Emaar Hospitality Group adds trend-setting Katana in Downtown Dubai to its Lifestyle Dining division

Welcoming Hollywood A-listers through its decade of operation in Los Angeles and charming Dubai’s food connoisseurs with its innovative robatayaki style of authentic Japanese cuisine, Katana in Downtown Dubai now joins the fold of Emaar Hospitality Group.

To be managed by the Lifestyle Dining division of the premier hospitality & leisure provider, Katana recreates the experience of the award-winning robata and sushi lounge on the famed Los Angeles Sunset Strip in Downtown Dubai. It brings an exceptional dining choice to culinary enthusiasts underpinned by an immaculate blend of traditional cuisine with a hip design and fascinating views of Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Fountain.

Set by Address Downtown, Katana is already a must-visit destination for trendsetters, who closely follow global celebrity preferences. Katana in Los Angeles has been in the celebrity spotlight for its casual lunches and indulgent moments, and Katana Dubai delivers the same signature experience.

Olivier Harnisch, Chief Executive Officer of Emaar Hospitality Group, said: “The addition of Katana to our Lifestyle Dining division further expands the diversity of our offering. Katana presents a smart mix of tradition and modernity. While the robatayaki style of Japanese cuisine is a novelty for the city, the vibrant ambience of the outlet makes it a must-visit destination for all.”

A stand-out dining concept developed by Innovative Dining Group (IDG), which has restaurants across Los Angeles, Katana is distinguished by its robatayaki style cuisine, where bamboo-skewered items are grilled over a charcoal induced open flame. This traditional cooking technique lies at the heart of the menu, complemented by a carefully curated array of Japanese hot and cold fusion style dishes and a sushi lounge.

Chef CK Lim, Head Chef at Katana, has deep insights on Japanese cuisine honed at the finest restaurants. He counts people and his passion his for cooking as the two elements that define his career. He has worked with seasoned chefs including the renowned Chef Takashi Yagihashi. He says Katana Dubai’s signature robata dishes are among his personal favourites.

Katana’s robatayaki style Japanese comfort food is cooked in an open flame using Bincho Tan, a special Japanese charcoal from the seaside village of Wakayama. Legend has it that fishermen in coastal villages cook their catch over an open flame and share the food with others by it on oars from boat to boat. This centuries-old style cooking is being celebrated at Katana with a menu featuring ‘Japanese Tapas’ and other traditional styles of Japanese comfort food.

While at Katana, do not miss the Bincho Charcoal Grills served with three dipping sauces, and the premium steaks cooked over Bincho charcoals, as well as the Chef’s selection of Omakase sushi and sashimi. Katana also serves a great selection of desserts.

The sleek vibe of Katana is underpinned by the fascinating design concepts that award-winning design consultancy Bishop Design Associates brings. Hand-painted mural walls that give a modern twist to traditional Japanese art and delicate lighting features accentuate the ambience. Visitors can relax by the sushi bar overlooking the robata counter, dine in the urban inspired interiors or al fresco overlooking Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Fountain.

Casual, relaxed, informal and welcoming, Katana is defining a new growth narrative now under Emaar Hospitality Group’s Lifestyle Dining division, which also manages independent restaurant brands including At.mosphere, Burj Khalifa, La Serre Bistro & Boulangerie and Toko Dubai in Vida Downtown on Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard and Sean Connolly at Dubai Opera.