Aya will be the sixth home-grown restaurant by the celebrated chef…

Earlier in the year, What’s On revealed that a new restaurant by celebrated chef, Izu Ani, will replace Galvin Bistrot & Bar in City Walk. Called Aya (which is Japanese for beautiful), the Asian restaurant will be located in The Square, where you’ll also find Lima & Toro + KO and is scheduled to open at the end of October.

Chef Izu created Aya’s bold, flavourful menu by combining traditional Asian dishes with a few international twists, offering dishes such as a mezze of Kunafa wrapped prawns, yuzu kosho, sweet with sour tensuyu and marinated black cod with grapefruit miso, headed up by former Zuma chef, Christopher Blake.

Chef Izu Ani, said: “Dubai has been waiting for a fresh concept that layers traditions and flavours, creating beautifully delicate dishes that guests will not find anywhere else. We wanted to take Asian cuisine to a different level with the most important elements being imbedded deep in the tastes of the menu.”

ALSO READ: Acclaimed chef Izu Ani opens new restaurant at Jumeirah Beach Hotel

“The passion we have behind the concept will present itself in the aromas, interior, staff, food, drinks and atmosphere Aya has to offer,” he added. Aya will be Chef Izu’s sixth home-grown restaurant, joining Greek restaurant Gaia, French eatery Carine, and new healthy Mediterranean concept, FIKA.

The restaurant will have a gorgeous outdoor terrace, where guests can relax and enjoy alfresco lunch and dinner. Throughout the venue, you’ll find botanical Japanese influences, including stunning cherry blossom trees climbing the window frame.

The elaborate menu will also experiment with rolls and buns as well as a Josperyaki with a wagu katsu sando and Aya’s signature bbq sauce. Chef Izu took Tokyo as his inspiration for certain dishes, including the Hokkaido milk bread.

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Images: Supplied