Zuma

About Zuma

The room fills with a largely Middle Eastern crowd of socialites, couples and the occasional recognisable face, and with a 30-plus door policy the tables skew towards people who have booked ahead and dressed for it. Formal is the standard here, not a suggestion, and on Al Maryah Island — Abu Dhabi's business and dining address — that reads as the norm rather than an imposition. Doors open at noon every day, so a long lunch is as viable as a late dinner, though the energy gathers after dark, particularly Friday and Saturday when service runs to 2am and the lounge side of the operation takes over with chilled house and lounge sets. Bottle service and full table service support the Japanese menu; private dining is available for groups who want the door closed. Valet handles the arrival. At $$$$ with a 4.4 rating across more than 2,500 reviews, expectations are high and generally met.