Nobu One Za’abeel, Dubai
A Futuristic Japanese Dining Landmark Arriving in Dubai
Dubai’s dining scene is about to welcome a spectacular new arrival. Later this year, the globally renowned Nobu brand will open its third Dubai location, Nobu One Za’abeel, inside The Link, the world’s longest occupied cantilever, perched high above the city between the dual towers of One Za’abeel. Offering breathtaking skyline views, an immersive entertainment programme, and a design vision that marries traditional Japanese elegance with futuristic innovation, this will be one of the year’s most anticipated restaurant launches.
A Third Chapter for Nobu in Dubai
Nobu’s connection with Dubai began over 15 years ago with the launch of Nobu Dubai at Atlantis The Palm. This restaurant quickly established itself as one of the city’s premier fine-dining destinations and a magnet for celebrity guests, from Kendall Jenner to Ronan Keating. In 2023, the seaside outpost Nobu by the Beach at Atlantis The Royal brought a relaxed, coastal twist to the brand’s celebrated Japanese-Peruvian menu.
Now, Nobu One Za’abeel promises to be an entirely different experience; elevated in both a literal and creative sense, bringing a new dimension to the brand’s presence in Dubai.
Inside The Link: An Architectural and Culinary Icon
Located on the 24th floor of The Link, Nobu’s new home offers a prime position in one of Dubai’s most striking architectural feats. The Link is more than just a skybridge; it is a lifestyle destination, featuring an impressive collection of restaurants, lounges, and experiences suspended between the twin towers of One Za’abeel.
Within this visionary structure, Nobu will join a distinguished line-up that includes La Dame de Pic, Sagetsu, and Tapasake. Its arrival is also a welcome refresh following the recent departure of other venues, making space for a concept that perfectly matches The Link’s ambition and prestige.
Design: Japanese Minimalism Meets Futuristic Dubai
While Nobu is celebrated worldwide for its culinary artistry, the brand’s interiors are equally iconic, and Nobu One Za’abeel will take this signature style into bold new territory.
The restaurant’s design will blend minimalist Japanese aesthetics, featuring clean lines, natural materials, and subtle textures, with futuristic elements that reflect both the modern skyline outside and the architectural innovation of The Link. Floor-to-ceiling windows will frame panoramic views of Dubai, transforming day and night scenes into an integral part of the dining experience.
Inside, guests can expect a sophisticated restaurant layout with intimate private dining rooms, an elegant lounge, and a stylish bar area. The lighting design will play a central role, shifting in tone to complement the restaurant’s immersive entertainment programming.
An Immersive Entertainment Experience
In a first for Nobu’s Dubai portfolio, the One Za’abeel location will feature a dedicated entertainment programme. This will go beyond background music, offering live performances that weave together Japanese cultural references, movement, light, and design in a way that heightens the sensory atmosphere.
This fusion of culinary artistry and performance is set to make Nobu One Za’abeel not just a restaurant, but a destination for memorable evenings that appeal to both Dubai residents and global visitors.
The Cuisine: Nobu’s Signature Japanese-Peruvian Flavours
Of course, no Nobu experience would be complete without its world-famous menu. Guests can expect the brand’s signature Japanese-Peruvian fusion dishes, including the legendary black cod with miso, yellowtail jalapeño, and innovative sushi creations. The One Za’abeel kitchen will also feature seasonal menus and chef’s specials that reflect both the city’s cosmopolitan tastes and Nobu’s creative spirit.
As always, each dish will be presented with the precision and artistry that has made Nobu a household name, from its first location in New York in 1994 to its nearly 60 restaurants worldwide today.
A Global Brand, Perfectly Placed in Dubai’s Luxury Dining Scene
Founded by Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, Robert De Niro, and Meir Teper, Nobu has grown from a single groundbreaking restaurant into an empire that includes restaurants, hotels, and residences. The brand’s Dubai expansion reflects the city’s status as one of the world’s most competitive and creative dining capitals. In this place, culinary concepts are not only judged by taste, but also by their ability to deliver a full lifestyle experience.
With Nobu One Za’abeel, the brand is set to deliver just that: an intersection of gastronomy, design, architecture, and performance in one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
The Opening Ahead
While the exact opening date is yet to be announced, anticipation is already building. Nobu One Za’abeel is expected to become one of the year’s standout dining launches, drawing attention not only from the city’s residents and visitors but also from the global food and design media.
In the meantime, The Fluxx will be following developments closely, from the final touches of the interiors to the reveal of the entertainment lineup, and will share exclusive updates as the launch approaches.
Nobu One Za’abeel is more than a new restaurant; it’s a statement of how design, architecture, cuisine, and performance can come together to redefine what dining in Dubai can be. Elevated high above the city in one of its most ambitious landmarks, it promises an experience that is as visually captivating as it is delicious. When the doors open later this year, it’s certain to set a new benchmark for destination dining in the region.
