Paru
At Paru -- which translates from Japanese to ‘pearl’ -- Japanese fusion is the star at this stylish venue located at Ceasars Bluewaters Resort. Created by Akira Back, the menu draws heavily on seafood options, with other selections for those interested in something other than fish. Easy to share plates make this a great spot with friends or for a date night. The stunning interior and rooftop terraces ensure interesting views for guests.
Reservations
While there is plenty of seating inside, during cooler months, it might be worth calling ahead to ensure booking at one of the two rooftop bar areas. Similarly, if booking a table inside the restaurant, try and get one of the seats located close to the window. Just remember that Paru is closed on Sundays. Visit the website: https://www.caesars.com/dubai/restaurants/paru/ or call direct: 04 556 6666.
Parking
Do remember that the Ceasars Bluewaters Dubai consists of not only the hotel but also the resort and residences. The entrance to Paru is located on the seventh floor of the resort, so valet parking would need to be from the far end of the property. Should you accidentally end up at the hotel, Ceasars’ staff are happy to drive you over to the resort in a golf cart.
Greeting and Seating
We are warmly greeted directly off the elevator (where the restaurant is clearly signed), and promptly shown to our seat. Had we wanted to, I’m sure we could have enjoyed a drink in the lounge area first. Note from other reviews that it appears a strict dress code (heels for women) is in effect. We’ll keep our comments to ourselves on forcing gender stereotypes to a minimum. Ahem.
Service
Like many a Dubai restaurant, service is warm, and our waitress asks us how we are enjoying dishes throughout the evening. Our plates are promptly cleared throughout the evening. Our server is also quite receptive to switching out our super stylish (but a bit too tricky) chopsticks for regular wooden ones. We’re grateful!
Our Order
At the suggestion of the manager, we decide to go for an omakase style approach (that is, to let the chef decide). There are both five and seven-course versions of this menu, should you be interested. Like many a plate in Dubai, dishes are meant to be sharing. And while we enjoyed the approach, it might make more economic sense for other diners to order ala carte. First up, we’re served both kinds of Edamame (both regular and chili, AED30). Along with this routine Asian staple comes Seaweed Salad, AED60, and a cold starter, the Wagyu Tataki, AED140. While we find the truffle soy touch overpowering on the wagyu, we would definitely order both dishes again and appreciate the subtle, but tasty, dressing on the salad. Following the cold dishes is the Rock Shrimp Tempura, AED105, a bestseller, as our server informs us, as well as Crispy Calamari, AED80. The rock shrimp tempura is a subtle take on this popular dish, and we love the inclusion of almonds. The calamari also disappears quickly.
A platter of sushi and sashimi arrives at our table next, AED105, which the sashimi is offered in pairs, but we have to fight over the sushi (fortunately, my dining companion is used to compromising with me). Mains come next in the form of Grilled Scottish Salmon, AED120, and Black Pepper Wagyu Ribeye, 9 oz., AED295. The wagyu is wonderfully tender and easy enough to eat with chopsticks. The salmon is perfectly cooked, but between the two, it’s the wagyu we would order again.
Our dessert arrives on a platter, with a bit of a show (this is Dubai, after all), and we love the inclusion of a fresh fruit accompaniment. We finish the night with another creative cocktail from the bar -- very full.
Pacing
The overall pacing was just a touch faster than we prefer, but nothing that couldn’t be overlooked.
Ambiance
Meant to resemble origami flowers, the sizeable textured walls can change color via LED lights, Paru is also home to a unique lighting installation. Overall, the ambiance is modern and romantic, with views overlooking the pool and marina. Shisha smokers have their own dedicated terrace.
Price
We’ll be honest, we’ve had a better omakase selection for AED750 per person (not including cocktails or water). Our suggestion would be to go ala carte at Paru and try a few of the cold starters and sushi rolls (or whatever your particularly craving). While the ‘modern omakase’ is pleasant enough, it’s not entirely necessary to properly experience the restaurant. Prices feel a bit on the high side for portion size, but given this is Ceasars, perhaps some of this has to do with the exclusivity of the property.
Overall, would you return?
At the moment, we’ll wait to return to try the shisha lounge or the marina views of the rooftop terrace when the weather is cooler. The upscale ladies night also looks like one to visit, and there are also a few items on the menu we didn’t get to try that look tempting.
Recommendations
Of all the dishes, we absolutely loved the Wagyu, and all of our cocktails were well mixed and balanced. Bring friends or out of town guests here when outside dining is available, and they’ll be well impressed.
Disclaimer: MenuPages.ae was a guest of this establishment.