A venture by Bulldozer Group, Dragonfly will debut at The Lana Promenade this autumn.
Another day, another Japanese concept set to join the dining scene of Dubai. Just yesterday, we revealed details about the upcoming launch of Ikayu, a homegrown eatery rooted in Japanese fusion cuisine. And if you’re a culinary traditionalist? Dragonfly is the name that you need to know. Set to open its doors at The Lana Promenade this autumn, the new concept is a brainchild of Alexаnder Orlov, founder and chairman of Bulldozer Group. The restaurateur is collaborating with none other than Michelin-lauded chef Reif Othman on the venture, with chef Vladimir Kim confirmed at its helm.
We’re told that Dragonfly will bring together the most original and curated of Japanese flavours, fused with bold strokes of Pan-Asian cuisine. Dragonflies, for context, symbolise transformation and renewal in Japanese culture. This spirit of metamorphosis is therefore embedded in Dragonfly’s concept, where each course will represent a journey of flavours, celebrating the beauty of evolution in dining. The menu is designed to echo an Asian market, offering an array of tastes ranging from the briny sweetness of sea urchin and the zesty brightness of yuzu to the smoky allure of charred miso and the savoury richness of soy.
Complementing these aromas will be a wide selection of fresh fish and seafood, carefully chosen to ensure a thread of authenticity. Among the most notable dishes is the tempting Bikini Sandwich that’s crowned with otoro and black caviar. On the comfort-food front, the menu features a flavour-packed selection of dim sum, including the ever-popular Duck Gyoza that’s elevated with foie gras and cherry hoisin sauce. Alongside will be over 80 varieties of sake and shochu, reflecting the spirited ambience of Dragonfly — they’ll set the stage for what will become UAE’s largest collection, accompanied by a sake sommelier to guide guests through this selection.
Dragonfly also boasts one of the widest ranges of Japanese whisky in the region, further enhancing the dining experience. There’s also an ambitious wine programme in place, aiming to establish the world’s premier showcase of Asian wines within the next six months. The evolving collection is complemented by classic European profiles and esteemed New World labels, each chosen to align perfectly with the complex flavours of Japanese and pan-Asian dishes.
Under the silent flutter of a dragonfly hovering from above, the interior design draws inspiration from traditional Asian elements and hyper-modern aesthetics. With lofty eight-metre-high ceilings and authentic Japanese relics such as vases and Kokeshi dolls, the space exudes both ceremonial beauty and cultural depth. Elsewhere, the red glass bar, complete with a dramatic dragonfly sculpture, will take centre stage while the open kitchen will allow an element of immersion into the culinary process. By night, Dragonfly will transform into a lively post-dinner spot thanks to a curated cocktail menu and rotating line-up of guest DJs.
DSCVR: Dragonfly. The Lana – Dorchester Collection, Marasi Drive, Business Bay, Dubai. @dragonfly.dxb
