Zuma Dubai launches Wednesday night brunch inspired by Hong Kong

Zuma Dubai launches its Yashoku Night Brunch on Wednesday, April 8, 2026 — a Hong Kong-inspired midweek dining experience that combines Japanese sharing plates with free-flowing drinks and a DJ. According to Zuma's announcement, the weekly Wednesday event runs from 8:30pm onwards in the restaurant's lounge at DIFC.

What is the Yashoku Night Brunch concept?

Yashoku, meaning "evening meal" in Japanese, transforms Zuma's lounge into a vibrant night brunch setting where dinner becomes the start of the evening, not the end. The 2.5-hour experience blends contemporary Japanese cuisine with music and cocktails in what Zuma describes as a "more social setting" designed for midweek socialising.

The concept draws inspiration from Zuma Hong Kong's successful format, adapted for Dubai's dining and nightlife scene. Unlike traditional brunches, this after-dark version encourages guests to continue the evening with post-brunch drinks around the bar, creating a natural flow from dinner to nightlife.

What's on the sharing menu?

The menu unfolds as a sharing-style tasting experience served directly to tables. Hot and cold starters include thinly sliced seabass with yuzu, truffle oil and salmon roe, green salad with avocado and asparagus, and beef tataki with truffle ponzu. Guests also get chilli lemon chicken karaage — Zuma's take on Japanese fried chicken.

The second round features sweet corn tempura with yuzu sea salt, black cod croquettes with wasabi mayonnaise, and wagyu beef gyoza with seasonal mushrooms. A chef's selection sushi platter follows before sharing mains: grilled Chilean seabass with red yuzu kosho, spicy beef tenderloin with sesame and sweet soy, and roasted whole potato with shiso chilli ponzu butter. The experience concludes with a selection of desserts.

Free-flowing beverages include wines, bubbles, sake, beers and signature cocktails. Different packages offer either prosecco or champagne tiers, though specific pricing hasn't been announced yet.

Should you book the Yashoku Night Brunch?

This is for people who want their Wednesday nights to feel special without committing to a full weekend-level experience. The concept makes sense — DIFC after work, quality Japanese food, and the option to extend the evening if you're enjoying yourself.

The sharing format suits groups better than couples, and the lounge setting suggests it's aimed at the post-work crowd rather than families. At Zuma, expect to pay premium prices, though the all-inclusive nature of the brunch (food and free-flowing drinks) may offer better value than ordering à la carte.

If you're someone who finds regular brunches too early or weekend brunches too crowded, this Wednesday night alternative in DIFC's dining scene might be exactly what you're looking for.

Location and bookings

The Yashoku Night Brunch takes place every Wednesday from 8:30pm at Zuma Dubai's lounge in Gate Village 06, DIFC. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 04 425 5660 or booking through Zuma's website. Specific pricing for the prosecco and champagne packages will be announced closer to the launch date.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Zuma Dubai Yashoku Night Brunch?

It's a new Wednesday night dining experience featuring a 2.5-hour Japanese sharing menu with free-flowing drinks and a DJ, hosted in Zuma's lounge. The concept is inspired by Zuma Hong Kong and designed as a 'start of the night' experience.

When does the Yashoku Night Brunch take place?

Every Wednesday evening from 8:30pm onwards, launching on April 8, 2026. The experience lasts 2.5 hours and naturally flows into post-brunch drinks around the bar.

What kind of food and drinks are included?

The menu includes Japanese sharing plates like beef tataki, black cod croquettes, sushi platters, and mains like spicy beef tenderloin. Free-flowing drinks include wines, sake, cocktails, and either prosecco or champagne packages.

How can I book the Yashoku Night Brunch at Zuma Dubai?

Call 04 425 5660 or book through Zuma's website at zumarestaurant.com. Reservations are recommended as the experience takes place in a dedicated section of the lounge.

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