Now open, Lúnico invites guests to embark on a one-of-a-kind journey inspired by the four phases of the moon and natural elements.
Lúnico has officially opened its doors at Dubai’s all-new luxurious beachfront dining destination, J1 Beach. Showcasing Spanish fine dining and a late-night bar adventure, Lúnico is a unique concept inspired by the four phases of the moon and natural elements that seamlessly blends exceptional food, a captivating ambiance with vibrant music, and a world class bar program.
Curated to present an immersive dining journey with mystique and intrigue, Lúnico – derived from the Spanish words ‘luna’ and ‘único’ – embodies elements of the moon and uniqueness at its core. Encouraging visitors to follow the moon, where intuition is amplified to live deeply – the way one’s senses long to live, Lúnico invites guests to embark on a one-of-a-kind journey filled with enchantment and wonder, where the restaurant weaves a narrative inspired by water, fire, earth, and air, across its food, beverage, and interior design.
To make every visit an unparalleled experience, Lúnico guides guests through a dynamic, ever-changing repertoire that evolves from day to a late-night bar adventure to ensure every visit is unforgettable. With offerings for lunch and dinner, Lúnico’s skilled team will serve fine dining Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine paired with top-tier hospitality, and an alluring bar adventure that will unfold with a nightly ritual to see guests into the early hours with lively music from top DJs and impressive LED screens to further enhance the ambiance and present a captivating experience where food, drinks, and tasteful entertainment intertwine.
Commenting on the opening, Peter Štecko, founder of Medusa Restaurants, the group which owns and operates Lúnico, expressed: “We have created a brand with quality, bold flavours, and attention to detail at its core – particularly when it comes to food, beverage, and entertainment. We’re incredibly excited to share Lúnico with guests. Every dish on our menu tells a story capturing the heart of Spanish and Latin cuisine with a modern twist, while our signature cocktails are all thoughtfully linked to the elements and zodiac signs, serving up a level of intrigue and playfulness. As a team, we are thrilled to drop the veil and reveal Lúnico – we look forward to welcoming guests for a dining adventure to remember”.
Leading the pass, Peruvian Head Chef John Evans and his brigade present modern and minimalist fare comprising tapas, main courses, and desserts, with each dish reflecting a fusion of vibrant flavours and each dish designed to tell a tale.
Diners’ appetites will be tempted with a variety of dishes including Purple Potato Mille-Feuille, which is layered purple potato with foie gras, leek and mint emulsion, caramelized onion and sherry vinegar reduction. Another menu highlight is the Guacamole Bombon – a moon shape avocado filled with Spanish guacamole, served with corn chips.
From the tapas selection, Chef John’s must-try dish is the Pulpo Basco with slow-cooked octopus charred on the charcoal grill, served with Romano pepper sauce, pickles and crumble. Other dishes include Ceviche Gallego, Salmon Crudo, Arroz con Mariscos, Trufas y Alfajores, Galician Octopus, Green Apple Oyster, and Vieiras with Caviar. For dessert, Chef John’s Grandma’s Crema Catalana is not to be missed.
Dishes at Lúnico will be prepared predominantly with ingredients sourced from Spain, including fresh tuna, octopus, anchovies, cured ham, and organic cold press Toledo extra virgin olive oil, while other key items like purple corn and chiles will come from Peru, sea grapes and katsuobushi from Japan, plus spices and sauces from China, Thailand, and Korea.
Over at the bar, the menu is an exploration of elemental and cultural influences. The beverage journey begins by choosing from four signature drinks inspired by the four elements, each paired with an amuse-bouche to complement its flavours. These elements are intricately linked to the phases of the moon and zodiac signs, allowing guests to fortify their chosen element and rise to new heights.
Continuing the voyage through time and culture, guests are invited to discover flavours of pre-Columbian civilizations with four signature drinks that pay homage to ancient traditions. Each of these carefully crafted concoctions is served with its own specially prepared service, adding to the enchantment of the experience. For those seeking classic favourites with a twist, Lúnico will serve a premium selection of gin and tonics, and homemade sangrias, alongside a wide array of high-quality spirits and wines.
Setting a picturesque scene with both indoor and outdoor seating, Lúnico boasts a terrace abundant with greenery overlooking the sea – perfect for intimate and relaxed socialising.
As one of the many layers shaping Lúnico’s immersive experience, music will vary according to time, from calmer tones to the more energetic, moving through vibes of lo-fi, lounge house to deep house. Bridging the gap from dinner to dance, the iconic Lúnico hare will sweep through the venue with a nightly ritual that introduces guests to the real Aztec legend of the moon rabbit by heightening senses with deep storytelling, captivating vibrations and sounds, and illuminating visuals to really amp up the atmosphere.
Inside, the design creates a grand atmosphere with the use of natural stone and metallic elements, softened by upholstery and decorative features made from dried plants. Guests at Lúnico will find themselves in a lavish yet welcoming space, offering diverse environments despite its size and openness.
Upon arrival, visitors will be welcomed through an entrance adorned with a longitudinal plant jungle on one side and a water element on the other and led to the heart of Lúnico where the venue’s focal point awaits: a bar spanning two floors, around which the entire experience unfolds. The bar also serves as the main guide for the evening, with its LED screens setting the current pace and atmosphere.
Whether it’s dining amidst a multitude of visual stimuli, enjoying an intimate atmosphere, or relaxing on the outdoor terrace with a view of the sea, Lúnico will offer a generous line-up of unforgettable experiences.
