Twelve festive picks for Christmas Eve at NAZCAA, from Burj Khalifa views and signature ceviche to champagne, sake and show-stopping desserts.
Why would a Christmas Eve be special? Can it be because of food, company, ambiance, or is it all about the moment when everything is in place?
In Dubai, where the festive season comes dressed in the lights of the city and rooftop festivities, choosing how and where to celebrate Christmas Eve is already an exciting adventure. From the glowing lights of Burj Khalifa and the festive vibe of Downtown Dubai, Nazcaa offers an opportunity to celebrate the holiday in style, from level 12 at Address Dubai Mall.
It all starts much earlier than you might expect, the sky is lit up, there is a festive buzz in the air, and everything seems carefully crafted for the occasion.
We’ve compiled a Christmas Eve edit of 12 picks that will make your festive night special, based on our unique Beyond Nikkei concept, combining Peruvian heritage, Japanese craftsmanship and celebrating each other with unforgettable flavors and unmatched hospitality.
This is why the magic happens.
1. A Front Row Seat to the Burj Khalifa
Not many Christmas dinners have a view like this. Guests at the rooftop terrace can enjoy unobstructed views of the Burj Khalifa lit up in festive glory. As the lights of the city begin to shine, the views become an integral part of the dining experience.
2. The Atmosphere That Changes with the Night
Nazcaa’s Christmas Eve is anything but stationary. The festive vibe changes according to time as people get settled down, the conversation gets louder, and lights in the city start shining brightly.
3. Festive Rooftop Setting
For a perfect Christmas dinner, the ambiance of the place is equally important.
Through the night, your guests will be able to enjoy the special atmosphere that makes Nazcaa one of the top dining locations in Downtown Dubai. The well-designed interior space, stunning views of the city, festive decorations, and sophisticated ambience will ensure a memorable celebration at Nazcaa.
In each section of the restaurant whether its indoor or outdoors, our guests will enjoy the festive mood of the day.
4. Yuzu Guacamole
The list of festive dishes starts with the most sought-after appetizer.
It is made from the smoothest Peruvian avocado with the hint of the yuzu flavour, providing festive food with a great taste that goes well with all other dishes we serve during the evening, reflecting the combination of Peruvian and Japanese food styles in our menu.
5. Salmon Avocado Tartar
Light, elegant, and beautifully balanced, the Salmon Avocado Tartar highlights the freshness that sits at the heart of Nikkei cuisine. Delicate textures and clean flavours make it an ideal opening course before the evening moves into bolder territory.
6. The Ceviche Experience
Ceviche is an essential part of any festive menu at Nazcaa.
The Lima Ceviche is still one of our signature expressions of Peruvian heritage. A sea bass, citrus and leche de tigre dish is both bright and uplifting. In addition, the Royal Guard Ceviche brings a depth, richness and complexity by pairing the Hamachi with the Aji Amarillo leche de tigre.
Christmas Eve is the perfect time to learn more about our ceviche; many guests find it among the best parts of the Nazcaa experience.
7. Hirame Tiradito
This elegant course is precise and restrained.
Thin slices of Hirame are paired with ponzu and caviar, creating a dish that showcases Japanese craftsmanship while complementing the vibrant flavours found throughout the menu. It’s elegant, impactful, and just right for the holiday season!
8. Lobster Togarashi and Wagyu Bao
As the dish gets a little more advanced, the flavors become richer.
Lobster Togarashi is both spicy and warm, while Wagyu Bao brings indulgent textures with carefully balanced seasoning. Together, they represent the creative spirit behind Nazcaa’s Beyond Nikkei philosophy.
9. The Robata Experience
The robata grill is still one of the highlights of dining at Nazcaa.
Miso Black Cod still tops the list of guest favorites thanks to its soft texture and great taste. The Robata Lamb Chops are another example of live cooking, but each ingredient acquires many flavors thanks to the roasting process.
All these scents are already sufficient to attract attention from adjacent tables.
10. Wagyu Worth Celebrating
Every Christmas needs an element that will add to the festive mood.
Those who want something extra for Christmas Eve can try our Wagyu Rib Eye with chimichurri sauce and Wagyu Tomahawk steak.
11. Festive Cocktails, Champagne, and Sake
The bar setting at Nazcaa restaurant is just as important as any other area.
We take pride in our bartenders’ ability to combine Japanese exactness with Peruvian energy when crafting festive cocktails. Raise a glass of Laurent-Perrier La Cuvée Brut, drink Dom Pérignon 2013, sample fine wines or Japanese sake like Dassai 23 and IWA 5, all while gazing at Burj Khalifa from your window.
12. Desserts That End the Evening Beautifully
No Christmas dinner should ever be considered complete without something to top it off perfectly.
In our Nazcaa Yule Log, we combine mud chocolate with white peppercorn ice cream to provide our own take on this festive dessert. The Theobroma Cigar adds some theatrics to your Christmas dinner with chocolate filled with black sesame, hojicha parfait, and edible ash. Our Alfajores come with dulce de leche and lucuma ice cream.
Celebrate Christmas Eve the Nazcaa Way
Whether you’re planning a romantic evening, celebrating with family, or gathering with friends, Nazcaa offers a festive experience shaped by exceptional cuisine, handcrafted cocktails, vibrant entertainment, and iconic views of the Dubai skyline.
This festive season, join us above the city and discover Christmas through the lens of Beyond Nikkei.
