Alba restaurant is a gastronomic journey where Pan-Asian artistry meets European finesse, set against the backdrop of Dubai’s urban elegance adjacent to the iconic Dubai Opera. ALBA offers a menu that is both adventurous and refined. Inspired by China, Japan, South Korea the menu embodies fusion of diverse culinary traditions. Some of their creations have been mesmerizing such as from the Kims, Futomaki, hand rolls, and if you fancy delicate luxury of caviar then you have it here, elevated by modern culinary techniques.
Alba is located in the heart of Downtown Dubai Opera Plaza. The two-story layout features a dramatic sweeping staircase. Floor-to-ceiling windows, and ceilings adorned with lit-up umbrellas. A striking spiral staircase that feels like something out of a design magazine. It’s just the right mix of warmth and sophistication. It’s a cozy quiet restaurant, just perfect for a romantic dinner or that special night. A complimentary valet is also available at this prime location, a walking distance from Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa.
The salmon Carpaccio was an elegant appetizer. Comes in a beautiful golden plate, thinly sliced raw salmon with a drizzle of tangy sauce underneath. What elevated the dish was the heavy shave of parmesan on top. Each mouthful was clean, elegant, and full of depth. The grilled eggplants arrived beautifully plated with a charred exterior that gave way to a silky, tender interior. Soft enough to melt in the mouth. It is the kimchi cream that elevated this dish. Bold, balanced, and deeply satisfying and this eggplant was one of the best I’ve had. You don’t need to be a vegetarian to appreciate this dish. Smoky, spicy, creamy, and absolutely addictive. As soon as I saw the Prawn tempura handrolls I threw away my chopsticks and grabbed it with my hand. The first bite and it was crunchy, warm and flavourful. The king sized prawn was juicy. The individual handroll also comes nicely placed on a wooden holder. Most importantly it was easy to bite into without everything falling apart. The futomaki is literally a fat roll. Rich and Flavorful. The roll alone is a visual feast with a sight of deep red tuna circled inside which comes on a special plate. It’s a roll showcasing sushi craftsmanship and modern boldness, a roll you can’t help but crave again.
Eating a bowl of Salmon Chirashi bowl felt really fresh. The presentation was minimal yet striking. Generous slices of glistening salmon, each cut cleanly and laid with care on top of warm bed of seasoned sushi rice. Cool, buttery texture played beautifully against the slight tang and warmth of the rice. There’s no flash, no fuss. Just quality fish and an expertly prepared rice. Simple yet elegant. A must-try for anyone who appreciates the art of simplicity. The Chicken Gyoza is a kind of snack that disappears from your plate before you realize you’re full. Served golden and glistening, each gyoza was a little pocket of joy. The dipping sauce is critical which is a tangy, slightly spicy blend of soy sauce.
Our main had thinly sliced Wagyu, lightly seared and served medium-rare, glistening atop a hot stone bowl of perfectly steamed rice. The traditional bibimbap elements held their own beautifully. There were quite a bit of ingredients on the inside such as carrots, mushrooms and other veggies including a running egg yolk which were all then mixed together. The dish also came with a lovely red chili paste on the side which had a perfect balance of heat and sweetness adding depth to the dish. I highly recommend to try this Korean main which was one of my favourites tonight. Wagyu Kushi was on a whole different level of indulgence. Perfectly charred cubes of beef on a bamboo skewer, glistening with a light soy-based glaze and a sprinkle of chili. if you are a die hard meat lover then you truly need to try this bite which was perfectly soft with that signature Wagyu richness that lingers in your mouth.
If you’re a fan of matcha desserts or just curious to explore something beyond the usual tiramisu, Yuzu Matcha Tiramisu is a must-try. It’s a modern, thoughtful twist that respects its roots while offering something totally new. Not too heavy, not too sweet—just a beautifully crafted harmony of East and West. The Tiramisu came generously in a wooden box and when we open we see a dark green matcha spread across the dessert on top. One spoonful in and there is no stopping. The mascarpone cream was luscious and smooth, just as it should be, while the sponge was delicately soaked—likely in yuzu syrup instead of espresso, which kept the flavor profile light and refreshing. There was no overpowering sweetness, no soggy base—just clean layers and a satisfying mouthfeel that made it dangerously easy to finish. If you are seeking a memorable dining experience in Downtown Dubai, ALBA promises to deliver an evening of gastronomic delight and cultural appreciation. Click here to visit their official website. Click pictures below to see them in full screen view:
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