Set high above Palm Jumeirah on the 51st floor of The St. Regis Dubai, SUSHISAMBA Dubai brings its signature blend of Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian influences to one of the city’s most distinctive dining rooms. Known for colourful plates, robata cooking and an unmistakably energetic atmosphere, the concept is as much about the setting and experience as what lands on the table. In Dubai, floor-to-ceiling windows and panoramic views add another dimension to the mix.
For dinner, the atmosphere inside easily holds its own against the views. Greenery runs throughout the space, complemented by moody lamps, warm lighting and inviting seating. Upbeat music fills the room, while the expansive dining room still manages to feel surprisingly intimate after dark.
Sharing plates start things strong
The menu is extensive, but sharing is the best way to experience SUSHISAMBA’s mix of culinary influences. The Japanese A5 Wagyu Gyoza was an immediate favourite, with a soft, juicy filling and plenty of savoury depth. It is the kind of sharing plate that makes reaching for another piece an easy decision.
The crispy taquitos followed, and we tried both the wagyu and chicken. The crisp shells give way to generous fillings, with the wagyu edging slightly ahead for its richer flavour. Both are worth trying at SUSHISAMBA Dubai, particularly with a few people around the table to share.
Then came The Royal, one of the more indulgent choices from the sushi menu. Japanese A5 wagyu is layered with oyster mushroom, caviar, avocado, BBQ miso and crispy garlic, but it was the smoky, glazed character of the wagyu that stood out most. Rich and savoury with plenty happening in each bite, it is a roll that lives up to its name.
When the grill takes over
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The black cod arrived beneath a glossy miso glaze, caramelised around the edges with soft fish underneath. Sweet and savoury, the glaze was the star here, giving the cod plenty of depth and making it particularly good alongside rice.
The wagyu ribeye kept things comparatively simple. Sliced and served with marinated onion, it was tender, flavourful and particularly satisfying with rice, the kind of combination that does not need much embellishment to work.
Surprisingly, the chargrilled broccolini also earned its place among the highlights. Served with sesame ponzu and chilli garlic, it carried a noticeable smokiness from the grill. Even if broccoli is not usually the first thing you would order, this one might convince you otherwise.
The pacing of the service at SUSHISAMBA Dubai, with noticeable waits between courses. The atmosphere, however, kept the evening moving. As the evening unfolded, the music grew livelier and dancers moved through the restaurant, adding another layer of energy to the experience.
Three very different sweet endings
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The Manjari chocolate fondant makes no attempt to hold back. Served with hazelnut ice cream, it is intensely chocolatey and unapologetically rich. This is very much a dessert for those who believe there is no such thing as too much chocolate.
The Japanese doughnut andagi continues down the sweeter route, paired with black sesame ice cream, raspberry and mango purée. The sesame ice cream is the more intriguing element, with a distinctive, nutty flavour that might be right up your alley or not quite your thing. Either way, it is worth a spoonful to find out.
The caramelised baby pineapple brings things back into balance. Coconut crème brûlée adds richness while the sorbet keeps it fresh, with the pineapple bringing just enough acidity to cut through the sweetness. Of the three, this was the standout, bright, balanced and the one that could easily leave you wanting more.
From daylight to after dark
There are two ways to experience SUSHISAMBA Dubai. By day, its 51st-floor setting puts the panoramic views of Palm Jumeirah firmly in focus. After dark, the mood shifts. The greenery, low lighting and bold interiors take over, while upbeat music and live entertainment bring another energy to the space.
Whichever time you choose, the menu is made for sharing. Come hungry, order across the menu and save room for the pineapple, a refreshing finish after an evening of richer flavours.
Quick summary – SUSHISAMBA Dubai
- Location: 51st floor of The St. Regis Dubai, The Palm, overlooking Palm Jumeirah
- Cuisine: Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian flavours with sushi, robata and sharing plates
- Atmosphere: Moody, greenery-filled interiors with upbeat music and live entertainment
- Standout dishes: Japanese A5 Wagyu Gyoza, The Royal with wagyu and caviar
- Dessert: Caramelised pineapple with coconut crème brûlée and sorbet
- Drinks: Tropical, fruit-forward creations, including the tangy Guanabana Colada
- Here for the view? Dubai’s summer humidity can create a haze after dark, sometimes obscuring the panorama from the 51st floor. If the views are high on your list, consider visiting during daylight or around sunset in the summer months.
