Juyi review: Food takes centre stage at Business Bay restaurant meets nightclub

Dubai’s dining scene boasts myriad incredible venues, from the rustic charm of the emirate’s traditional cuisine to ultra-fine dining offered by some of the world's most recognisable hotel brands.

This thriving metropolis has a breathtaking portfolio of nightlife spots to thrill and dazzle in equal measure. From classic beachfront party locations to the elegance of Dubai Opera, it’s no cliche to say there’s something for everyone here.

But a new location is trying to break the mould: Juyi Restaurant & Lounge, which blends the dinner, nightclub and live show experience into one.

Where to sit, what to expect

Juyi can be found in Business Bay’s Paramount Hotel which, if you consider yourself a fan of the silver screen, should be on your must-visit list.

Setting out to bring the “true Hollywood way of life” to the UAE, it is steeped in film memorabilia, making the hotel well worth a little explore before heading to Juyi. There's even a cinema-themed cafe with a red-carpet entrance that's perfect for a quick selfie.

But I digress. The main event of the evening is undeniably the restaurant, located on the hotel’s ground floor.

On arrival at Juyi, you instantly know this is a dining spot with a difference. The interior is dark, the decor is a combination of black and red, and there is a huge stage area with a big screen to boot.

It feels more like a nightclub than a restaurant initially but, once my dining partner and I are shown to our table, it becomes apparent that this place ticks the dining box equally well.

The menu

We’re struck by how caring and attentive the staff are as our host, Firas, takes the time to explain the restaurant’s philosophy.

Cuisine at Juyi, he says, resolves around balance and harmony with dishes intended to be as visually appealing as they are delicious.

Impressed, we go with some of Firas’ recommendations and share servings of miso soup, a salmon and avocado salad and a seaweed salad for our starters.

These are brought out at different times, giving the restaurant a fun, tapas-style feel. The soup is a wonderful, earthy way to start proceedings and I find myself fighting with my dining partner over the last bit of salmon and avocado – always a good sign.

Next up, we’re served a sushi platter with the California crab the undisputed highlight for us both, with me missing out on the last bite this time. The quality of the crabmeat is sublime; it’s so fresh, and works effortlessly with the avocado. A must-order.

For mains, the yaki black cod doesn’t disappoint. Served with parsley and tomato, it’s a light and sophisticated dish.

By this point there’s a live musician on stage, and my dining partner and I are fully immersed in the experience, but that doesn’t put us off the dessert menu.

We both go for the New York cheesecake. A crowd-pleaser, admittedly, but it does the job perfectly and we’re left with that unusual sense of being totally satisfied with a meal but still having the energy to enjoy the evening of live music ahead.

A menu, then, that suits a venue like Juyi because your night is far from over once dinner’s out of the way.

A chat with the chef

Juyi’s menu is the brainchild of executive chef Xu Zhang. Originally from China, he trained in Japan as a teenager after starting his culinary journey at a relative’s restaurant.

“I’m honoured to have the opportunity to share the flavours of Japan in Dubai,” he says as he proudly reveals that 2024 is his 22nd year as a chef.

“Throughout my career, I've aimed to blend tradition and innovation in my menus, and I'm excited to continue doing so in this vibrant setting.”

He doesn’t hesitate when selecting his favourite ingredient to cook with, picking out yuzu – a fragrant citrus fruit that adds zest to dishes. “I've incorporated it into our menu in several ways, from the marinade for our sashimi to the dressing for our salads,” chef Xu says. “It provides a bright, refreshing flavour that complements both sweet and savoury dishes.”

His cooking style is part of the essence of Juyi: a blend of traditional Japanese techniques with a modern twist. “I value precision, attention to detail and the use of high-quality ingredients,” he says.

“While I respect the traditional foundations and natural taste of the ingredients, I also enjoy experimenting with new flavours and presentation styles to keep things interesting.”

For vegetarians dining at Juyi, he recommends the sushi roll of crunchy cucumber while he says the Wagyu beef A5+ is unmissable for meat-lovers as he promises to “sear it to perfection”.

He describes the assorted sashimi platter as a “must-try” for seafood fans because it features “the freshest catches of the day and the airspeed same-day delivery of fresh Japanese tastes”.

And for dessert lovers, he says the matcha cheesecake is a “delightful fusion of New York and Japanese flavours”.

Price point and contact information

Starters range from Dh38 to Dh168, mains are Dh128 to Dh1,120, while desserts are Dh41 to Dh58.

Juyi is open daily from 6pm to 3am. Reservations can be made by calling 04 267 7888 or at www.juyidubai.com.

This review was conducted at the invitation of the restaurant