Renowned chef Gaston Acurio is arguably the greatest-known authority on Peruvian cuisine. His rise started with world-famous restaurant Astrid y Gaston in Lima, but today, the chef owns nine different brands (including the likes of La Mar, Tanta, Panchita and Chicha) and over 45 restaurants across 11 countries. That includes the chef’s arrival in the UAE, as his Dubai debut lands at Atlantis The Royal with La Mar - a Peruvian restaurant that explores the authentic, diverse flavours of Peruvian cuisine.
Peru’s history and geographic location on the edge of the Pacific Ocean has made it a confluence of Eastern and Western cultures, and Peru boasts a unique gastronomy that blends many different ethnic backgrounds. Combined with the wide spectrum of climate changes and unique indigenous agriculture, Peru’s cuisine is quite unlike anything else, and Acurio’s menus at La Mar Dubai show that off.
On the menu you’ll find a huge range of Peruvian delicacies, from classic ceviches (containing anything from calamari and Bluefin tuna to octopus and Blue shrimp) to Nikkei nigiri of Wagyu beef with fried quail egg and crispy potato, tiraditos of scallops, avocado, garlic chips and olive oil emulsion, and street food style favourites too, like traditional Peruvian potato causas. There are also larger main plates, such as charcoal-grilled steaks and ‘platos de la mar’ that include grilled lobster with aji amarillo sauce and a chef’s fish selection with Huacatay sauce - a spicy green sauce made with jalapeno and coriander.
The restaurant itself - like many at the glitzy Atlantis The Royal resort - offers incredible views over the Arabian Gulf, and you can see the Skyblaze Fountain from your table as you sip on a crisp Pisco Sour, either from the elegant interiors or the peaceful outdoor terrace.