The thing about us Millennials is that we’re so adventurous, tech savvy and frank that it impacts our food choices in some way.

How so you may ask? Well, we always have the urge to try something new and because we’re so clued on about what’s happening around us, it doesn’t take us too long to figure out when a brand has set foot in the city. 

That’s exactly what happened when Japanese hotspot Katana opened its doors here last December. We heard, we tried and we kept coming back. A celeb-fave in Los Angeles, it’s our fave hangout while shopping at The Dubai Mall for reasons more than one. And since we’re the frank sorts, you can take our word for it.

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1. The dining experience begins at a prime location

Located close to The Address Downtown roundabout, from Katana you see the Burj Khalifa and the lake. Can you get tired of such views? Nope, and definitely not when you have a camera.

2. Forget everything and focus on the food

While most people will tell you a great dining experience is dependant on several factors other than the food, we disagree! Just this one time though. The food here steals the show (to the point where nothing else matters).

3. Its Robatayaki game is on point

Think skewers of Chilean Seabass and A5 Wagyu Beef slow-grilled over hot Bincho Tan charcoal. The result: juicy skewers that words can’t do justice. It’s pretty much known as Japanese comfort food – things you want when breezy days are around the corner (hint: Dubai’s winter).

4. They’re all for the sharing concept

Catch-ups (whether with a partner or with your mates) are incomplete if there aren’t plates and platters to share. Thankfully, you won’t have that issue here. Your options include popcorn rock shrimp, tuna carpaccio with arugula and parmesan cheese and even yellowtail sashimi with diced chilies.

5. The beverages leave you spoiled for choice too

If you can’t take your pick from a list of over 14 labels of sake, don’t you worry as the cocktails will come to your rescue. Sip on exotic ones made with premium seasonal ingredients and fresh-squeezed juices (yep, not that nasty carton and canned stuff). Cheers to that!

6. This is the place to be if you’re a fan of sushi

The sushi bar serves snow crab to salmon and octopus to tuna sushi and sashimi. If that doesn’t tickle your fancy then go for the sushi rolls. The ones worthy of mention include Ebi Jalapeno (popcorn shrimp tempura with jalapeno), the Baked Lobster, avocado and asparagus with soy paper and Katana (yellowtail, tuna atop spicy tuna and shrimp tempura).

7. Bring in the weekend with bubbles

Say “whatever” to your worries and celebrate Wednesdays with Katana’s perfect pre-weekender (not just for the ladies) – “The Bubbles, Bites, Beats” night – with bubbles glasses starting at AED 20 each and bottles at great prices, plus a cool 25% off your food bill. 

8. Give in to the Friday ritual

On Friday, say hello to the ultimate social experience with Japanese tapas-style dishes brought to your table at the Red Sun brunch priced at AED 295 (soft drinks), AED 395 (house beverages), AED 495 (bubbles). And there’s a live DJ spinning uptempo LA beats.

9. The interiors are apt for Instagram

The handmade graphics on the walls and chandeliers make a pretty backdrop for pictures. And just in case you decide to take a selfie in the bathroom, we assure you it will be just as good (pssst…they have beautiful graphics on the walls in there too).