WHERE: Four Seasons Hotel DIFC, Dubai
THE FORMAT: Fancy, signature eight-course tasting menu
THE FOOD: Japanese, bringing together Kaiseki and Edomae sushi
BEST FOR: Special occasions and diners keen to explore Japanese culinary traditions THE MOOD: Intimate and refined
EXPECT TO SPEND: AED 1,500 per person, plus 7% DIFC Authority Fee; optional menu enhancement for an additional AED 500
The first impression
Sushi gets two moments in KIGO’s eight-course tasting menu. Between them, vinegared barracuda, steamed egg custard, grilled Pacific saury and Kumamoto Wagyu reveal the broader scope of the kitchen. At Four Seasons Hotel DIFC, the one-MICHELIN-star restaurant brings together the seasonal sensibility of Kaiseki and the craftsmanship of Edomae sushi. The appeal is in that interplay: a menu that explores different expressions of Japanese cooking, with ingredients setting the direction.
What to order
The signature tasting menu takes care of the decisions, changing according to the finest ingredients available.
The supplied line-up begins with seasonal soup, followed by vinegared barracuda and chawanmushi, Japan’s savoury steamed egg custard. It is an intriguing opening, giving acidity, delicacy and texture their space before the richer courses arrive.
The first seasonal sushi selection leads into grilled Pacific saury, then A5 Kumamoto Black Wagyu. The beef is an obvious draw, but the saury is equally interesting for diners looking to explore beyond the usual luxury ingredients.
The chef’s special sushi selection brings the focus back to the sushi craft, before premium Japanese fruits provide a simple finish.
Across the eight courses, there is room for both familiar pleasures and less familiar discoveries. An optional AED 500 enhancement introduces further premium seasonal ingredients. Ask the team what is available when booking.
How they look after you
For a menu rooted in seasonality, the stories behind the ingredients are part of its appeal. Understanding why a particular fish has been selected, or how its preparation reflects the season, can bring diners closer to the kitchen’s thinking. Specific service impressions will need adding after the visit. Dietary requirements should be discussed in advance: KIGO advises that it can accommodate food intolerances, although certain allergies may be beyond its scope.
Worth the spend?
At AED 1,500 per person before the additional DIFC Authority Fee, KIGO sits comfortably in special-occasion territory. The menu offers a broad exploration of Japanese craftsmanship, moving through seasonal dishes, grilled fish, Wagyu and two sushi selections. For diners who enjoy giving a tasting menu their full attention, that breadth is a compelling part of the proposition. A verdict on value will depend on the complete dining experience.
The takeaway
KIGO’s menu gives Japanese food enthusiasts plenty to be curious about. The particular draw is the relationship between its seasonal dishes and sushi, with barracuda and Pacific saury adding interest alongside the Kumamoto Wagyu. Good to know Courses may change according to ingredient availability. Listed prices include 10% service charge and 5% VAT, with an additional 7% DIFC Authority Fee. Discuss allergies and dietary requirements before booking.
Where to try next
Hōseki, Bvlgari Resort Dubai: For diners drawn to KIGO’s intimacy and Japanese craftsmanship. Its chef-led omakase offers another way to explore exceptional ingredients, with sushi at the heart of the experience.
