A Nikkei lover's guide to the best ceviche in Dubai — from classic Lima to Royal Guard hamachi, served with skyline views at NAZCAA, Address Dubai Mall.
Dubai is a city that takes its food seriously. Whether it’s a high-end steakhouse or a secret noodle bar, you won’t find too many places that don’t serve some kind of food here, and folks move throughout the city only for one dish they have actually heard about. But for a city this obsessed with food, ceviche rarely gets the spotlight it deserves.
What’s interesting is that a good ceviche is one of the dishes that just work. Delicious little morsels of fish coated in an acidic sauce with incredible flavour, finished with crunch, heat, and a hit of citrus that ties everything together. If you love sashimi or lean towards bold, punchy flavours, ceviche might end up being your new favourite order. It’s light, easy to eat at the start of a meal… but it’s satisfying, and you’ll end up wanting more.
For diners searching for the best ceviche Dubai has to offer, Nazcaa is a destination worth discovering.
What Even Is Ceviche?
Basically, ceviche involves raw fish cooked in citrus, most preferably lime juice, and flavoured by adding chillies, onions, and herbs to add flavour. The acidity coagulates the fish meat and gives an extra tangy taste. The delicacy originates from Peru, where ceviche has almost become a national pride, and for many years since, it has been travelling across the globe, gathering different influences on its way.
And that is where it all begins at Nazcaa Restaurant. Located at Address Dubai Mall on the 12th floor, Nazcaa is the meeting point of the traditional Peruvian cuisine of ceviche and Japanese precision and perfection.
What emerges as a result is what their chefs refer to as Beyond Nikkei cuisine, taking their traditional Peruvian-Japanese fusion cuisine to the next level.
The Ceviche Selections at Nazcaa
The menu at Nazcaa includes three different types of ceviche, and each ceviche has its own distinct flavour. So, here’s what you should expect in case you are planning on paying them a visit.
Lima ceviche is the closest one to a classic. It is a combination of seabass, leche de tigre (citrus marinade popularly known as tiger’s milk), choclo (giant and chewy corn kernels), and cancha chulpe (roasted corn kernels). The texture is well-combined since one gets a soft and juicy fish, creamy citrus sauce, and crunchy corn.
Royal Guard ceviche is the one that takes more of the Nikkei cooking style. Hamachi and avocado are used along with burned choclo and aji amarillo emulsion (Peruvian yellow peppers), which give the dish a touch of warmth. One feels richness, slight smokiness and Japanese delicateness in taste balance.
Coconut ceviche is the ideal choice for vegetarians and vegans who want to enjoy a meal without having to sacrifice taste. In this dish, avocado, coconut flesh, sakura mix (Peruvian mixture of herbs), and mango are combined with leche de tigre.
Why Ceviche Works So Well at a Rooftop Like Nazcaa
When enjoying ceviche outside on a breezy evening, with the lights of the city all around you, everything feels right. It is not a meal for hurried consumption; instead, it’s supposed to be enjoyed slowly and accompanied by drinks and the right kind of company.
To complement your food, Nazcaa has put together a collection of cocktails that is inspired by the same source as the food. Peruvian freshness comes together with Japanese purity so perfectly that the lemony ceviche finds its match in a bright cocktail. A traditional sake also works well here if you have the taste for it.
The Culinary Experience Unfolds
While we can safely say that the ceviche options at Nazcaa will make you fall head over heels in love with them, there’s much more to this place than just the ceviche offerings. You’ll start with a chilled course of Hirame Tiradito and Wagyu Tataki before moving on to robata main courses. Next up, you’ve got sushi rolls and nigiri featuring high-end fish such as Hamachi, Akami, and Hotate.
This is where having friends around becomes even better. You’ll have ceviche and robata, among other courses that follow one another in succession.
A Thoughtfully Curated Dining Experience
If you haven’t been to Nazcaa yet and ceviche is what’s drawing you in, there’s a good way to dip your toes in. The 4-course set menu, priced at AED 120 per person and available for groups of two to six, is a curated way to experience a range of dishes without the decision fatigue of a full à la carte menu.
For those who already know what they want, there’s also 30% off the à la carte menu with a complimentary drink, no minimum spend required. It’s a relaxed way to build your own evening, whether that means going heavy on ceviche or exploring the rest of the menu too.
Final Thoughts
Maybe ceviche isn’t your go-to cuisine when visiting Dubai restaurants, but it should be. There is a reason why it has remained popular through centuries; it’s not only delicious but also full of life and tells its story with each bite.
In the case of Nazcaa, the story is that of two cultures coming to an understanding. Peruvian and Japanese cuisine have been harmoniously mixed, creating something new and unique against the background of a landmark view.
Whether you’re already a devoted ceviche enthusiast or simply curious to discover the best ceviche Dubai has to offer, Nazcaa provides an experience that celebrates flavour, culture, and craftsmanship in every bite.
Curious about what else is on the menu? Check out our menu for more on what makes Nazcaa worth the visit.
Location: 12th Floor, Address Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai
Opening hours: Sun–Thurs (4 PM–1 AM) | Fri–Sat (4 PM–2 AM) | Last food order 11:45 PM. Reservations: Sevenrooms | WhatsApp | Tel: 04 542 4200