Sponsored: Amaru, designed for long dinners and late nights
Dubai’s dining and nightlife scene has a striking new addition. Amaru, a homegrown Latin American restaurant and bar, is now open at Souk Madinat Jumeirah, promising bold flavours, fiery cooking and high energy vibes.
From the moment you arrive, Amaru feels like a journey rather than just a restaurant. The venue is made up of several connected spaces, each flowing naturally into the next, encouraging guests to explore as the evening unfolds.
At the heart of it all is the main bar, designed as the central meeting point and the place where the night begins. The drinks menu is just as theatrical as the food, with signature and classic cocktails built around agave and cane spirits, each crafted with a strong sense of storytelling. For those wanting an alcohol-free beverage, an elevated “Sober Whispers” zero-proof list offers thoughtfully composed alternatives that deliver on flavour, aroma and presentation. Surrounding the bar is the dining room, inspired by the ancient civilisations of Latin America. Warm clay walls, textured stone, glowing firelight and intricate wood details create a cosy yet dramatic setting, with golden Aztec-style motifs adding a final touch of theatre.
An elevated upper level offers a new view over the space, while the Amber Room Chef’s Table provides a more intimate experience for those looking for something special. Music runs throughout the venue, keeping the energy high and creating an immersive experience.
Image: Supplied
A menu built around fire
The food at Amaru is rooted in Latin American tradition, but finished with modern flair. Led by Chef Carlo Valentino, the menu takes inspiration from street food, coastal cooking and ancient fire rituals, with flame playing a central role.
Expect bright, citrus led ceviches, lobster tacos served in huitlacoche tortillas, smoky anticuchos and otoro tostadas. There are also richer dishes, such as highland lamb chops cooked over live fire. Each plate is designed to reflect the land, the sea and the heritage behind the flavours.
Image: Supplied
Cocktails with a sense of ritual
The drinks menu is just as theatrical as the food. Signature cocktails use tropical botanicals and house infusions, with a strong focus on storytelling. Highlights include the Welcome Sphere, a playful, appetite boosting tropical drink, and the Negroni Latino, which gives the classic cocktail a regional twist with mango and tropical fruit notes.
For those skipping alcohol, Amaru also offers Sober Whispers, a thoughtfully crafted range of no alcohol drinks that deliver on flavour, aroma and presentation.
With its immersive design, fire led cooking and lively atmosphere, Amaru is set to become a new hotspot at Souk Madinat Jumeirah.
Where: Amaru, Souk Madinat Jumeirah
Contact: (042) 275 881, (050) 263 7060, amarudubai.com
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