Your go-to guide for the best Japanese eats in Dubai 2024.
Ever dreamed of teleporting to Tokyo for a quick sushi fix but found yourself in Dubai instead? Well, you're in luck! Dubai's not just about skyscrapers and shopping; it's a secret haven for some seriously good Japanese grub. In this guide, we're going to dive into the best Japanese spots in town as of 2024.
Imagine wandering through Dubai's vibrant streets and stumbling upon slices of Japan at every corner. We're talking about places where the ramen is steamy, the sushi is as fresh as the morning catch, and the sake flows like water. These aren't just eateries; they're little pieces of Japan tucked away in Dubai's buzzing corners.
From cool, underground izakayas to sleek, high-end sushi bars, we've scouted out the places that really bring that authentic Tokyo feel. Whether you're after that perfect plate of melt-in-your-mouth sashimi or craving a hearty bowl of udon, this roundup is your golden ticket. So, join us on this laid-back journey through the best Japanese bites Dubai has to offer in 2024. Let’s eat our way through Japan, no passport needed!
99 Sushi Restaurant
Pioneering and fearless – these words aptly capture the essence of 99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant's culinary journey. Situated in the lavish Address Downtown, this extravagant addition to 99 Sushi is creating quite a stir in Dubai. It's a luxurious splurge that's simply magnificent.
Location: 99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant, Address Downtown, Dubai
Contact: +971 4 547 2241
Akiba Dori
Serving epic Japanese street food & Tokyo-style Neapolitan pizza in a neon world, Akiba Dori Dubai is located in Dubai Design District. Designed to transport your senses to the backstreets of Tokyo, the cool interior, neon lights and loads of delicious Japanese street food are a set location for foodies in the city! Get your hands on the Wasabi prawns, Akira Rock Shrimps and as well as Neapolitan pizza at this Japanese restaurant in Dubai.
Location: Building 8, Dubai Design District
Contact: +971 4 770 7949
Akira Back
Located in the glamorous W Dubai - The Palm, Michelin-starred chef Akira Back’s self-titled restaurant takes high-end dining to the next level. Boasting spectacular skyline views, it’s simply a delight to indulge in the best of Japanese cuisine, sprinkled with pan-Asian influences, at the gorgeous restaurant on any given night.
Location: W Dubai - The Palm, Palm Jumeirah
Contact: 04-245 5800
Armani Hashi
This fabulous dining spot at the Armani Hotel is known for serving some of the most exquisite Japanese dishes in the city coupled with breathtaking views of the Burj Khalifa and Downtown Dubai. Expect a modern take on all your traditional favourites paired with a selection of speciality beverages.
Location: Armani Hotel, Downtown Dubai
Contact: 04-888 3666
Benihana
Bringing in one of the first Teppanyaki experiences into the city, expect the chefs of Benihana Dubai to prepare your choice of seafood and tender meats right in front of you at this Japanese restaurant in Dubai. The famed Dubai eatery has both, indoor and outdoor, dining spaces as well
Location: Amwaj Rotana, The Walk, JBR
Contact: +971 4 428 3089
Clap DIFC
Clap Dubai is located on the rooftop of DIFC. We effortlessly combine authenticity with innovation to create a sensory Japanese dining experience. Book one of our three magical spaces - the dining room and terrace, the lounge, or our bar, Ongaku and leave us to take care of the rest. Expect the unexpected, because too much of a good thing, is never enough.
Location: Dubai International Financial Centre, Gate Village Building 11, level 9, Dubai, AE
Contact: +971 4 569 3820
Hōseki
Meaning “gemstone” in Japanese, Hōseki is a minimalist jewel box of a destination where guests can enjoy a one-of-a-kind gastronomic treat by Chef Masahiro Sugiyama. With just nine seats, dining at Hōseki Dubai is a unique Omakase experience, the most traditional way to savour Japanese food in Dubai which means “I leave it to you”. After arriving through a special Tokonoma, or entry room, guests turn their palates over to the chef's whims.
Location: Bvlgari Resorts, Dubai
Contact: +97147775433
Hibachi
The large tables, the island-style Teppanyaki with 12 spots around and the home-kitchen style ambience of Hibachi paired with the delicious Japanese food are the reasons to check out this spot! Located at Movenpick Al Bustan Hotel in Garhoud, witness the chefs prepare the dishes right in front of you!
Location: Movenpick Al Bustan Hotel, Garhoud, Dubai
Contact: +971 4 282 0000
Ichiryu Ramen House
Craving for some me-time or a japanese solo date? This ramen house's idea for this unique dining concept originates from a genuine aspiration to create a welcoming atmosphere where all diners, especially women, can comfortably enjoy the delightful flavors of ramen. Their menu boasts a diverse selection ranging from appetizers to sweet treats, with the spotlight on their signature ramen dishes. Options feature the creamy shiro paitan broth, fiery spicy tantanmen, and vibrant midori paitan complemented with pesto.
Location: Wasl Port Views Bldg. 7, Al Mina Road, Jumeirah 1
Contact: +971503750354
Ikigai
Inspired by Japan’s famous street taverns, where the beer is always cold and the food is full of flavour, the Japanese restaurant in Dubai, Ikigai brings you authentic Asian cuisine with delicious twists. Partnering with The First Group, chef and restaurateur Reif Othman’s new concept restaurant is “Japan on a plate” offering a menu inspired by the street-chic food of izakaya.
Location: Millennium Place Marina Hotel - 1st Floor - Al Marsa St - Dubai Marina - Dubai
Contact: 045508114
Kai Enzo
Blending Eastern and Western cuisines, the menu of this local chef Izu Ani’s culinary venture features Mediterranean and Japanese delights, set in a lively atmosphere with panoramic rooftop views.
Location: Hyatt Centric Jumeirah Dubai
Contact: +97143021275
Mimi Kakushi
Mimi Kakushi embodies this brave new world to bring you a dining experience like no other. Independent, expressive, limitless. It blends time-honoured cuisine with new thinking, serving far eastern flavours you’ll recognize with Western influences you’ll love.
Savour the setting and let hot and cold sharing plates of sashimi, sushi, tempura or gyoza slowly fill your table. And with our larger dishes, like the popular oven-baked black cod or Kagoshima wagyu beef, even the biggest appetites will be satisfied.
Location: Four Seasons Resort, Jumeirah 2, Dubai
Contact: +971 4379 4811
Netsu
Netsu by Ross Shonhan is our Japanese Steakhouse from acclaimed Chef Ross Shonhan. Showcasing the traditional Japanese cooking technique of Warayaki – straw fire cooking – Netsu serves a tantalising menu of Warayaki-style grills, sushi and sashimi platters, and other Japanese-style dishes, complemented by stunning interiors and a sophisticated atmosphere. This Japanese restaurant in Dubai is known for its theatrical ambience and large terrace!
Location: The Pointe, Palm Jumeirah
Contact: +971 4 557 5182
Nobu
It’s not surprising that some of the biggest names in the biz are loved by internationally renowned chef Nobu Matsuhisa's creations. From the Kardashians to Robert De Niro, Nobu continues to draw celebrities from all corners of the world. The menu features an interesting mix of Japanese dishes with Peruvian influences. Our favourite? The world-famous black cod, of course.
Location: Atlantis, The Palm, Palm Jumeirah
Contact: 04-426 2626
Okku
Previously at The H Dubai, OKKU, now at Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah Dubai, returns after five years, retaining its loyal following. Indulge in Japanese specialties like sashimi and stir-fried wild mushrooms. 90 percent of Okku's original "O-style" menu remains intact, featuring beloved dishes like hushihu salad, ginger salmon sashimi, and dynamite baked king crab legs.
Location: Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah Dubai
Contact: 04 666 1566
Reif Japanese Kushiyaki
In a city where most brunches come with hefty price tags, it's a breath of fresh air to discover Chef Reif Othman's Japanese resto, offering top-notch Japanese cuisine at a reasonable cost. This brunch focuses solely on the food, catering to serious food enthusiasts without any flashy entertainment.
Location: Dubai Hills Business Park, Building 3
Contact: 04 255 5142
Roka
Located in the Opus building by Zaha Hadid, Business Bay, ROKA brings its unique style of contemporary Japanese Robatayaki cuisine and urban design to Downtown Dubai. ROKA Dubai is the first international location which opened shortly after the fifteenth anniversary of the flagship restaurant on Charlotte Street.
Location: The Opus by Omniyat - Level 1, Business Bay
Contact: +971 4 439 7171
Soon Izakaya
Location: Cluster P, Armada Tower 2 - Sheikh Zayed Rd - Jumeirah Lake Towers - Dubai
Contact: 0554340575
Sumosan Dubai
Originating in Moscow and expanding to cities like Berlin, Courchevel, Doha, London, and Riyadh, this celebrity-favoured restaurant now resides in The Dubai Edition Hotel. Emulating its Mayfair counterpart, it offers a seafood and meat-centric menu alongside a variety of sushi options.
Location: Dubai Fountain St., Downtown Dubai
Contact: 056 169 6901
Tabū
Introduced to Dubai's 2022 dining scene in St. Regis Business Bay, TABŪ Dubai took Japanese food to a whole other level! TABŪ is set to bring Dubai’s diners a unique new culinary experience complete with an unexpected, theatrical twist and an artistic finesse. Situated on the 23rd floor at The St. Regis Downtown, with stunning views of the city’s skyline and the Burj Khalifa, TABŪ will take the guests on a sophisticated, avant-garde culinary journey.
Location: St Regis - Downtown Dubai - Dubai
Contact: 0547930931
The Robata
Indulge in a special Omakase course highlighting the finest of Japanese cuisine, including shabu-shabu, Japanese barbecue, and sushi courses crafted with premium ingredients.
Location: Bluewaters Island
Contact: 04 556 6689
Tomo
If it’s good enough for the Crown Prince, it’s good enough for us. For fans of traditional Japanese cuisine, TOMO is about as authentic as it gets. Paired with unbelievable views of Downtown Dubai and an extensive drinks menu, a night out at TOMO is an unforgettable experience.
Location: Raffles Hotel, Sheikh Rashid Hotel
Contact: 04-357 7888
Yamanote Collective
Introduced in Dubai in 2013, this Japanese bakery and comfort food kitchen concept has expanded to 11 locations across the UAE. The menu, curated by former Kinoya chef Masao Kikuchi, includes dishes like the katsu chicken rice, which has become Sheikh Suhail's latest favourite.
Location: Expo City Dubai
Contact: 800 92626683
Zuma
A staple of Dubai’s eclectic food scene, Zuma has been the go-to spot for fans of Japanese cuisine since its inception back in 2008. With its uber-chic setting and brilliant contemporary twist on traditional dishes, Zuma’s popularity continues to soar among foodies in the city.
Location: Gate Village 06, DIFC
Contact: 04-425 5660
Our journey through the city's best Japanese eateries has showcased not just the diversity and quality of the cuisine but also the unique fusion of cultures that Dubai embodies.
From the steamy, fragrant bowls of ramen in cozy nooks to the exquisitely prepared sushi in upscale settings, every dish tells a story of tradition and culinary artistry.
Remember, whether you're a seasoned sushi aficionado or a curious newcomer to Japanese cuisine, Dubai's dynamic food landscape has something to satisfy every palate and preference. So, next time you feel that craving for Japanese flavors, remember that a world of culinary delights awaits you right here in Dubai. Keep this guide handy, explore these hidden gems, and who knows – you might just find your new favorite spot. After all, the best part of any food journey is discovering the flavors that resonate with you the most. Happy dining, and here's to many more delicious discoveries in the heart of Dubai!