This is Dubai. There’s always somewhere new, somewhere hot, somewhere where anyone who’s anyone must be seen dah-ling… 

Less often though, we come across a new hotspot which has more to it than just a name. Substance. These spots will stand the test of time and as well as being amazing settings to jazz up your Insta, they’re also really enjoyable places to spend some time.

Aji (pronounced A-H-I), on the Palm, is one such venue. 

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It’s a new Japanese restaurant – you’ll see people using the hashtag #TheNikkeiEffect on Instagram, and that’s not a reference to the stock market just FYI more the cuisine. 

It’s got substance to match the stunning setting

Aji is set in the Palm’s new (and gorgeous) beachfront dining venue, Club Vista Mare. Go in the day and you’ll be able to lose yourself in the sweeping shore views. At night, it comes alive and there’s a buzz that we haven’t quite felt anywhere else.

The complex is home to a variety of international restaurants – You’ve got Italian, Ethiopian and Arabic. Aji goes ones further though, mixing Peruvian and Japanese cuisine, known as Nikkei.  

The actual restaurant is beautiful. The contrasting interior touches, we’re talking Peruvian graffiti-like artwork next to crystal chandeliers, make Aji glamorous but not pretentious. There’s a balance which makes it feel fancy, in true Dubai style, but accessible and somewhere you’d actually want to hang out… regularly. 

It’s got a bit of attitude…

Impress visitors, go on a date or just wind down after work…

By day, Aji is the perfect spot to take a guest who you want to impress for lunch. It’s another one to add to the list for when visitors come to town, and it’s perfect for when you fancy winding down after work. 

By night, the whole complex transforms.The lights come on and it’s just a really great place to hang out with your favourite people. 

The single most important reason why you need to visit Aji is the food… 

We saved the best until last. The food is amazing, it’s something a little different. Check out their Instagram page for food inspo. We loved the ceviche, seabass and prawn tempura. 

*drools*

You need to go to Club Vista Mare on the palm, a new strip of restaurants 

It’s open from 12 noon to midnight. It’ll cost around AED 500 for two people with alcohol. Call 04 552 0244 for reservations.