six years in Tokyo, learning the intricacies of both Japanese food and culture.

“Although Zuma has an established following in London, we see the Dubai restaurant as evolving, just like the city, adapting to changes in the business and social scene. We will continue to offer the quality food and beverages that have become synonymous with the Zuma concept,” said Becker.

In 2002, Becker launched the first Zuma restaurant in London’s Knightsbridge, and its success saw it launch in Hong Kong in 2007, followed by Istanbul in February 2008.

Key to Zuma’s appeal are its two open kitchens, the Sushi Counter with its dedicated sushi chefs and The Robata Grill inspired by the age-old cooking style of northern Japanese fishermen.

Zuma London has won major international awards, including Restaurant of the Year in the UK’s Tatler Restaurant Awards.

Zuma Hong Kong was recently listed as one of the world’s most exciting new restaurants on Condé Nast Traveller’s ‘Hot Tables’. chef Rainer Becker's awards include Harper’s Bazaar and Moët Chef of the Year.-TradeArabia News Service