The best Japanese restaurants in Dubai!

 

 

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. Here's your go-to guide for the best Japanese eats in Dubai!

 

Dubai's not just about skyscrapers and shopping; it's a secret haven for some seriously good Japanese grub. 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!

 

 

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 is creating quite a stir in Dubai. It's a luxurious splurge that's simply magnificent, a swanky Japanese concept for refined cuisine and ambience, in the heart of Dubai!

 

Timing: Daily from 12PM till 2AM

Location: Address Downtown, Downtown Dubai

Contact: (04) 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 and Akira Rock Shrimps at this Japanese restaurant in Dubai.

 

Timing: Fri-Wed from 12PM till 12AM, Thu from 12PM till 1AM

Location: Ground Floor, Building 8, Dubai Design District

Contact: (04) 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.

 

Timing: Daily from 7PM till 2AM | Saturday Brunch from 1PM till 4:30PM

Location: W Dubai - The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai

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. Experience the best of Japan in a vibrant setting.

 

Timing: Daily from 6:30PM till 11:30PM

Location: Concourse Floor, Armani Hotel Dubai, Burj Khalifa, 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!

 

Timing: Mon-Thu from 5PM till 12AM, Fri-Sun from 12PM till 12AM

Location: Concourse Floor, Armani Hotel Dubai, Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai

Contact: (04) 428 3089

 

 

Clap

 

 

Clap is among Dubai’s finest restaurants, with impeccable omakase-style dining and the newest addition to the F&B scene, offering breathtaking views of the city skyline. The menu is a roll-call of Japanese classics, from sushi, sashimi, and shrimp tempura to mains like miso cod, but no one does unique dishes better than CLAP Dubai, with iconic servings of Lobster Sushi & Black Cod Bites.

 

Timing: Sun-Fri from 12PM till 2AM, Sat from 1PM till 12AM

Location: 9th Floor, Gate Village Building 11, DIFC, Dubai

Contact: (04) 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. After arriving through a special Tokonoma, or entry room, guests turn their palates over to the chef's whims.

 

Timing: Thu-Sun from 1PM till 3PM, 6PM till 8PM & 8:30PM till 11PM, Wed from 6PM till 8PM & 8:30PM till 11PM

Location: Jumeirah Bay Island, Dubai

Contact: (04) 777 5433

 

 

Hibachi

 

 

Guests are seated around one of several Teppanyaki/Hibachi tables where chefs never fail to thrill diners with a dazzling display as they flip, juggle and theatrically flame raw ingredients to create mouth-watering meals in front of you. Additionally, guests can also enjoy creations such as sushi, sashimi, and makimono rolls freshly prepared at their sushi bar.

 

Timing: Daily from 3PM till 12AM

Location: Mövenpick Grand Al Bustan, Casablanca St, Al Garhoud, Dubai

Contact: (04) 282 0000

 

 

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. 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.

 

Timing: Daily from 5PM till 1AM

Location: 1st Floor, Millennium Place Marina Hotel, Al Marsa St, Dubai Marina

Contact: (04) 550 8114

 

 

JUYI Lounge & Bar

 

 

Immerse yourself in the art of fine dining as JUYI takes you on a journey through the flavors and culture of modern Japan. Nestled in the heart of Dubai, at Paramount Hotel in Business Bay, JUYI boasts a unique design, an exclusive and diverse food and beverage menu, state-of-the-art dinner and club facilities, and electrifying live shows.

 

Timing: Daily from 7PM till 3AM

Location: Lobby (Tower C), Paramount Hotel, Business Bay, Dubai

Contact: 058 591 9877

 

 

Mimi Kakushi

 

 

Mimi Kakushi embodies this brave new world to bring you a dining experience like no other, blending 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. 

 

Timing: Mon-Thu from 6PM till 2AM, Fri from 12PM till 2AM, Sat & Sun from 12PM till 4PM & 6PM till 2AM

Location: Four Seasons Resort, Jumeirah, Dubai

Contact: (04) 379 4811

 

 

Netsu

 

 

Netsu by Ross Shonhan is one of the city's best Japanese steakhouses. Showcasing the traditional Japanese cooking technique of Warayaki – straw fire cooking – Netsu serves a tantalizing 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 ambiance and large terrace!

 

Timing: Sun-Thu from 6:30PM till 11:30PM, Fri from 6:30PM till 12AM, Sat from 12:30PM till 3:30PM & 6:30PM till 12AM

Location: Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Jumeirah Beach Rd, Dubai

Contact: (04) 777 2232

 

 

Nobu

 

 

It’s not surprising that some of the biggest names in the biz are loved by internationally renowned chef Nobu Matsuhisa's creations. at Nobu, you begin your experience with a refreshing beverage at their exquisite bar before proceeding to the dining room and embarking on an unparalleled culinary adventure that will tantalize your senses. Indulge in the signature iconic black cod miso, premium wagyu beef tacos, and Dubai's best sushi!

 

Timing: Mon-Wed from 6PM till 11PM, Thu from 6PM till 11:30PM, Fri & Sat from 12:30PM till 3PM & 6PM till 11:30PM, Sun from 12:30PM till 3PM & 6PM till 11PM

Location: 22nd Floor, Atlantis The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai

Contact: (04) 426 0760

 

 

OKKU 

 

 

Take flight as you experience iconic, signature items: inspired by timeless techniques, brought to life by award-winning chefs, passed down through generations of culinary masters. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey like no other at OKKU, the sensational award-winning Japanese restaurant, bar and lounge. The chic, subtly lit stylish venue serves contemporary Japanese cuisine with an international edge and is the epitome of fine dining excellence in Dubai.

 

Timing: Mon, Tue, Thu & Sun from 7PM till 1AM, Wed & Fri from 7PM till 3AM, Sat from 1PM till 6PM & 8PM till 3AM

Location: Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah, West Palm Beach, 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. Find the finest Japanese cuisine right here!

 

Timing: Sun-Thu from 12PM till 11PM, Fri & Sat from 12PM till 12AM

Location: Building 3, Dubai Hills Business Park, Dubai

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. At this restaurant, innovation is reflected in both the unique interior and the inventive cuisine. If the modern industrial design doesn’t take your breath away, step out onto the terrace to admire the sensational panoramic skyline views.

 

Timing: Mon-Thu from 12PM till 3:30PM & 6PM till 11:30PM, Fri & Sat from 12PM till 3:30PM & 6PM till 12:30PM, Sun from 12PM till 3:30PM & 6PM till 11PM

Location: 1st Floor, The Opus by Omniyat, Business Bay, Dubai

Contact: (04) 439 7171

 

 

SOON Izakaya

 

 

 

Timing: Sun-Thu from 12PM till 1AM, Fri & Sat from 12PM till 3AM

Location: Cluster P, Armada Tower 2, Sheikh Zayed Rd, JLT, Dubai

Contact: 055 434 0575

 

 

Tabū

 

 

Introduced to Dubai's dining scene in 2022, TABŪ Dubai took Japanese food to a whole other level! TABŪ brings 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 takes guests on a sophisticated, avant-garde culinary journey.

 

Timing: Sun-Thu from 12PM till 1AM, Fri & Sat from 12PM till 2AM

Location: The St. Regis, Downtown Dubai

Contact: 054 793 0931

 

 

The Robata

 

 

The Robata offers a distinctive eating experience with genuine Japanese flavors and methods, offering a broad variety of delicious meals like Japanese Sushi, Yakiniku, Shabu-Shabu, Robata Grilled dishes, and so on. Indulge in a special Omakase course highlighting the finest of Japanese cuisine, including Japanese barbecue and sushi courses crafted with premium ingredients.

 

Timing: Daily from 12PM till 1AM

Location: 1st Floor, Banyan Tree Dubai, Bluewaters Island, Dubai

Contact: (04) 556 6689

 

 

TOMO

 

 

Discover TOMO, one of Dubai’s award-winning landmark restaurants. Chef Takahashi and his team of skilled chefs have gained an extensive following over the past three decades, both from Japanese nationals and aficionados who appreciate the real taste of Japan. Paired with unbelievable views of Downtown Dubai and an extensive drinks menu, a night out at TOMO is an unforgettable experience.

 

Timing: Daily from 12:30PM till 3PM & 6:30PM till 12AM 

Location: Raffles Dubai, Umm Hurair 2, Dubai

Contact: (04) 324 8888

 

 

Yamanote Atelier

 

 

Introduced in Dubai in 2013, this Japanese bakery and comfort food kitchen delivers the tastes and cultures of Japan and France through baked goods and a simple, elegant café culture. It goes beyond traditional cafés, highlighted by a remarkable array of both sweet and savory bakery delights, including a delectable assortment of pastries.

 

Timing: Daily from 8AM till 8PM 

Location: Expo City, Al Wasl Dome, Dubai

Contact: 055 224 7319

 

 

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. Visit with colleagues, friends, and family for a pleasurable time in the heart of Dubai. 

 

Timing: Mon-Wed from 12PM till 3:30PM & 7PM till 12AM, Thu & Fri from 12PM till 3:30PM & 7PM till 1AM, Sat from 1:30PM till 4PM & 7PM till 1AM, Sun from 12PM till 4PM & 7PM till 12AM

Location: Podium Level, Gate Village 6, DIFC, Dubai

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. 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.