Noren restaurant Dubai opens in Jumeirah Lakes Towers at the end of August, the first independent project from Ilir Caushi, former managing director of Zuma, and executive chef Pawel Kazanowski.
The pair spent more than 15 years shaping Zuma’s success around the world. Noren is the first restaurant they have done on their own. The name comes from the traditional fabric curtain that hangs at the entrance of Japanese restaurants and shops — the signal that a place is open and welcoming.
The idea is a Japanese restaurant that fits into everyday life: a quick drink at the bar, a working lunch, an evening out. The menu moves between raw dishes, sushi and the grill, with plates such as thinly sliced chutoro with jalapeño dressing, usugiri tomato with Ibaraki soy sauce, grilled tuna steak with wafu sauce, wasabi salad with avocado and Japanese mizuna, red miso glazed bone marrow and king crab with Hokkaido lemon butter.
At the centre of the room is an island bar pouring signature cocktails alongside an extensive sake selection. The menu does not take sides, and neither does the bar.
Inside Noren restaurant Dubai
The space is clean and contemporary, with timber, tile and tactile finishes doing the warming. An open kitchen, grill and sushi counter put the cooking on show, and the feel is relaxed rather than formal. JLT was picked for its growing independent food scene and neighbourhood character; the aim is a Japanese restaurant people drop into regularly, occasion or not.
The neighbourhood has been quietly adding options — Taj Dubai’s Onam sadhya feast landed in JLT earlier this year — and Dubai’s wider table is in our guide to the best restaurants in Dubai.
Where and when
Noren opens in Jumeirah Lakes Towers at the end of August, with opening hours and menus to follow on its Instagram. What’s On first reported the opening.
Where is Noren restaurant Dubai?
Noren is in Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT), Dubai, and opens at the end of August 2026.
Who is opening Noren in JLT?
Ilir Caushi, former managing director of Zuma, and executive chef Pawel Kazanowski, who spent more than 15 years with the brand between them.
What kind of food does Noren serve?
Japanese: raw dishes, sushi and grill plates, with signature cocktails and a wide sake selection at a central island bar.
