| Anna Jasper
What Makes Zuma Restaurants A Global Phenomenon?
Is it any wonder that Zuma restaurants are so near and dear to our hearts? For the uninitiated, Zuma is the restaurant concept of Harpers & Moet Chef of the Year, Rainer Becker and self-made business tycoon Arjun Waney. First debuting in London nearly 20 years ago, Zuma married updated Japanese cuisine with fine dining atmosphere. Zuma has grown to 20 breathtaking locations in some of the world’s most prodigious cities. Their fine dining environment has evolved into a seductively chic ambience that balances elegance and contemporary appeal - much like their menu.
Zuma is a hallmark of quality anywhere in the world, but each location offers its own distinct experience. Below is a list of the best Zuma locations we’ve visited.
1. Zuma Restaurant Dubai
If you're looking for a delicious and fun dining experience, you'll want to check out Zuma Restaurant Dubai. Located in the heart of Dubai's Financial District, Zuma offers a modern Japanese dining experience that is perfect for groups or couples. It is perhaps our favourite view of the city, with a stunning view of the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai skyline.
The menu features a wide variety of elevated Japanese dishes; some of our favs are the piri karai edamame, crab salad, avocado, mizuna and sesame dressing and thinly sliced seabass with yuzu, truffle oil and salmon roe. And for those looking for a little bit of fun, the restaurant also offers a sake bomb challenge, where you can try to chug a sake bomb in one minute or less. We had a great time celebrating Lucy's 40th birthday at Zuma Dubai, where we were largely unsuccessful in our Sake Bomb Challenges; maybe next time!
What To Wear To Zuma Dubai
What you wear to Zuma Dubai really depends on the time you go. If you’re grabbing a bite for lunch, head over in anything that works beach to bar, but in the evening, you’ll feel most comfortable in a slinky little dress. I wore the Nimah Dress by Flook The Label. The crochet style, in combination with open sides and a plunging v-neck, was the perfect dress for the occasion.
Location: Gate Village 06 DIFC, Dubai
Operating Hours
Restaurant and Lounge
Lunch
Monday to Friday: 12 pm-3.30 pm
Saturday: 1.30 pm-4 pm
Sunday: 12 pm-4 pm
Weekend Brunch
Saturday: 12.30 pm-3.30 pm
Dinner
Sunday to Wednesday: 7 pm-12 am
Thursday to Saturday: 7 pm-1 am
Bar
Monday to Sunday: 12 pm-2 am
2. Zuma London
Of course, we had to experience where it all began, Zuma London. Located in the posh borough of Knightsbridge, bordering Hyde Park, Zuma London provides the perfect setting for all events. We had the honours of enjoying a private dinner at the premises and a chance to sample their wide seafood collection. Another thing that caught my eye at this Zuma restaurant is the robata grill that offers visitors a glimpse of the kitchen goings-on.
What To Wear To Zuma London
The vibe at the original Zuma is much less beachy than other locations on our list, so I opted for something a bit more formal. The Cosette Mini Dress by Cleobella is crafted from 100% Organic cotton and has a ton of visual interest through a one-shoulder design with floral brocade embroidery on a multi-tier silhouette.
Location: 5 Raphael Street, Knightsbridge, London SW7 1DL
Operating Hours
Monday to Friday: 12 pm-3 pm, 6 pm-11 pm
Saturday: 12 pm-3.30 pm, 6 pm-11 pm
Sunday & BH: 12 pm-3.30 pm, 6 pm-10.30 pm
3. Zuma Bodrum
If you're looking for a delicious seafood meal in a stunning setting, look no further than Zuma Restaurant in Bodrum, Turkey. The restaurant is right on the water, in the famous Yalikavak Marina, so that you can enjoy stunning views of the Aegean Sea whilst you dine on the pinnacle of Japanese cuisine.
The menu features a wide variety of contemporary Japanese seafood entrees, all of which are cooked to perfection. Prawn and black cod gyoza, yes please! I loved how the infinity pool in the centre of the terrace seemed to stretch into the sea. This same pool is lit in modish colours at night, transforming this elegant space into a more vibrant atmosphere.
What To Wear To Zuma Bodrum
My outfit choice for the Zuma Bodrum visit was a Rashka Jumpsuit Lilac from Maia Bergman that had me feeling chic and at ease the whole time I was there.
Location: Cokertme Caddessi no: 36 Yalikavak Marina Bodrum
Operating Hours
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday: 7 pm-1 am
Friday-Saturday: 7 pm-2 am
4. Zuma Mykonos
Watching sunsets is one of my treasured summer indulgences, and Zuma Mykonos did not disappoint. Patrons leisurely chase sunsets while lying on their sunbeds like only Zuma can do, culminating with cocktails and a resident DJ. As you move into the late evening, it turns into a bar/club scene with live music and more of that Mykonos vibe that is pure Bacchanalia, or would that be Dionysia? Lou Spearpoint, one of our fav Sand Dollar Insiders and co-founder of Kiss Kiss Boutique shares a bit of inspiration in this pic.
What To Wear To Zuma Mykonos
If you’re going for a daytime nibble, take your style cues from Lou Lou and wear a versatile bikini set with a matching pareo. If you’re opting for nighttime dining, you can’t go wrong with a sleeveless maxi like this one from Aguaclara.
Location: Cavo Taboo, 84600, Mykonos, Greece
Operating Hours
Restaurant
Lunch: Monday to Sunday 12 pm-4.30 pm
Restaurant & Sunset Deck Beds
Dinner: Monday to Sunday 7 pm-12.30 am
Sunbeds & Pool
Monday to Sunday 11 am-6 pm
Bar
Monday to Sunday 11 am-2 am
5. Zuma Porto Cervo
As Lucy cruises through Europe this Summer, she was able to catch the opening of Zuma's newest location in Porto Cervo. Situated in a glamourous spot, Zuma offers their most well-known food options (salmon and tuna tartare with oscietra caviar, anyone?) with the best views in Sardinia. A true Italian hidden gem!
What To Wear To Zuma Porto Cervo
Summer temperatures in Sardinia are always warm, and this year, they were downright hot! Lucy opted for the breathability of linen and made a splash in this Lime Short Dress Linen Lime from NB with espadrilles wedges. It is an easy-to-wrap-around dress with adjustable sleeves to maximise comfort.
Location: Via Porto Vecchio, 4, 07021 Porto Cervo SS, Italy
Operating Hours
Restaurant Aperitivo
Monday to Sunday: 8 pm-9 pm
Dinner
Monday to Sunday: 9 pm-1 am
Lounge & Bar
Monday to Sunday: 8 pm-2 am