I approached this new dining experience at Jara by Martín Berasategui at the Lana with curiosity and excitement, especially since it involves legendary chef Martín Berasategui. Martín’s debut in the Middle East promises a blend of his Basque heritage and Dubai’s modern luxury in one of the most prestigious hotels in the city, so as a devoted fan of Northern Spanish cuisine, I couldn’t pass up the chance to experience it firsthand.
Location – The Lana
Sitting on the edge of the Marasi Bay Marina in central Dubai, the Dorchester Collection’s Lana Hotel certainly lives up to the city’s expectations of striking architecture. With its interlocking puzzle piece design and bold perpendicular lines that define the structure, the hotel blends into Dubai’s skyline but still manages to be unique and dominate the waterfront. Past the glamorous lobby where burgundy-clad staff exude sophistication, I ascend to the 18th floor via a colourful lift to reach the restaurant.
The Visionary Behind Jara by Martín Berasategui
One of the world’s most highly decorated chefs, Martín Berasategui rose to fame with his namesake restaurant in his home region of the Basque Country in Northern Spain. Where mountains clash with the sea, the Basque Country offered Martín the ingredients necessary to earn 12 Michelin stars and open restaurants all over the world including his first venture in the Middle East. Named after his granddaughter, Martín wants the restaurant to tell a story of family and connection in a city known for fast-paced opulence.
The Atmosphere and the Panoramic Views
As I am greeted and shown to my table, I’m distracted by the stunning view of the Dubai Skyline at night. The tables alongside the panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows that line the restaurant’s edge are definitely the most romantic seats in the house. With the dazzling lights of Downtown Dubai in front of me, the open plan kitchen lies behind me with claypit ovens and charcoal grills burning alongside the dry-ageing refrigerators showcasing the exquisite cuts of beef and fish. The restaurant is furnished with a blend of dark, open-grain wood and off-white marble with touches of velvet green scattered in between, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere – fitting for one of the most beautiful hotels in Dubai.
The Terrace at Jara by Martín Berasategui
Drawn by the views, I made my way to the terrace to take in the stunning sights and a pre-dinner cocktail. If you’re stopping by for refreshments and pintxos, I highly recommend enjoying them on the terrace. Its cool and airy ambience perfectly complements the experience. The terrace feels private and almost secluded. The uninterrupted cityscape creates a breathtaking backdrop for any meal or conversation, while the fresh air and greenery sprinkled throughout provide a welcome contrast to the fiery energy of the open kitchen indoors. As the sun sets, the terrace transforms into a serene oasis, with the city lights adding a magical touch to the atmosphere.
Starters: A Taste of Basque Tradition
Taking up a third of the menu, there is a starter for every mood and setting. For a true Basque experience, I ordered the Matrimonio – 2 types of anchovies on a toasted brioche, and the Gilda – a wooden pick with a marinated olive, anchovy, and guindilla chilli pepper. Both starters highlight the essential umami flavours you would find in classic Basque cooking, paying homage to the sea. For those not too keen on seafood I recommend the croquetas, particularly the mushroom or the cecina (corned beef) options – or a gazpacho which is always refreshing.
A Deep Dive into Basque Flavours
To those familiar with dining in Spain, you would know that the menu is divided into 2 categories: from the land and from the sea. This menu is no different. The dishes from the sea are the signature items and seafood is flown in from Spain on a regular basis. We are invited to view the fresh seafood on display near the open kitchen. I decided to stay true to the authentic Basque experience and ordered the txangurro donostiarra – a San Sebastian spider crab stew prepared in its shell. I need not explain how well butter and crab pair together, but the stew goes beyond that with delicate flavours of tomato and spice which gives the dish a Mediterranean touch.
The langoustine is another highlight of the menu. A Mediterranean lobster is prepared on the open fires of a charcoal grill, then parted in two and topped off with Hollandaise sauce and a dash of black caviar, resulting in a beautiful dish. The delicate sweetness of the langoustine is complemented by the savoury richness of the caviar and pairs excellently with the hints of lemon in the Hollandaise. The seafood selection is a must-try, but dry-aged and fresh cuts of beef prepared Basque-style on a charcoal grill are also highly recommended.
Why the Basques Do it Better
For dessert, I went with the Basque cheesecake, which I firmly believe is the best cheesecake in the world. Basque cheesecake is much lighter and creamier than New York-style cheesecake, and instead of a biscuit bottom, the top is caramelised to give the outside a crisp contrast to the almost custard-like interior.
A Toast to Tradition and Innovation
To unwind, I made my way back to the bar which lies adjacent to the restaurant. The maroon lounge stands out as soon as one enters, with the extravagant chandelier of burnt-orange oval spheres in the middle matching the luxurious golden tones of the bar that surrounds it. Here you can find any drink you can think of, with skilled mixologists ready to pour anything you ask of them. After looking through the signature cocktails I couldn’t resist ordering the journey, a drink inspired by Martín Berasategui’s journey from Spain to Dubai. The beverage combines brandy with Spanish blackberries and Emirati honey, the best of both worlds. Did I mention that the bar also has panoramic views of the Burj Khalifa?
A Taste of the Basque Country in Dubai
For me, dining at Jara by Martín Berasategui was an immersion into the artistry of one of the world’s most celebrated chefs. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Dubai’s skyline, from meticulously crafted dishes to a welcoming atmosphere of luxury, every element tells a story of tradition meeting elegance. Whether you’re savouring Basque flavours or enjoying signature cocktails at the bar while soaking in the panoramic views, Martín Berasategui curates a sensational taste of Basque Country far from home.
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All imagery courtesy of Jara by Martín Berasategui and The Lana.