Morimoto is named by the Iron Chef, Masahuro Morimoto, and this place is close to a home run in a lot of aspects; design, food, attention from staff - from a cocktail bar perspective though they have a way to go though, but they're teaming up with the geniuses from Aura Beverages, the team that helped Masti to go from zero to best cocktail bar in Dubai in less than two years, so good things may come to us who wait. If you're here in the meantime, definitely make use of the terrace during the winter months, it's beautiful, and go for a tasting of the cocktail menu before it's changed.
Come here for nights under the stars eating top notch Japanese food, but wait a few months for Adam Carr at Aura Beverages to work his magic with the cocktails.
Atmosphere: 6/8
The place is a virtual feast for the eyes with a strict Japanese theme going through both the dining area as well as the bar. Add to this the terrace with fantastic views over Burj Khalifa and live music most nights, and it's a pity there aren’t more guests.
Cocktails: 5/8
The cocktails follow a somewhat Asian concept with interpretations of the classics, it's good but not great - more love could go into the drinks, and the menu.
Bartenders: 5/8:
A team that seem to wait for someone to take charge - they do a lot of things right, but the final touch seem to be missing.
Ice: 4/8
Small ice cubes melt fast - big ice cubes melt slower. Easy dilution math..
Renaissance Hotel
Marasi Drive
Downtown