Ronin at Five Luxe Dubai: A Culinary Experience of Japanese Elegance

Located at Five Luxe, the hottest new hotel on Dubai’s JBR, Ronin is fast becoming one of the city’s must-visit Japanese restaurants. Known for its vibrant atmosphere and upscale setting, Ronin offers more than just spectacular views—it's a dining experience that blends traditional Japanese flavors with modern twists, all served with a touch of elegance.

Five Luxe itself is already one of the most talked-about hotel brands in the UAE, especially in Dubai. Known for its lively parties and stylish vibe, Five has expanded its hospitality empire to this chic JBR location. But it's the food scene that truly sets this spot apart, with Ronin leading the charge as a culinary gem.

Where to Sit and What to Expect

Upon arrival at Five Luxe, we’re ushered into a glamorous mirrored lift that exudes luxury, setting the tone for the evening. As we step out onto the higher floors, we're greeted by breathtaking views of JBR, Dubai Marina, and Palm Jumeirah. The restaurant itself is massive, featuring both indoor and outdoor seating. Given the stunning views, we opt for a table outside to fully enjoy Dubai's glittering skyline.

Ronin’s décor is sleek and modern, with black accents and gothic undertones giving the space its unique personality. The open-plan kitchen allows guests to watch the chefs work their magic, adding to the dynamic atmosphere. House music fills the air, enhancing the ambience without overpowering the conversation. It’s a spot where you can relax, take in the surroundings, and indulge in an unforgettable meal.

The Menu

We begin our evening with a tapas-style selection of starters, eager to sample a variety of Ronin’s specialities. Our choices include a sushi platter, spiced edamame, shrimp popcorn, and the standout dish—tuna crispy. This creative dish features sliced tuna tartare served atop a pizza slice, garnished with a drizzle of truffle oil. The fresh tuna and rich truffle oil offer the perfect blend of flavors to start our culinary journey.

For the main course, I opt for the black cod with miso sauce, while my dining partner goes for the kimchi fried rice with beef and egg. The black cod is everything you’d expect—tender, flavorful, and utterly satisfying. The kimchi fried rice, mixed tableside by attentive staff, is a one-pot wonder, bursting with rich flavors from the beef and spicy kimchi.

Though we’re feeling full, we can’t resist ending our meal with dessert. We choose the mochi ice cream, beautifully presented in a jewellery-style box. Each mochi flavor is a delight, offering a sweet and refreshing end to our meal.

A Chat with the Chef

Chef SK Choi, originally from Busan, South Korea, leads the kitchen at Ronin with over 15 years of culinary experience across Asia, the US, UK, and the Middle East. Specializing in Japanese cuisine, chef Choi is passionate about using clean, fresh ingredients to create dishes that are both flavorful and innovative.

Having worked alongside Michelin-starred chefs like Jacob Jan Boerma and Akira Back, chef Choi brings a high level of expertise to Ronin. His cooking style focuses on balancing creativity with tradition, offering dishes that appeal to all palates.

For those seeking vegetarian options, chef Choi recommends the kimchi fried rice. Meat lovers will enjoy the niku platter, which features A5 Wagyu and bulgogi, while seafood enthusiasts will be delighted by the chilli butter lobster. For dessert, his personal favorite is the bento box, which includes a variety of sweet treats such as molten chocolate, Hokkaido cheesecake, and Japanese doughnuts.