Himitsu.

Among other things, a question of comps.

I’ll be sincere: I desperately wanted to like Himitsu. Why did I want to enjoy the restaurant so much? Mostly because I (really) did not want to go. I mention this fact because I should probably listen to my gut feelings more often. In this instance, my instincts were precisely correct., and I should have just stayed home

Located inside Alba — next to Dubai Opera — I immediately wondered if this venue has any hope of succeeding. As much as I enjoyed Kismet (RIP), the area and this specific spot seem a bit…well, cursed.¹ For example, on the Sunday night we visited, approximately eight people were in attendance at Alba (and they were all walking out as I walked in). Yes, it’s July in Dubai, but large, empty restaurants can’t possibly survive.

Himitsu, which apparently translates to Japanese for “secret,” is located just off the main entrance of Alba. Walking through an unassuming door, yes, there are speakeasy vibes. Inside, the fit-out is as expected. Vaguely Asian, with eight seats, low …