Tapasake Dubai
Suspended high above Dubai’s skyline at One&Only One Za’abeel, Tapasake Dubai blends striking design, panoramic views, and Nikkei-inspired dining, offering an experience that moves from serene poolside days to vibrant nights.
Perched dramatically atop The Link, the awe-inspiring cantilever of One&Only One Za’abeel, Tapasake Dubai is a destination that merges architectural brilliance with elevated dining. Floating 27 floors above the city, this venue offers a setting that is as much about visual spectacle as it is about culinary creativity, redefining what it means to dine in Dubai.
Architectural Brilliance and Nautical Inspiration
From the moment you step into Tapasake, you are greeted by a design language that channels the luxury and exclusivity of a super-yacht. The flooring is crafted from timber decking with subtle rubber inlays, echoing the elegance of a ship’s deck. High-gloss walnut and teak furniture, twisted leather rope balustrades, and sail-cloth accents create a refined nautical aesthetic. The design is meticulous without tipping into overstatement, offering just enough detail to immerse you in its world.
The Link and the Infinity Pool Experience
The positioning of Tapasake is nothing short of spectacular. Suspended between two towers, The Link is the world’s longest cantilever, giving the restaurant unparalleled views of Dubai’s evolving skyline. The centrepiece is the UAE’s longest suspended infinity pool, stretching approximately 120 metres and hovering 100 metres above the ground. With glass façades and temperature-controlled waters, it’s both an engineering marvel and an irresistible focal point for daytime lounging or sunset cocktails.
Seamless Indoor–Outdoor Design
Inside and out, the design flows seamlessly. Terrazzo flooring extends from the interior to the open-air spaces, creating a unified visual experience. Sunken cabanas, private pavilions, and a central bar equipped with a DJ deck all add to the atmosphere. Even the back bar is a design highlight, adorned with iridescent chameleon-bead tiling that catches the light like shifting ocean water. Subtle Japanese influences—minimalist artwork, black lava rock details, and delicate tableware—add an extra layer of refinement, blending harmoniously with the nautical theme.
From Daylight Serenity to Night-time Energy
During the day, Tapasake is bathed in sunlight, perfect for relaxed lunches and poolside lounging. As the sun begins to set, the venue undergoes a transformation. Lighting shifts, music builds, and the ambience turns into a vibrant night-scene, complete with live DJs and saxophonists. The energy is sophisticated yet lively, making it a versatile choice for everything from casual day visits to celebratory evenings.
The Flavours of Nikkei Cuisine
The culinary offering at Tapasake is just as carefully curated as its design. Its menu celebrates Nikkei cuisine, a fusion of Japanese precision with Peruvian vibrancy. Expect a line-up of dishes that are as visually arresting as they are delicious. Sashimi arrives in artful arrangements, oysters are topped with aji amarillo for a citrusy heat, and rolls come laced with creamy nori seasoning. Cocktails continue the theme of creativity, with options like the Tonka Bourbon and the Hibiscus Cup offering bold yet balanced flavour profiles.
Guest Impressions and Service
Guest feedback consistently praises both the food and the service. Visitors describe the flavours as “bursting with life” and the plating as “artworks in themselves.” Many note the attentive yet unintrusive staff, and the way the layout encourages you to spend the whole day here, starting with poolside snacks and ending with drinks under the stars.
There are, however, small considerations to keep in mind: service for drinks can be slower during peak times, and shaded areas are limited during the hottest parts of the day. For those sensitive to heat, it’s worth booking a cabana or visiting closer to sunset.
Events and Entertainment
Tapasake’s programming keeps the atmosphere dynamic. Regular events include “Ladies at 27” on Tuesday evenings, featuring free-flowing bubbles or wine and live music, and a lively Saturday brunch that blends gourmet sharing plates with a relaxed, social energy. Private hire options such as the Cuzco Cabana cater to intimate gatherings, with space for up to 25 guests and bespoke menus.
Essential Visitor Information
For visitors, practical details make planning a visit straightforward. Tapasake is located on Level 27 of One Za’abeel’s Link and offers complimentary valet parking.
Pricing reflects its premium positioning: weekday pool passes start from AED 450, with a portion redeemable on food and drink, while weekend passes start from AED 500. Brunch packages range from AED 385 for soft drinks to AED 495 for house and sparkling options. The menu is also considerate of dietary needs, offering vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free selections. Just let the team know your preferences when booking.
All images courtesy of One&Only, One Za’abeel
Timing Your Visit
When considering a visit, timing is everything. Lunchtime visits offer quieter moments and clearer views, while sunset visits provide the most dramatic skyline backdrops for photography. The infinity pool is an undeniable highlight, but equally enticing is the opportunity to simply sit back with a cocktail, surrounded by a setting that embodies Dubai’s love for the extraordinary.
Final Thoughts: The Essence of Destination Dubai
Tapasake is more than just a restaurant or a rooftop pool; it’s an experience suspended, literally, above the city. It captures the essence of what makes Dubai so compelling: a willingness to dream big, design boldly, and deliver on the promise of luxury in every detail.
When it reopens, it will not only reclaim its place among the city’s must-visit destinations but likely set a new benchmark for what a high-altitude hospitality experience can be.
Tapasake stands as a testament to the city’s constant reinvention. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a Dubai regular, it’s a venue that deserves a spot on your itinerary, not just for its views or its pool, but for the way it makes you feel: connected to the skyline, immersed in design, and part of something unforgettable.
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