When in Dubai, the newly opened SMOKED ROOM by renowned Andalusian chef Dani García is a place you don’t want to miss. Here you indulge in the unique ‘Fire Omakase’ menu and taste the pure flavor of the coals — the most important seasoning in the preparation of every dish.
SMOKED ROOM Dubai opened in 2024 at the St. Regis Gardens at Palm Jumeirah at the back of Leña restaurant, and was awarded its first Michelin star six months after opening.
Dani García is one of Andalusia’s most internationally recognised chefs. Starting his culinary journey at the hospitality school La Cónsula in Malaga and working under the esteemed Martín Berasategui, he has developed a unique style combining Andalusian traditions with techniques and ingredients used in international cooking methods.
As a chef recognized with three Michelin stars, Dani García introduced the innovative Smoked Room concept in Madrid in 2021, which quickly created excitement in the culinary world. Centred around a unique tasting menu called ‘Fire Omakase’ (meaning ‘to trust’ or ‘leave it up to the chef’ in Japanese), it showcases the art of grilling, where smoke and embers play a key role in every dish.
Just six months after opening, the restaurant was awarded two Michelin stars, a remarkable achievement that emphasised the restaurant’s exceptional quality and innovation. This recognition reinforced Dani García‘s reputation as a leading figure in world gastronomy and emphasised his ability to push culinary boundaries while remaining true to his roots.
Continuing his international expansion, Dani has introduced SMOKED ROOM in Dubai. This intimate and dark room with a large semi-circular table seats 14 guests and opens onto a kitchen with an open fire and grill. Just like the Madrid restaurant, the Fire Omakase menu is presented here, which will make you forget everything that happens outside the restaurant — an exciting and engaging experience as the chefs guide guests through the entire menu and detail the creative and technical intricacies of the dishes.
There are two menu options, Kõsei no Hi or Matsuri, but the choice of dishes is largely left to the chef, which is typical of an omakase-style restaurant. Seasonal ingredients are also constantly changing.
The menu is accompanied by a variety of wines, teas or non-alcoholic pairings carefully selected by the restaurant’s sommelier. Whether it’s a special celebration, an intimate or friendly gathering, every event will be truly unforgettable.
During our first acquaintance with SMOKED ROOM Dubai we were presented with a menu of 12 moments including desserts, accompanied by specially selected wines.
The start of the tasting was a bread serving:
-Red miso butter and brioche
Followed up with several cold & warm starters:
-Amaebi from Hokkaido, brown butter and smoked black pepper
-Sturgeon nitro tomato, horseradish cream and caviar
-Sweet corn, smoked leek Vichyssoise and hairy crab
-Dashi tomato waters snow, smoked mackerel and almond
Head Chef of SMOKED ROOM Dubai is a rising star Jesús Lobato, who has quickly gained popularity in the culinary scene. At the age of 32, Jesús was named Young Chef of the Year at the Michelin Guide Dubai 2024 competition. Originally from Seville, Spain, Jesús’ culinary journey began with studies in Madrid and Cordoba, where he honed his skills in top kitchens including El Traga and Grupo Dani Garcia and played a key role in developing new concepts and global expansion. Taking the helm of the SMOKED ROOM Dubai kitchen, he continues to push culinary boundaries, blending innovation with tradition and cementing his place as a future force in global gastronomy.
-Miso soup and king crab
-Charcoaled lobster tail and green peppercorn sauce
-Lobster Itamemono and shio koji
-Dry aged Kinki, seaweed emulsion and Ikura
-French duck Barbary, black mole and corn risotto
The desserts deserve special attention, especially such skilfully executed. Dessert tasting rounds off the meal in a special dessert room hidden behind a sliding door. Here you can relax on soft sofas and discuss your favourite dishes, as well as sample other confectionery.
-Sake and soy ice cream
-Roasted butternut squash, mandarine sorbet, caramelized pumpkin seeds
-Petits fours
Kõsei no Hi menu — 600 AED
Matsuri menu — 950 AED
Wine pairing (A la Carte wine list is also available):
Hachi — 950 AED
Jū ni — 890 AED
Hoshi — 1390 AEDTea pairing Niwa — 350 AED
Lacto fermentation pairing
Hakkō — 450 AED
Smoked Room Dubai
Address: St.Regis Gardens, The Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, UAE
Opening hours: Tuesday – Saturday 18.00 – 02.00
Instagram: @smokedroom.dubai
Text: Marina Timo
Photo courtesy: EATWEEKGUIDE
