Chef Izu Ani, known for acclaimed restaurants such as GAIA and La Maison Ani, is set to open a new Japanese dining concept in Dubai. Launching this September at Four Seasons Hotel DIFC, KIGO will highlight omakase and kaiseki traditions through a counter-style dining experience. The restaurant is the latest project from Fundamental Hospitality and promises an intimate journey into Japanese seasonality.
Led by head chef Akinori “Aki” Tanigawa, who brings over three decades of kaiseki expertise, and sushi head chef Daihachiro Ebata, fresh from Kyoto’s Sushi Wakon, KIGO will celebrate ingredients at their peak. The name itself, drawn from Japanese haiku poetry, reflects this devotion to seasonality, with dishes ranging from snow crab in winter to sweetfish in summer. Guests will be invited to trust the chefs as each course unfolds in real time.
The 44-seat restaurant is designed around a rare aji stone sushi counter, accessed through a minimalist dry garden entrance and complemented by Rimpa-style art from Eiki Kimura. Alongside the food, pairings will include rare sake, Japanese teas, and seasonal drinks with poetic stories. With its thoughtful design and focus on tradition, KIGO adds a refined new chapter to Dubai’s dynamic dining scene.
