In the heart of Jumeirah Lake Towers, a new kind of izakaya has quietly opened its doors. KIMA, a warm and intimate space, is a place where minimalism meets comfort, and every bite feels like a hug. Co-founded by Tastil Gonzalez Moure and Chef Pawel Kazanowski, two F&B professionals with over 27 years of experience each in the world of high-end restaurants, KIMA is the result of a shared passion for honest food, good energy, and a different kind of dining experience.
KIMA is an izakaya, a Japanese concept where food and community intersect. The menu celebrates that philosophy with classic izakaya and Japanese offerings such as tataki, kara-age, sashimi, and tempura, among other small dishes designed to share, enjoy, and savour. Ingredients are thoughtfully sourced and chosen to ensure each dish is simple, vibrant, and full of heart.
Chef Pawel Kazanowski, KIMA’s co-founder, added, “Japanese cuisine teaches that every ingredient has a purpose, and respect for its natural essence is at the heart of every dish. At KIMA, I strive to honour that philosophy, creating experiences where authenticity, simplicity, and care come together on every plate.”
Every detail of KIMA has been thoughtfully crafted to feel like home. The walls were personally decorated by the founders, the vintage pieces sourced from second-hand shops in Japan and London, the low tables and stools that invite conversation, and soft lighting that wraps the room in warmth. Yet beyond its homely touches, KIMA channels the spirit of a Japanese alley or backstreet izakaya: intimate, low-key, and vibrant, where guests are encouraged to linger, connect, and be part of a living, breathing neighbourhood.
“I wanted KIMA to feel like home,” says KIMA’s co-founder Tastil Gonzalez Moure. “A place where people can step in, relax, feel part of the story, and enjoy good food without thinking twice about the bill. It’s cosy, it’s personal, it’s us. That’s what makes it special.”
KIMA is a neighbourhood izakaya for everyone who appreciates authentic Japanese flavours and genuine hospitality. Rooted in the spirit of Japan’s backstreet izakayas and shaped by Dubai’s cosmopolitan character, it offers a space that is intimate, unpretentious, and welcoming. It’s a place to gather, share, and return to time and again.
