Rainer Becker, co-founder and creator of Zuma, the iconic London restaurant that has successfully launched six different outposts throughout the world, including Dubai, is coming to Abu Dhabi in late 2013. This announcement comes in conjunction with further expansion into New York City early 2014.

The opening of Zuma Abu Dhabi is the result of the restaurants incredible popularity in the middle east and this new addition to the Abu Dhabi restaurant scene will take a similar pioneering approach to that of the launch of Zuma Dubai, the first stand-alone, independent licensed venue in the DIFC, Dubai’s financial hub.

The new restaurant will be located on Sowwah Square on Al Maryah Island, representing the core of Abu Dhabi’s new Central Business District; The Manhattan of Abu Dhabi. For the design of the interior, Rainer Becker challenged Nori Muramatsu of Studio Glitt to create a concept for the restaurant that looks very different to Zuma Dubai but still captures the style and elegant ambiance of the Zuma restaurants around the world.

Taking successful elements from Dubai, Zuma Abu Dhabi will offer guests a dedicated valet and entrance from its surrounding venues with a private glass elevator to bring guests down into the main dining room. Unlike Dubai, Abu Dhabi will be set on one floor but will still incorporate distinct lounge, bar and restaurant areas along with a small semi-private dining room. The new Zuma will also reflect the three core elements of its izakaya dining style with a signature robata and sushi counter located around the main dining room complimenting dishes from the kitchen. The bar and lounge will also feature a DJ counter with live entertainment in the evenings.

Since opening its doors in London in 2002, Zuma has become a landmark destination venue, the success of which created a launch pad for the global expansion of its award-winning restaurants, including Dubai. Zuma Dubai was the first destination restaurant to open in the DIFC and has gone on to win innumerable awards, including a ranking at #83 in the World’s Best Restaurant Awards 2012.

The creation of Zuma was the vision of one man, Chef Rainer Becker whose initial ambition for Zuma has proven over the past decade to be limitless in its cultural appeal and timeless in its ethos. Of the new opening Becker comments, “Zuma for me was simply bringing all the elements I enjoy from dining under one roof, I prefer a fun, informal dining experience and wanted Zuma to have an open lounge area and bar around the dining area. This, along with the food which is designed for sharing, creates a very relaxed vibe."

Abu Dhabi will signal further planned openings in the Middle East, a key expansion market for the company.

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