One of the world’s leading Peruvian restaurants, La Mar by Peru’s most influential chef Gastón Acurio, is now open at Dubai’s ultra-luxury destination resort, Atlantis The Royal. Hailing from Lima, La Mar celebrates the authentic and diverse flavours of Peruvian gastronomy, inviting diners to tour through Peru’s incredible cultural and culinary diversity ranging from traditional seafood cebiche to whole fish cooked in a charcoal fired oven.

Located at mezzanine lobby level in Atlantis The Royal and overlooking the Skyblaze fountain, as guests approach the restaurant, they are greeted by two floor-to-ceiling oxidised copper doors traditionally found at the entrance of one of Peru’s many temples. With a casual elegance and easy-going vibe, guests can choose to take a seat on the large open terrace or at the bustling cebiche bar, where Acurio’s team of expert chefs freshly prepare marinated fish as well as tiraditos, causas and display the daily arrivals of seafood and whole fish. During the evening those dining on the terrace can overlook and gaze at the outstanding Skyblaze fountain, the world’s first water and fire water fountain show.

La Mar’s menu takes diners on a deep dive into traditional Peruvian seafood dishes, which is anchored by Acurio’s celebrated Peruvian cebiche. Guests can explore a wide range of different cebiches from traditional cilantro, lime, and red onions to more unique creations such as nori and daikon. A classic homestyle dish of Peruvian cuisine, that of course has a Gastón Acurio twist, is the selection of sharable causas, a creamy potato gateau, topped with the freshest seafood. The long list of superb signatures also includes tiraditos, a spicy and flavourful raw sashimi dish, which pays homage to the influence of Japanese cuisine on the Peruvian cuisine; as well as the authentic Peruvian street food anticuchos, which is comprised of grilled marinated meat, a spicy salsa and Peruvian chilli paste. Those who prefer seafood can opt for the prawns and cult-favourite, octopus options.

To complete the experience, La Mar is home to a comprehensive cocktail menu which is built around Pisco, the national drink of Peru, and goes beyond the classics like the Pisco Sour to feature a dozen specialized cocktails including the Chilcano with Pisco, ginger beer, lime juice, and angostura bitters. Traditional Peruvian beverages such as Chicha Morada, made of purple corn, spices, and fruit, and Inca Kola provide a non-alcoholic alternative.