From matcha to MICHELIN: Take your pick from 28 heavyweight to homegrown concepts.
Whether you’re after maki rolls or MICHELIN Stars, there’s a Japanese restaurant in Dubai to suit your stomach. The city is home to big brands from Nobu to Zuma, and homegrown hits like Reif Japanese Kushiyaki. So, if you’re looking for a meal to remember, here are the best Japanese restaurants in Dubai.
99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant – Address Downtown
If you’ve got 99 problems, sushi won’t be one when you visit this restaurant. 99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant opened in 2020, and offers a shiny dining experience – there are gold chopstick holders, no less. Priding itself on using high-quality ingredients, the menu includes the 99 Black Cod, Katsu Sando and Wagyu Beef Sandwich with gold (obviously). Plus, the Insta crowd will love the lavish interiors and Burj Khalifa views.
GO: Visit www.99sushibar.com for more information.
Akabeko – voco Dubai The Palm
In Japanese, akabeko means red cow and refers to a legendary animal in the Aizu region. Now, the cow makes up Akabeko’s brand logo and can be seen placed throughout the dining room of the new restaurant in Palm West Beach. Akabeko offers a nose-to-tail dining concept and is the first Japanese A5 Wagyu-focused “Yakiniku” experience in the city. The approach ensures that every edible part of the animal is prepared and consumed, including all the “left behinds” and “secondaries”. Akabeko’s signature dishes include the Supreme Wag-Yukke — a spicy tartare topped with scallops, uni, and ikura — and the Akabeko Donburi featuring prime Wagyu steak, uni, and caviar, embellished with truffle. We recommend you conclude your dining experience with Akabeko’s signature truffle ice cream.
GO: Visit https://akabeko.ae for more information.
Armani/Hashi – Armani Hotel Dubai
Armani/Hashi has worked hard to make a name for itself in Dubai, and it has earnt its place on the list. The concept creates a twist on traditional Japanese cuisine. Not only are fresh ingredients flown in daily, but it also offers a local touch – a shisha lounge, anyone? The menu includes robatayaki and teppanyaki dishes, and a Hokkaido Tasting Menu, which includes sashimi, sushi, sukiyaki and more for AED 1,699 per person. Oh, and there’s a view of Dubai Fountain.
GO: Visit www.armanihotels.com for more information.
Clap – DIFC
Put your hands together for Clap. The restaurant was born in Beirut and can be found in Dubai, Riyadh and soon, London. The DIFC venue is swanky yet sophisticated, and no expense has been spared, from the shimmering chandelier to the action figures. The restaurant serves top-quality Japanese cuisine, and offers dishes ranging from sushi to sashimi. Take your pick from Rock Shrimp, Black Cod, Matcha Cheesecake and more.
GO: Visit www.claprestaurant.com for more information.
Daikan Izakaya – City Walk
The Japanese Daikan brand has expanded from Abu Dhabi with the opening of Daikan Izakaya in City Walk. Daikan Izakaya’s menu aims to offer an authentic Japanese experience. The menu offers an array of creative Japanese specialities, ranging from fresh sushi and juicy grills to crispy gyoza, bao buns, salads, and sharing-style plates. Popular dishes include American-style Wagyu Teppanyaki Philly cheese steaks with caramelised onions and shishito, crispy tuna bites and Japanese Wagyu Daikan smash burgers. Daikan Izakaya takes pride in its in-house kansui alkaline noodle production and locally sourced ingredients, ensuring the highest quality and freshness in every bowl.
GO: Follow @daikanizakaya_ae on Instagram for more information.
Gohan – Jumeirah Emirates Towers
Did you know that there was a Japanese speakeasy in Dubai? Welcome to Gohan. Created by the team behind La Cantine du Faubourg, the restaurant creates an intimate dining experience – no wonder it is popular with the royals. The name means humble, translates to “meal of any sort” and refers to any cooked rice dish. The menu is all about authentic Japanese flavours and includes Beef Sando, Crispy Chilean Sea Bass and Wagyu Scotch Egg. Plus, there are desserts ranging from Marinated Citrus to Matcha Sponge Cake.
GO: Visit https://lacantine.ae for more information.
Goldfish – Galleria Mall
Get your chopsticks ready because Chef Akmal Anuar’s Goldfish Sushi & Yakitori offers a modern twist on traditional Japanese cuisine. Expect new-style sashimi to nigiri, maki rolls to caviar, and an array of yakitori skewers and clay pot dishes. Among the mains, highlights include Grilled Octopus, Australian Tenderloin, and the must-try Wagyu Sliders, which have garnered rave reviews. Goldfish Sushi & Yakitori is also committed to sourcing the finest ingredients ethically. Plus, with an open kitchen concept, guests can witness the kitchen staff working their magic firsthand.
GO: Visit https://goldfishsushiyakitori.com for more information.
Hōseki – Bulgari Resort Dubai
You know you’re in for an exclusive dining experience when only nine people – nine! – can dine at once. The MICHELIN Starred restaurant and sushi superstar, Masahiro Sugiyama, create an intimate yet refined dining experience. There is the Hisui menu with five appetisers and the Ruri menu with seven appetisers, which both also include sushi, miso soup and a Japanese omelette. If you’re feeling adventurous, order the Omakase menu – it leaves the food selection up to the chef. So, the menu is catered around you and the fresh ingredients that have flown in directly from Japan.
GO: Visit www.bulgarihotels.com for more information.
Kinoya – Onyx Tower
Kinoya boasts one of Dubai’s most charming restaurant stories. Neha Mishra originally started the concept as a supper club entitled A Story of Food, which she ran from her home for nearly three years. Neha served more than 7,000 happy diners and became well-known for her signature ramen. Kinoya opened its first restaurant in Dubai’s Onyx Tower in 2021 – as it was so popular, it was tough to get a reservation. If you’re one of the lucky diners who have managed to relish the ramen, you’ll know what all the foodie fuss is about. The concept has since expanded to Harrods in London.
GO: Visit https://kinoya.com for reservations and more information.
Kohantei – Downtown Dubai
Kohantei takes things to a traditional level, and draws its inspiration from Omotenashi hospitality. The décor boasts Japanese artwork, sliding shoji doors and tatami flooring. If you’re after a little intimacy, there are three private dining rooms. Take your pick from set menus, which come with multiple courses – Sakura offers six courses for AED 430, and includes soup, sashimi and steak. Plus, the main menu includes seafood, Wagyu and dessert.
GO: Visit www.kohantei.ae for more information.
Kokoro – Alserkal Avenue
Dubai, it’s time to roll with it. The city has welcomed its first-hand roll sushi bar, Kokoro. Located in Alserkal Avenue, the seating is on a first-come, first-served basis and currently does not take reservations. The design is simple yet sleek, from the wooden door with a discreet logo to the floor-to-ceiling windows. If you want the full experience, we recommend grabbing a countertop seat and watching the chefs at work in the kitchen. Kokoro’s menu boasts fresh fish and the options include Bluefin Tuna with pickled cucumber, Ikura, Janpachi, Madai, Salmon with white ponzu, Scallop with orange, Seaweed Salad, Shima Aji, and Uni.
GO: Follow @kokoro.dxb on Instagram for more information.
Mimi Kakushi – Four Seasons Resort Dubai Jumeirah Beach
Mimi Kakushi has made a big impression since it opened in 2021. Not only has the restaurant got the adoration of locals, but also a FACT Dining Award. The Japanese restaurant and bar transports you back to the swinging jazz age of 1920s Osaka. Plus, the fine dining menu includes lunch, dinner and brunch, and the signature dishes cover sushi, sashimi and tempura.
GO: Visit https://mimikakushi.ae for more information.
Netsu – Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai
If you’re after a Japanese steakhouse, look no further than Netsu. The venue opened in 2019, and was created by Chef Ross Shonhan, who has previously worked at Nobu and Zuma. The dishes are created using the traditional Japanese cooking technique, Warayaki – straw fire cooking. The menu includes high-quality meats, and the Wagyu Truffle Sukiyaki is a must. Sit by the open kitchen and watch the chefs at work. The fires reach impressive heights and temperatures, and makes for a thrilling meal out.
GO: Visit www.mandarinoriental.com/dubai for more information.
Nobu by the Beach – Atlantis The Royal
Luxuriate at the world’s first Nobu-branded pool and beach club located in Atlantis The Royal. Relax in a personal cabana, sip on refreshing libations and delight in the melodies of local and global DJs. The menu showcases the fusion of Japanese and Peruvian cuisine, commonly referred to as Nikkei, and comprises inventive small plates, communal platters and renowned Nobu classics. And when the ambience becomes overwhelming, cool off with a rejuvenating swim in the pool or the ocean. If it’s good enough for Kanye West (who recently visited), it’s good enough for us.
GO: Follow @nobubythebeach on Instagram for more information.
Nobu Dubai – Atlantis, The Palm
Nobu was created by chef Nobu Matsuhisa and actor Robert De Niro, and opened its first branch in New York in 1994 and Nobu Dubai in 2008. Nobu Dubai shifted location in Atlantis, The Palm and now sits in the hotel’s former Royal Bridge Suite on the 21st floor. Here, guests can enjoy epic views of Palm Jumeirah and the Arabian Sea. Today, it is famous for its world-class Japanese dishes – most famously, the Black Cod Miso. Go on, spoil yourself.
GO: Visit www.noburestaurants.comfor more information.
Okku – Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah
The focal point of the new Okku at Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah is a 20-metre sushi bar and robata grill, designed to flaunt the brand’s culinary prowess. Elsewhere, a more relaxed atmosphere will await at the Okku Lounge, complete with luxurious seating and a glamorous bar. Expect classic Japanese cuisine and adventurous new creations. Diners can indulge in a range of classic ‘O’ style dishes that have become a staple of the restaurant’s menu, while also discovering new tastes to expand their palates. From the succulent Wagyu Beef and Foie-Gras Kushiyaki to the spicy, crunchy delight of the Tuna on Crispy Rice, each dish is made with precision and finesse.
GO: Follow @okkudxb on Instagram for more information.
Reif Japanese Kushiyaki – Various Locations
The much-loved homegrown concept was born in Dubai and has expanded to Egypt. Chef Reif Othman is famous for his unconventional spin on Japanese food and has a loyal following, not to mention FACT Dining Award. The restaurant has a spectacular selection of sushi, ramen, kushi (skewers) and arguably one of the best sando interpretations in the city.
GO: Visit https://reifkushiyaki.com for more information.
ROKA – ME Dubai by Meliá
ROKA Dubai has earnt its chopsticks. The restaurant opened just days before the Covid-19 pandemic, and then shut down for months. Today, it has become a staple on the Dubai dining scene, and is famous for offering contemporary Japanese robatayaki restaurant. Located in The Opus by Zaha Hadid, it serves its signature dishes in a stunning setting. Dishes include the famous black cod, sea bream fillet and lamb cutlets with Korean spices.
GO: Visit www.rokarestaurant.com for more information.
Ronin – FIVE LUXE
Celebrity chef Sin Keun Choi is behind Ronin at the new FIVE Luxe. The restaurant offers an innovative take on Japanese food and draws its inspiration from an unlikely place: the country’s warriors. The idea aims to bring together fun and fine dining. Located on JBR, it includes a beautiful beachfront setting, and live cooking stations to keep you entertained. The venue spans indoor and outdoor seats, from a sushi and teppanyaki bar to pagoda-style sharing tables.
GO: Visit https://luxejbr.fivehotelsandresorts.com for more information.
Sagetsu by Tetsuya Wakuda – The Link
Celebrated Chef Tetsuya Wakuda introduces Sagetsu at The Link, showcasing his modern Japanese culinary artistry. This refined dining destination features a dynamic menu that emphasises seasonal ingredients, complemented by a selection of signature sakes. Since 2017, his Singapore establishment, Waku Ghin, has been adorned with two Michelin stars. In Dubai, Sagetsu has one Michelin star and sets the stage for Chef Tetsuya’s exquisite Japanese culinary art.
GO: Visit www.oneandonlyresorts.com for reservations and more information.
Salvaje – Opera District
Anchored in the ‘wild side’ of Japanese gastronomy, the globally acclaimed concept already operates outposts in Al Khobar, Barcelona and Miami. Closer to home, Salvaje has made its debut at Address Residences Dubai Opera in Downtown Dubai, boasting Burj Khalifa views and a chic setting. Under the guidance of Chef Fermín Azkue, diners can explore a menu of inventive fusion dishes paired with Spanish flair and a unique twist tailored to local tastes, from indulgent Oscietra Supreme Caviar and duck fried rice to premium selections of sushi and sizzling robata grilled steaks. The restaurant comes alive at night with a line-up of DJs, fire dancers and saxophonists, explaining why Salvaje remains a popular choice among A-listers.
GO: Follow @salvaje.dubai on Instagram for more information.
SHIMA – One Palm Jumeirah Dorchester Collection
One Palm Jumeirah Dorchester Collection is home to SHIMA. The new Japanese restaurant offers beachfront dining and beautiful views. Chef Koyi Tanabe is behind the culinary concept, which showcases Japanese flavours while taking an avant-garde approach to its menu. SHIMA’s signature plates range from the Chutoro Sogigiri, which combines scallops, mizuna leaves, and spicy soybean paste, to the Hamachi Nigiri with mentaiko sauce, garlic confit and yuzu skin. Dishes also include Ise Ebi Tempura with lobster tempura, truffle and coral mayo, and the King Crab Leg with kanimiso, mirin hollandaise and Amalfi lemon gel.
GO: Follow @shimarestaurantdubai on Instagram for more information.
SOON Nobby x True Izakaya – Jumeirah Lake Towers
Inspired by Japanese gaming culture, cyberpunk, and 1980s aesthetics, SOON Nobby x True Izakaya aims have created a unique destination for foodies, party-goers, and cocktail lovers in the heart of modern Dubai. Combining authentic Japanese cuisine with neoteric pop culture, SOON pays homage to the 1980s anime and gaming culture, where the contemporary decor is fused with provocative details such as the Ahegao-style graphic floor and robot made from old Japanese electronics. The menu highlights umami flavour with dishes such as House Tofu and Tomato Salad, Aged Shima Aji, Saikyo Miso Black Cod, and Wagyu Beef Mazesoba.
GO: Follow @soondxb on Instagram for more information.
Sumosan Dubai – The Dubai EDITION
Sumosan is a heavyweight in the dining industry. Not only is it an internationally acclaimed restaurant, but it has been in business for more than twenty years. The concept is known for its contemporary twist on traditional flavours, and the chefs draw inspiration from traditional Japanese culinary techniques. The menu includes Lobster Salad, Spicy King Crab, Truffle Tiradito and Salmon Rice Pizza. The interiors boast Japanese art on the ceilings, a slate sushi bar and DJ spinning tunes.
GO: Visit www.sumosan.com for more information.
TakaHisa – Banyan Tree Dubai
Located on the lobby level of Banyan Tree Dubai, TakaHisa is all about top-notch sushi and Wagyu. After opening in 2021, it was even visited by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The décor includes a grand piano, omakase counter and a terrific terrace. The menu ranges from Kobe Beef Tataki to Wagyu Sashimi, all made with premium ingredients.
GO: Visit https://takahisa.ae for reservations and more information.
TOMO – Raffles Dubai
TOMO has mastered an authentic Japanese experience. Chef Takahashi and his team have created a menu, which includes hot and cold appetisers, soup, salad, sushi, sashimi, Wagyu and more. The Teishoku menu ranges from Tonkatsu Teishoku to Tempura Teishoku, which are served on a tray with rice, miso soup and pickles. Plus, it boasts a beautiful balcony with views of the city’s skyline.
GO: Visit www.raffles.com for more information.
Uchi – DIFC
Uchi is a swanky Japanese-inspired bar and restaurant that has just flung open its doors in DIFC. Dishes like the Truffle Lobster and Uni Soba with Konbu Dashi combine Japanese tradition and modern artistry. Designed by head chef Ciprian Porumbacean, the menu spans Freemantle Octopus Millefeuille, King Crab with pea and asparagus ditaloni, Wagyu Tartar and a selection of maki rolls. Beyond the food and drinks, Uchi offers a chic and contemporary atmosphere incorporating an abundance of dark wood, marble, teal upholstery, subdued lighting and sushi counter seating in the heart of the action. Read FACT’s full review here.
GO: Follow @uchi.uae on Instagram for more information.
Zuma – DIFC
Zuma notched up the most accolades at FACT Dining Awards Dubai 2022. Loved by FACT’s Editor-in-Chief, this is an institution. Follow his lead and order the Chutoro Tarutaru Kyabia Zoe of fatty Tuna Belly adorned with Oscietra caviar and slathered across a buttery miso bun. Sip Palomas at the bar or indulge in the bombastic weekend brunch. You won’t regret it.
GO: Visit https://zumarestaurant.com for more information.
