Zoco brings the flavours of Pan America to Dubai

The ultimate Latin-fusion dining hotspot brings gourmet cuisine, salsa sessions and curated beverage programmes to Al Habtoor City 

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, May 2024: A vibrant new dining experience in the culinary heart of the UAE as V Hotel Dubai, Curio Collection by Hilton presents Zoco, a Pan American dining concept helmed by one of the city’s most exciting young chefs. 

Curated by Peruvian Chef Gustavo Alonso Guin Barnachea, the menu is a smorgasbord of enticing, fiery and flavourful dishes crafted with premium ingredients, reflecting the gastronomic heritage of Pan America. From the Peruvian-Japanese fusion of Nikkei cuisine to time-honoured culinary traditions of Mexico, the emphasis at Zoco is all about sharing, with plates crafted to encourage connection.

Zoco joins the star-studded collection of existing dining venues spread across V Hotel Dubai, Curio Collection by Hilton including Level Seven, V Lounge and V Deck. 

“We are delighted to be introducing Zoco and bringing the flavours of Pan America to Dubai, one of the most dynamic and exciting culinary destinations in the world,” says Daniel Hillier, Executive Chef, Al Habtoor City. “Chef Gustavo has drawn upon his passion for Latin flavours to create a menu that excites from the first bite, in a venue that’s just as vibrant as the dishes.”

On arrival at the seventh-floor restaurant, guests are greeted by breath-taking views of Dubai’s skyline and a bustling open-kitchen. Gentle natural woods, lashings of vibrant colours and kaleidoscopic portraits entice, with Latin house vibes from the DJ booth setting the tempo of the evening from Tuesday to Saturday each week. 

Perfect for an intimate dinner or a group outing, guests can begin their culinary adventure around Pan America with a host of starters, from freshly made guacamole and tune tartare to zingy citrus ceviche and soft-shell crab; or a selection of hot plates including beef short ribs, fluffy bao, crispy calamari and chicken teriyaki skewers.

For mains, diners can choose from a plethora of authentic dishes including Mexican style tacos loaded with chicken adobo, Peruvian chifa duck fried rice and sticky beef with udon; or go for gold with the ‘Black Onyx’, a black angus rib-eye with confit garlic and grilled vine tomatoes that’s perfect for sharing. Desserts are just as enticing with an elevated ‘Quatro Leches’ cake, churros, cheesecake and a selection of sorbets to ensure the experience ends on a sweet finish.  

Cocktail connoisseurs have a superb beverage programme from which to sample. Signature cocktails crafted using Pan American spirits include Espuma De Mezcal, Empresa Cubana and Cilantro Paloma, or there are pitchers of Sangria and Margarita for those who wish to share. 

There’s plenty of promotions to look forward to with a daily Happy Hour from 5pm to 7pm, inviting guests to enjoy selected house beverages and cocktails from AED 35 and a 25 per cent discount on dining. Fridays are all about the ladies with Salsa Y Señoritas. Gather the gals and shake to the sounds of salsa while taking advantage of a three-course set menu and unlimited house beverages for AED 180 for two hours. Gents can enjoy the same offer for AED 250. Or change the beat on Saturday and treat yourself to Pisco Rhythm, where you can tuck into a chef’s selection of cold and raw appetisers accompanied by unlimited pisco for two hours for AED 220 per person.

Open every day from 17:00 to 01:00, guests can reserve their table by calling + 971 50 428 6479