FEBRUARY 3, 2026 BY WAQAR ABDULLAH
The Quick Overview
In the world of ‘The Elite Food Restaurants, ‘The Above Eleven is the one of the world’s most amazing experiences in terms of dining, luxury, ambiance and the food.
Above Eleven combines stunning Nikkei architecture with authentic Peruvian-Japanese flavors. Located in the heart of Palm Jumeirah, it is a must-visit for sophisticated diners, party-goers, and sunset lovers. Furthermore, this rooftop sanctuary offers a unique blend of high-energy vibes and culinary precision that elevates the Dubai dining scene.
- Price Point: Expect a minimum spend during the peak hours; a la carte mains generally range from AED 350 to AED 790.
- Must-Order Dish: Cebiche Above Eleven (Seabass, A11 leche de tigre, and crispy calamari)
- Best For: Anniversary Dinners or Vibrant Weekend Brunches
- Address: Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah, West Palm Beach, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, UAE.
The Concept & First Impressions:
Immerse Yourself in the Elevated Elegance and Sophisticated Energy of The Above Eleven
The Arrival: Stepping into a World of High-Octane Luxury
Your adventure starts at the Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah. You access a private elevator that takes you to the 14th floor. As the doors slide open, a “stone maze” entrance welcomes you. This hallway creates suspense before finally unveiling a breathtaking “forest in the sky” interior design. Enormous structural trees with radiant leaves fill the dining area. As such, the transition from the hotel lobby to this rooftop retreat is akin to entering a secret garden. The first impression is electric and elegant. You will immediately notice the floor-to-ceiling glass walls that encase the Dubai Marina skyline. Due to this design, the twinkling city lights are part and parcel of your first impression.
The Reputation: A Homegrown Success Story That Conquered the World
Above Eleven is a highly respected global export that has its roots in Bangkok. It initially gained popularity as the first Nikkei rooftop bar in Southeast Asia. This Dubai outlet maintains this legacy while incorporating a local touch of luxury. The brand has managed to successfully transport its high-energy spirit to the competitive market in the Middle East. Moreover, it has managed to quickly position itself as one of the best places to go for Japanese-Peruvian fusion cuisine. The name is respected for its consistency and its lively social atmosphere. The restaurant, therefore, has a global reputation that guarantees its quality and style.
The Hook: The Dual-Terrace Perspective of a Shimmering Metropolis
The most impressive aspect is the seamless integration of a world-class observation deck and a fine dining kitchen. While many restaurants offer a view, Above Eleven offers a true 360-degree view of the Palm and the Marina. This is more than just a viewing spot, as you can watch the sunset over the Gulf and the lights of the city come on at the same time. The retractable roof also means that the outdoor seating area is the central point of the restaurant all year round. There is very little in Dubai that can offer the same combination of architectural and culinary excellence. It is more than a restaurant – it is a front-row seat to the best view in the city.
The Setting: Interior Design & View
The Decor: A Masterclass In Modern Glamour and Metallic Accents
The interior design is a perfect combination of industrial chic and an organic, tropical theme. You will notice cold elements such as exposed steel and concrete that are balanced with warm, organic materials. There are large tree-like structures composed of custom metalwork that stretch across the ceiling. These “foliage” pieces are illuminated with soft, amber lighting that simulates a sunset. In addition, the furniture is adorned with rich, green, and earthy-toned velvet upholstery. This dichotomy of materials has resulted in a space that is both modern and inextricably linked to nature. The polished marble surfaces reflect the soft light to give a typical Dubai flair. As a result, the atmosphere transitions seamlessly from a sophisticated dining area during the day to a hot and lively lounge in the evening.
The Dubai Factor: A 360-Degree Visual Feast of the City
Location, location, location – this is what matters in this city, and Above Eleven has a location that is simply prime. This restaurant offers a unique 360-degree panoramic view that takes in the best of the coastline. You can see, in one direction, the glittering skyscrapers of the Dubai Marina and the Jumeirah Beach Residence. Turning slightly, you can see the massive Arabian Gulf stretching out to the horizon. Moreover, the location allows the viewer to look directly out over the bustling promenade of West Palm Beach below. Because the location is on the 14th floor, the height is just right for feeling the pulse of the street while being well above the fray. The view is a living, breathing background that changes as the light shifts from pink to deep indigo.
The Seating: Seamlessly Blending Indoor Comfort with Al Fresco Luxury
Customers can opt to dine in either of the two different settings depending on the season and their choice. The indoor lounge provides a temperature-controlled haven with floor-to-ceiling glass windows. The glass windows in the restaurant ensure that the view is not lost even in the middle of summer. The outdoor terrace, however, is the clear winner in Dubai’s “winter” season. The outdoor seating area is huge and comes with lounge seating and high tables perfect for social drinkers. The glass railings of the outdoor seating area ensure that the view of the water is not lost from any of the chairs. It is seamless to move from the indoor seating area to the outdoor seating area since the roof and doors are retractable.
The Culinary Journey: A Deep Dive
Embark on a Refined Gastronomic Odyssey Above the Clouds
The Philosophy: French Precision Meets Asian Finesse
The culinary soul of Above Eleven pulsates with the beat of Nikkei cuisine. This culinary trend is more than just a fusion of culinary traditions; it is the result of a long-standing marriage of Peruvian cuisine and Japanese culinary traditions. The philosophy of “precision meets soul” is the guiding principle of the culinary team led by Executive Chef Luis Goma. Chef Goma pays homage to the refined knife skills of the Japanese while incorporating the bold and acidic flavors of Peru. Each dish is designed to highlight fresh seafood and premium proteins. Moreover, the culinary team adheres to authentic sourcing, where certain chilies and corn are flown in from South America.
The Starters: A Playful Dance of Texture and Temperatures
To begin your journey, you should order the Hamachi Truffle Ponzu. This dish offers a masterclass in delicate contrasts. The cool, buttery yellowtail slices melt on the tongue, while the truffle ponzu provides a rich, earthy aroma. In contrast, the Anticucho Chicken brings a completely different energy to the table. These skewers come straight from the robata grill, charred and smoky on the outside. The meat remains incredibly succulent and tender within. You will enjoy the temperature play between the chilled raw fish and the piping hot, spiced poultry. These two appetizers perfectly introduce the dual nature of the Nikkei concept.
The Signature Main Course: The Legendary Miso-Marinated Black Cod
The Patagonian Toothfish is, without a doubt, the star of the show on the menu. As the waiter sets the dish in front of you, the scent of fermented miso and wood smoke wafts through the air. It is a stunning dish, topped with pickled ginger shoots or a Peruvian sauce that gives the dish a splash of color. The initial taste is an epiphany of textures and oil levels. Since this fish is inherently oily, it has a “melt-in-the-mouth” texture that no other fish has.
The Elite Tip:
The chef glazes the fish with a luxurious miso marinade before roasting it to a deep golden brown. This gives the fish a caramelized crust that shatters slightly before giving way to the white pearls of meat inside. You will also pick up the sweetness of the glaze, which pairs perfectly with the savory flavor of the fish. This is one dish that requires your undivided attention. Most people will find themselves savoring every bite because of the complex flavors involved.
The Sweet Ending: A Masterclass In Sculptural Patisserie
For dessert, far from being satisfied with a basic chocolate cake, opt for the Red Fruit Cheesecake. This is a culinary success. This is no ordinary dense New York-style cheesecake. There is a light and airy mousse consistency, together with a tangy raspberry sorbet. The accompaniments include the textures of meringue and a crunch that is essential for contrast. It is a well-balanced dish that has a good amount of sweetness and a high level of acidity. As such, it helps to cleanse the palate from the strong umami tastes of the preceding dishes.
The Beverage Program: Sophisticated Mixology Beyond The Spirits
The innovation does not just lie in the wine menu but also in a world-class mixology program. If you are not drinking alcohol, the “Mocktail” menu is surprisingly complex. They have house-made shrubs, botanical infusions, and clarified juices to replicate the complexity of spirits. For instance, the Purple Chicha has Peruvian purple corn, pineapple, and spices. It has a rich, earthy sweetness that is both refreshing and authentic. These drinks are made with the same care as the main cocktail menu. Therefore, all guests can have a premium drinking experience regardless of their drink of choice.
Service & Hospitality
The Experience: A perfect Balance of Casual-Chic and Professionalism
The style of service at Above Eleven is nothing short of a perfect reflection of its “casual-chic” ambiance. You will notice that the service staff achieve a delicate balance between the sophistication of fine dining and the warmth of genuine hospitality. Although the setting exudes a sense of opulence, the service is anything but stuffy. In fact, this is a welcome respite from the staid, “white-glove” service that is common in more formal establishments. Instead, the service staff here is committed to creating a convivial atmosphere. You will feel like one of the regulars from the moment you alight from the elevator.
Knowledge: Expert Guidance and Impeccable Culinary Pacing
The staff members show an incredible knowledge of the Nikkei menu. Since Japanese-Peruvian cuisine may not be well-known to some people, the staff members will take the time to explain the ingredients of the dishes, such as aji amarillo or leche de tigre. They will be able to recommend dishes that will complement your taste. Moreover, the staff members will take great care to ensure that the pace of the meal is perfect. You will never feel that you are being rushed out of the table, even on busy weekend nights. The dishes will come at a time when the previous flavors have been digested.
Final Thoughts & Rating
The Final Verdict: Is Above Eleven Worth The Hype?
The Final Rating: 9.7/10
I give Above Eleven a solid 9.7/10. It loses a half-point only because the high minimum spend can feel restrictive for casual visitors. However, the combination of the Record-Breaking Views, Exceptional Asian fusion cuisines and the flawless service makes it as one of the premier luxury destinations in the Middle East.
Who is it for?
Above Eleven is ideal for those who appreciate world-class aesthetics as much as culinary expertise. It is ideal for social foodies who want a lively atmosphere without sacrificing the quality of their meals. If you appreciate a sunset with a history, this is your spot.
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