Stow that Louis Vuitton weekender at home because you no longer need to jet set off to London to indulge in one of the city’s long-standing hotspots. Entrepreneur and restaurateur Arkadiy Novikov has brought his eponymous eatery to Dubai, and after experiencing the restaurant’s grand opening in the Sheraton Grand Hotel this week, we’re looking forward to many happy returns.

While the atmosphere was just as glamorous as one would expect from the brand, the opening night threw in some surprises to ensure the launch would be one to remember – and here are five of our favourite discoveries from the evening.

1. Food glorious food 

 A contemporary Asian menu is filled with decadent cuisine from roasted Peking duck temptingly on display in the open kitchen to succulent king crab legs chilling on the vast seafood bar. But we were most impressed with the enormous yellowfin tuna that was carved before our very eyes and served up as melt-in-your-mouth sashimi, and the nimble fingers of the chefs meticulously creating exquisite little purses of deliciousness at the live dim sum station. A dalliance between Japan and Mexico has resulted in mini wagyu beef tacos that are a must-try nibble.

2. Red-hot décor 

Almost literally. Entering Novikov feels like suddenly finding yourself in a Bond-villain’s lair tucked beneath an active volcano. Japanese-influenced, rich wooden furnishings and charcoal-coloured stone accents are surrounded by dark walls with angular cracks that emanate a sultry red glow, while the oversized lighting hanging above is evocative of molten balls of lava. It’s the ideal scene for an evening of intrigue and mystery.

3. In skilled hands

Head chef Shane Macneill serves up an exceptional Asian dining experience. With previous stints in a number of Nobu Matsuhisa’s celebrated kitchens, as well as Yotto Japanese by Cipriani in Abu Dhabi, diners are well advised to arrive ready to feast.

4. Multiple personalities

Over a two-storey spread of 13,000 sqm, four opulent areas dish out distinct experiences. A spacious dining room showcasing touches of Asian design flair is the main event with ample space to accommodate intimate date nights and celebratory groups of friends, while the mezzanine level hosts elite private dining parties. But if a multi-course meal isn’t what you’re hungering for, guests can also grab a smaller bite at the sushi bar, or settle into the lounge area accented by glowing purple panels with a cardamom-tinged martini.

5. Dinner and a show

While it’s unlikely to be a staple during a usual night of dining, women clad in futuristic Japanese attire (the most over-the-top outfits even doubled as serving tables) were just the beginning of a whimsical evening that featured elegant dancing geisha and a pair of impossibly lithe contortionists-slash-acrobats. The imaginative evening has us looking forward to things to come.