Sample sumptuous sushi at Tokyo@TheTowers

The times they are a-changin' at Jumeirah Emirates Towers, thanks to the myriad of new restaurants and bars opening up at one of the city's most famous landmarks. Luckily, Tokyo@The Towers remains one place that has been left untouched, and for good reason; with a list of fiercely loyal diners as long as, ooh, a very, very long udon noodle, the established Japanese hangout was buzzing as usual when we visited on a Thursday night; packed with diners agog at the Teppanyaki theatrics seated beside those merely seeking entertainment from their dinner date. Skipping the live cooking and comedy show on this occasion, we were there to sample the delights of the à la carte menu (diets don't happen on the weekend in world), and so, delights-sample we did.

To start, Ebi tempura; six giant prawns that were plump, juicy and coated in batter lighter than air, followed by Sushi croquette. Admittedly, the thought of deep-fried sushi doesn't usually appeal, but I was converted after one teeny bite. Fluffy and totally delish eaten alone or dipped in either of the sauces (one tartare-esque, one with a bbq vibe) this new addition to the menu could well supersede my slight OCD preoccupation with giant prawns as my fave fishy starter. Next up, Lobster shichimiyaki; half a fat, grilled lobster topped with a rich creamy sauce, Wagyu beef yakiniku and a hefty portion of Black cod. To say this was a posh treat of A-list standards was an understatement. In fact, we had so much food, that the newly vacated table beside us was commandeered to deal with our growing pile of plates. Good job I'd skipped lunch. If lobster's your thing, you'll love the shichimiyaki. Delicate and decadent, next time, we'll be enjoying this with a glass of chilled bubbly such is its divine grandness. The luxurious grilled Wagyu beef was velvety soft, melting like butter in the mouth and packed with depth and juiciness, while the Black cod, as always, was a sweet, rich masterpiece, cooked to gently springy perfection. We barely heard the next Teppanyaki show start so engrossed were we in our splendid dinner and the outpouring of praise for the chef. Room for dessert? No chance. But that does give us an excuse to go back. Is tomorrow too soon?
Location: Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Sheikh Zayed Road
Tel 04 330 0000

Tasty trio: Glam Asian hangouts

Hakkasan
With venues in Miami, London, and most recently Abu Dhabi, Hakkasan boasts a seriously glamorous international reputation and a clientele to match. Opened at the end of 2011 in Dubai to much foody fanfare, the Michelin-starred Cantonese fine-dining restaurant is one of the hottest new dining venues in the city. With great food, an uber-cool soundtrack, snappily dressed staff and a stunning outdoor terrace, if you like to enjoy your Cantonese food the A-list way, this is the place for you.
Location: Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Sheikh Zayed Road
Tel 04 384 8484

Okku
From the ridiculously good food to the incredible decor, you cannot help but be spellbound by award-winning Japanese hot-spot Okku. Permanently packed out with impossibly attractive diners, this uber-hip, two-level luxury restaurant/lounge proffers a stunning menu - the Black cod is a standout - exceptional service, chefs that have cooked for Madonna, George Clooney, Bill Clinton and Anna Wintour, and a hip New York city buzz that's SATC-perfect.
Location The Monarch Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road
Tel 04 501 8777

Sho Cho
If you love Sho Cho at Dubai Marine, you're going to adore the Abu Dhabi incarnation of this Jumeirah institution. With some of the most stunning views of Maqtaa Creek and The Grand Mosque, spectacular interiors (including the digital underwater scenes on giant plasma screens), a great DJ playing blissed-out tunes and some excellent sushi, it's no wonder this has instantly become one of the capital's coolest places to be seen.
Location The Shangri La, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi
Tel 02 558 1117