Atmosphere
Elegant blue-and-gold interiors, low lighting and a luxurious bar create a polished evening setting.
EKAI
Zabeel
EKAI is a stylish restaurant and lounge in Zabeel, serving globally influenced dishes in an elegant, low-lit setting. Reviews point to the beef carpaccio, risotto and cheesecake, with chilled music that works for relaxed dinners, date nights or conversations with friends.
Reputation Score
4.8
★★★★★
213 ratings
Source: Google Maps
The Good Stuff
Quiet Music
The music and DJs add energy without overwhelming conversation, according to several diners.
Beef Carpaccio
Beef carpaccio with truffle and parmesan is one of the most consistently praised dishes.
Desserts
The cheesecake is repeatedly highlighted, while tiramisu and chocolate fondant also received strong mentions.
Kind Service
Reviews repeatedly describe the team as friendly, attentive and accommodating throughout the meal.
Brunch
Saturday brunch is available, with one reviewer praising the food and vegetarian choices.
Cocktails
Cocktails are a notable part of the experience, especially the passion fruit martini.
Valet Parking
Free valet parking is available when the venue stamp is provided.
What to Eat at EKAI How we choose these items We use AI to find praise and criticism of specific foods and drinks in a selection of Google reviews. For EKAI, this list is based on 50 reviews, not every review of the restaurant. The score is positive reviews minus negative reviews. For example, two positive reviews and one negative review give +1. Each review counts once per item; neutral comments do not change the score. A zero score is not a positive recommendation. “Only neutral feedback” means there are no positive or negative votes. “Mixed feedback” means equal numbers of positive and negative votes. The quotes are examples of what people said, not every comment we counted. We use different reviews where we can. We normally show up to 10 foods and 5 drinks with non-negative scores. Items with the same score stay together. If a tied group would go past the limit, that group and the lower non-negative scores go into Honorable mentions. If an overflowing positive top tie would leave the list empty, we show up to 10 items from that tie and keep the rest in Honorable mentions. Foods and drinks with a negative score are under What to Avoid. Use this as a guide to what reviewers liked, not a guarantee that you will like it too.
These items at EKAI got the most positive mentions in user reviews. Check them out!
Food 5
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Beef carpaccio Net +5
“Food is finger licking no doubt you may wanna try Gnocci, Beef Carpaccio and the desert try and get everything it’s just amazing.”
Positive 5Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Food is finger licking no doubt you may wanna try Gnocci, Beef Carpaccio and the desert try and get everything it’s just amazing.”March 2023
“I had beef carpaccio for starter, It was really delish. And gnocchi for main, it was nice too. And cheesecake for dessert it was lovely. Servers were really accommodating too”January 2023
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Cheesecake Net +5
“The watermelon starter was so delicious and my favourite was the cheesecake dessert. It was so creamy and perfect! Definitely when visiting try this.”
Positive 5Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The watermelon starter was so delicious and my favourite was the cheesecake dessert. It was so creamy and perfect! Definitely when visiting try this.”December 2022
“The cheesecake was delicious.”December 2022
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Calamari Net +4
“You need to try their calamari for the starter and Cheesecake for the dessert Because these are the best I have had in my life! Delicious!”
Positive 4Negative 0
Review excerpts
“You need to try their calamari for the starter and Cheesecake for the dessert Because these are the best I have had in my life! Delicious!”December 2022
“Moving to the food: its stunning! Calamary-crispy and a bit spicy 🌶 were very delicious!”February 2023
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Tiramisu Net +3
“Good selection of starters, nice main with traditional Italian dishes and tiramisu 🥰”
Positive 3Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Good selection of starters, nice main with traditional Italian dishes and tiramisu 🥰”February 2023
“New amazing restaurant! With delicious food and drinks ! Try Tiramisu 😋😋😋”January 2023
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Gnocchi Net +2
“I had beef carpaccio for starter, It was really delish. And gnocchi for main, it was nice too. And cheesecake for dessert it was lovely. Servers were really accommodating too”
Positive 2Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I had beef carpaccio for starter, It was really delish. And gnocchi for main, it was nice too. And cheesecake for dessert it was lovely. Servers were really accommodating too”January 2023
“Food is finger licking no doubt you may wanna try Gnocci, Beef Carpaccio and the desert try and get everything it’s just amazing.”March 2023
Honorable mentions (26)
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Beef carpaccio with truffle and parmesan Net +1
“Food was scrumptious, specially the beef carpaccio with truffle and parmesan.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Food was scrumptious, specially the beef carpaccio with truffle and parmesan.”January 2023
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Burrata Net +1
“Burrata and Spiced prawns worth mentioning. Taste was Amazing!!!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Burrata and Spiced prawns worth mentioning. Taste was Amazing!!!”February 2023
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Carpaccio with truffle Net +1
“The carpaccio with truffle was delicious and pretty and get your own because you wont want to share!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The carpaccio with truffle was delicious and pretty and get your own because you wont want to share!”December 2022
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Chef’s selection menu Net +1
“Amazing service! Attentive and lovely stuff! KC was really accommodating to all our requests. The chef’s selection menu was delicious! It’s a very elegant setting restaurant and bar! A must try!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Amazing service! Attentive and lovely stuff! KC was really accommodating to all our requests. The chef’s selection menu was delicious! It’s a very elegant setting restaurant and bar! A must try!”February 2023
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Chicken sliders Net +1
“We loved the starters. Watermelon compressed salad & chicken sliders were Yumm 😋😋 For Main Course loved the wild mushroom Risotto, Grilled Chicken & of course the Grilled Tiger Prawns which was so fresh & yumm 😋 😀”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We loved the starters. Watermelon compressed salad & chicken sliders were Yumm 😋😋 For Main Course loved the wild mushroom Risotto, Grilled Chicken & of course the Grilled Tiger Prawns which was so fresh & yumm 😋 😀”December 2022
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Chocolate fondant cake Net +1
“In the end, we got a beautiful surprise from their team for our anniversary with the yummilicious Chocolate Fondant Cake & that was just perfect 🥰”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“In the end, we got a beautiful surprise from their team for our anniversary with the yummilicious Chocolate Fondant Cake & that was just perfect 🥰”December 2022
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Chocolate moelleux Net +1
“We tried one of their salads, Striploin and Chocolate Moelleux - really loved the flavors!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We tried one of their salads, Striploin and Chocolate Moelleux - really loved the flavors!”June 2022
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Forbidden kiss Net +1
“Tried their new cocktails- Forbidden Kiss & Glamour Rose & loved it ❤️”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Tried their new cocktails- Forbidden Kiss & Glamour Rose & loved it ❤️”December 2022
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Glamour rose Net +1
“Tried their new cocktails- Forbidden Kiss & Glamour Rose & loved it ❤️”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Tried their new cocktails- Forbidden Kiss & Glamour Rose & loved it ❤️”December 2022
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Gnocchi al gorgonzola Net +1
“Miso Ricotta Spinaci Ravioli Gnocchi al Gorgonzola - as you notice these dishes were properly plated. Perfectly cooked pasta. Creamy and you’ll taste the aged cheese that gives an authentic flavor.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Miso Ricotta Spinaci Ravioli Gnocchi al Gorgonzola - as you notice these dishes were properly plated. Perfectly cooked pasta. Creamy and you’ll taste the aged cheese that gives an authentic flavor.”December 2022
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Grilled chicken Net +1
“We loved the starters. Watermelon compressed salad & chicken sliders were Yumm 😋😋 For Main Course loved the wild mushroom Risotto, Grilled Chicken & of course the Grilled Tiger Prawns which was so fresh & yumm 😋 😀”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We loved the starters. Watermelon compressed salad & chicken sliders were Yumm 😋😋 For Main Course loved the wild mushroom Risotto, Grilled Chicken & of course the Grilled Tiger Prawns which was so fresh & yumm 😋 😀”December 2022
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Grilled prawns Net +1
“Delicious food, the most liked is beef carpaccio and grilled prawns, must to try.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Delicious food, the most liked is beef carpaccio and grilled prawns, must to try.”December 2022
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Grilled tiger prawns Net +1
“We loved the starters. Watermelon compressed salad & chicken sliders were Yumm 😋😋 For Main Course loved the wild mushroom Risotto, Grilled Chicken & of course the Grilled Tiger Prawns which was so fresh & yumm 😋 😀”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We loved the starters. Watermelon compressed salad & chicken sliders were Yumm 😋😋 For Main Course loved the wild mushroom Risotto, Grilled Chicken & of course the Grilled Tiger Prawns which was so fresh & yumm 😋 😀”December 2022
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Home made paccheri pasta with truffle veal sauce Net +1
“We have tried few of the dishes, but the home made paccheri pasta with truffle veal sauce was my favourite.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We have tried few of the dishes, but the home made paccheri pasta with truffle veal sauce was my favourite.”July 2022
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Miso ricotta spinaci ravioli Net +1
“Miso Ricotta Spinaci Ravioli Gnocchi al Gorgonzola - as you notice these dishes were properly plated. Perfectly cooked pasta. Creamy and you’ll taste the aged cheese that gives an authentic flavor.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Miso Ricotta Spinaci Ravioli Gnocchi al Gorgonzola - as you notice these dishes were properly plated. Perfectly cooked pasta. Creamy and you’ll taste the aged cheese that gives an authentic flavor.”December 2022
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Pan asian spiced prawn Net +1
“Pan Asian Spiced Prawn -Awesome taste, top with cream sauce and it balances the taste with the squeezed grilled lime. With a baguette on the side.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Pan Asian Spiced Prawn -Awesome taste, top with cream sauce and it balances the taste with the squeezed grilled lime. With a baguette on the side.”December 2022
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Pizza margherita Net +1
“Pizza Margherita - taste from freshly made ingredients and well-prepared dough. And this pizza has creamy Burrata cheese that gives extra flavor”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Pizza Margherita - taste from freshly made ingredients and well-prepared dough. And this pizza has creamy Burrata cheese that gives extra flavor”December 2022
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Roast beef Net +1
“Roast Beef - insanely delicious, tender, and with a hint of sweetness to balance the savory flavor. Served with mashed potato and topped with pesto garlic sauce.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Roast Beef - insanely delicious, tender, and with a hint of sweetness to balance the savory flavor. Served with mashed potato and topped with pesto garlic sauce.”December 2022
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Seabass cheviche with spicy sweet mango sauce Net +1
“Yesterday's dinner at the restaurant was great. Especially the dish Seabass Cheviche with spicy sweet mango sauce Beef Carpaccio. The atmosphere of the restaurant is conducive to relaxation after work. The staff is friendly and hospitable. I recommend visiting the restaurant”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Yesterday's dinner at the restaurant was great. Especially the dish Seabass Cheviche with spicy sweet mango sauce Beef Carpaccio. The atmosphere of the restaurant is conducive to relaxation after work. The staff is friendly and hospitable. I recommend visiting the restaurant”March 2023
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Spiced prawns Net +1
“Burrata and Spiced prawns worth mentioning. Taste was Amazing!!!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Burrata and Spiced prawns worth mentioning. Taste was Amazing!!!”February 2023
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Striploin Net +1
“We tried one of their salads, Striploin and Chocolate Moelleux - really loved the flavors!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We tried one of their salads, Striploin and Chocolate Moelleux - really loved the flavors!”June 2022
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Tangy cheese cake Net +1
“desserts - tiramisu and tangy cheese cake was a delightful sight and taste .”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“desserts - tiramisu and tangy cheese cake was a delightful sight and taste .”December 2022
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Tiger prawns Net +1
“tiger prawns and risotto for mains was quite delicious .”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“tiger prawns and risotto for mains was quite delicious .”December 2022
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Watermelon and feta salad Net +1
“Absolutely loved the place , very posh interior , perfect for a date night , food was top my favorites are watermelon and feta salad and cheesecake, stuff is very polite and social , definitely recommending this place !”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Absolutely loved the place , very posh interior , perfect for a date night , food was top my favorites are watermelon and feta salad and cheesecake, stuff is very polite and social , definitely recommending this place !”January 2023
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Watermelon compressed salad Net +1
“We loved the starters. Watermelon compressed salad & chicken sliders were Yumm 😋😋 For Main Course loved the wild mushroom Risotto, Grilled Chicken & of course the Grilled Tiger Prawns which was so fresh & yumm 😋 😀”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We loved the starters. Watermelon compressed salad & chicken sliders were Yumm 😋😋 For Main Course loved the wild mushroom Risotto, Grilled Chicken & of course the Grilled Tiger Prawns which was so fresh & yumm 😋 😀”December 2022
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Wild mushroom risotto Net +1
“We loved the starters. Watermelon compressed salad & chicken sliders were Yumm 😋😋 For Main Course loved the wild mushroom Risotto, Grilled Chicken & of course the Grilled Tiger Prawns which was so fresh & yumm 😋 😀”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We loved the starters. Watermelon compressed salad & chicken sliders were Yumm 😋😋 For Main Course loved the wild mushroom Risotto, Grilled Chicken & of course the Grilled Tiger Prawns which was so fresh & yumm 😋 😀”December 2022
Drinks 2
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Passion fruit cocktail Net +1
“Delicious food, amazing ambience and great music! Passion fruit cocktail is a must try! Calamari and risotto were my favorite! Highly recommend”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Delicious food, amazing ambience and great music! Passion fruit cocktail is a must try! Calamari and risotto were my favorite! Highly recommend”December 2022
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Passion fruit martini Net +1
“Also cocktails were out of this world. The passion fruit martini is the best I’ve tried so far.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Also cocktails were out of this world. The passion fruit martini is the best I’ve tried so far.”January 2023
Tips for a Better Visit
Try Carpaccio. Order the beef carpaccio with truffle and parmesan; it was singled out as a favourite.
Save Room. Leave space for cheesecake, which one diner called creamy and perfect.
Use Valet. Bring the venue stamp to claim free valet parking.
Try Brunch. Consider Saturday brunch if you want to visit during the daytime.
Expect Low Light. The dining room is quite dark, which suits privacy and relaxed dinners but may not suit everyone.
Chat Easily. The music is generally described as chilled or not too loud, making conversation comfortable.
Plan the visit
Practical details
Burj Daman - Al Mustaqbal St
Zaa'beel Second - Za'abeel, Dubai
Common Concerns
Small Portions
One diner found the portions small and said the main course was literally one shrimp.
DXB
LOCAL
LOCAL
The Bottom Line
EKAI is a restaurant and lounge in Zabeel with a polished, low-lit interior and a music-led evening atmosphere. You can come for dinner, Saturday brunch or cocktails; the reviews make the beef carpaccio with truffle and parmesan, wild mushroom risotto, and cheesecake the clearest dishes to look for. The room leans elegant rather than casual, with blue-and-gold décor, crystal chandeliers and a bar that several diners found memorable.
DJs and live music bring energy, but multiple reviews say the volume still allows proper conversation, so it can work for a date, a relaxed catch-up or a celebration. Saturday brunch is another option, and one brunch review specifically noted good vegetarian choices. Service is a strong part of the experience: diners describe the staff as kind, attentive and accommodating.
If you are driving, free valet parking was reported when the venue stamp is provided. The main caution is portion size. One diner felt portions were small and said a main course was literally one shrimp, so sharing several dishes may not suit every appetite.
The lighting is also deliberately dim—good for privacy, less ideal if you prefer a bright dining room.