15 Amazing Japanese Restaurants In Dubai

Fancy some incredible Japanese food in Dubai? We’ve rounded up the best Japanese restaurants across Dubai, from high-end, award-winning restaurants, to more casual options - there’s something to suit every budget and occasion. What’s THE best Japanese restaurant? We’re going to leave that for you to decide!

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ROKA

THE OPUS BY OMNIYAT | BUSINESS BAY

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For a spectacular and authentic Japanese restaurant in Dubai, head to Roka in Business Bay, located in the iconic Opus building (designed by Zara Hadid). This is its first international branch following its successful London outlet - widely known as the sister of Zuma, it’s been open for over 15 years and there’s a good  reason why it’s remaining top in the market . Serving award-winning Japanese robatayaki cuisine, Roka’s menu offers a range of sushi, sashimi and (our favourite) dumplings. We recommend trying one of the various tasting menu options as a great way to sample all it has to offer. Snag a table on their terrace for impressive views of the Burj Khalifa.

Open: Monday - Friday 12PM - 3.30PM & 6PM - 11PM | Saturday 12PM - 3.30PM & 6PM - 12.30AM | Sunday 12PM - 3.30PM & 6PM - 11PM

Bookings: 04 439 7171

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TAKAHISA

BANYAN TREE DUBAI | BLUEWATERS ISLAND

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The epitome of Japanese food in Dubai, award-winning Takahisa on Bluewaters Island is one of Dubai’s most celebrated restaurants, and makes the bold claim as having the ‘best Wagyu beef in the world’. With 2 acclaimed chefs at the helm, one specialising in A5 graded Kobe beef, and one from Toyosu market, TakaHisa is a dining experience you won’t forget (and neither will your wallet!). The price is justified for the quality of the ingredients and the overall experience, but you might want to wait until pay-day, with the majority of dishes coming in at around AED300. 

Open: Daily 12PM - 2AM

Bookings: 04 556 6688

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IKIGAI

MILLENNIUM PLACE MARINA HOTEL | DUBAI MARINA

If you’re in Dubai Marina and asking ‘where’s a good Japanese restaurant near me?’, look no further than this casual Japanese restaurant. Head to Ikigai, located in the heart of Dubai Marina, where the decor is inspired by Japan’s famous izakaya taverns which gives it a cosy and welcoming feel. The menu is Pan-Asian style, with dumplings, noodles, sushi and a range of main dishes, including burgers and teriyaki salmon. Ikigai’s prices are wallet-friendly with the majority of dishes under AED100. Their Izakaya brunch is popular, as is their Nogai ladies night on a Wednesday, where ladies can enjoy 3 hours of unlimited wine and sushi for only AED149! This is a great opportunity to dip your toe into Ikigai, and get a taste of upscale dining in Dubai for the night. 

Open: Daily 5PM - 1AM

Bookings: 04 550 8114

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REIF JAPANESE KUSHIYAKI - DAR WASL

DAR WASL MALL | AL WASL

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Reif Japanese Kushiyaki offers ‘unconventional Japanese’ food at its various venues around Dubai, including Al Wasl mall and Dubai Hills. From chef Reif Othman, this is a more casual eatery, and it lacks the frills of other Japanese restaurants in the city but delivers on flavour. Their menu features a range of dishes including sushi, sashimi and ramen (we love their 18 hours ramen - a delicious blend of flavours). The original venue is located in Dar Wasl mall, which has a terrace to enjoy in the cooler months. It’s a great casual Japanese dining spot and the prices are reasonable, with most under AED100. 

Open: Daily 12PM - 11PM

Bookings: Walk-in only

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NOBU

ATLANTIS | THE PALM JUMEIRAH 

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No list of Japanese restaurants in Dubai would be complete without Nobu! Located in the iconic Atlantis The Palm, Nobu offers an Asian fine dining experience with a view. For first time diners, they recommend trying 2 or 3 cold dishes and then 2 or 3 hot ones. Alternatively, give the Signature Omakase tasting menu a try - at AED595 per person, it includes highlights like a salmon taco, yellowtail carpaccio and their infamous Nobu black cod. Prices are on the steeper side for portion size but it’s to be expected with a name as famous as Nobu. It’s definitely a memorable experience and one sure to impress. 

Open: Monday - Thursday 6PM - 1AM | Friday - Sunday 12.30PM - 3PM & 6PM - 1.30AM

Bookings: 04 426 0760

CLAY 

THE WHARF | BLUEWATERS ISLAND 

For a Japanese experience with a twist, head to Clay on Bluewaters Island. Offering a culinary Nikkei experience with a fabulous mix of Japanese and Peruvian cuisine, Clay is sure to impress any guests with its stunning views and uniquely presented dishes. The menu is varied, with a wide selection of nibbles (we love the gyoza), Nikkei grill options and mains. Can’t decide? Opt for the Clay Omakase - the chef’s selection of 8 or 12 dishes for AED466 or AED566 - great for celebrating a special occasion. 

Open: Daily 12PM - 12AM

Bookings: 04 422 5600

MIMI KAKUSHE 

FOUR SEASONS RESORT | JUMEIRAH 

With its decadent decor styled on 1920s Osaka and its sultry soundtrack, Mimi Kakushe is the perfect destination for an intimate date night dinner. The atmosphere is lively and the jazz soundtrack is the perfect accompaniment to the food. The Japanese-inspired menu adds some playful twists to traditional favourites - don’t miss the rock shrimp popcorn tempura, the wagyu beef tataki and the hokkaido scallop. We love their cocktail menu, with plenty of fresh takes on the classics: the ‘Sayonara’ is based on a negroni with a Japanese twist of umeshu liqueur - be warned, it packs a punch!

Open: Monday - Friday 6PM - 2AM Saturday and Sunday 12PM - 4PM & 6PM - 2AM

Bookings: 04 379 4811

KINOYA 

THE ONYX TOWER 2 | SHEIKH ZAYED ROAD

Looking for the best ramen in Dubai? Take a visit to Kinoya, a laid-back Japanese restaurant that delivers on flavour. We recommend the Shio Paitan - the chef’s special - it’s a chicken ramen that hits the spot. As well as ramen they offer tempura, sushi and more but the ramen is definitely the star of the show. It’s friendly on the wallet too, with most dishes less than AED80. Does that sound too good to be true? It’s incredibly popular so make sure you book in advance to guarantee a table or you could be left standing holding your chopsticks! 

Open: Tuesday - Sunday 12PM - 1AM (closed Mondays)

Bookings: 04 220 2920

KANPAI

SOUK AL BAHAR | DOWNTOWN DUBAI

For a Japanese restaurant near Dubai Mall and the Burj Khalifa head to Kanpai, located in Souk Al Bahar, just across the bridge from the mall. Kanpai means ‘cheers’ in Japanese and this restaurant boasts a welcoming atmosphere and funky contemporary decor. With regular live music, a popular Saturday brunch and ladies night on a Tuesday, there’s always something happening at the buzzing restaurant. The food focuses on sustainability and freshness, with seasonal ingredients and a regularly changing menu. We love the sticky teriyaki beef (AED189) and the sushi platters are great to share with the table (starting from AED110).

Open: Daily 12PM - 1AM 

Bookings: 04 441 9262

KIMURA-YA

ANANTARA | BUSINESS BAY

This popular restaurant is well-known in Tokyo (with over 200 outlets across Japan) and they’ve opened multiple branches here in Dubai, including Business Bay and Dubai Marina. Another izakaya-style restaurant, it focuses on delivering an authentic Japanese experience. The menu offers all the favourites, including tempura, skewers and sushi and sashimi. Its hot-pot experience (starting from AED159) is a must-try for those looking for a unique Japanese meal. . 

Open: Daily 12PM - 1AM 

Bookings: 04 444 1455

HŌSEKI 

BULGARI RESORT | JUMEIRAH BAY ISLAND 

A Michelin starred restaurant, Hōseki is a bucket-list dining experience for many. From chef Masahiro Sugiyama this intimate restaurant only has 9 seats and offers Omakase dining - the guest leaves the selection of food up to the chef. As you can imagine, dining here doesn’t come cheap - it’s an eye-watering AED2,250 for the ‘Ruri’ menu which features 7 appetizers, sushi, miso soup and a fruit platter to finish, making it one of the most expensive dining experiences in the world!

Open: Wednesday 6PM - 8PM & 8.30PM - 11PM | Thursday - Sunday 1PM - 3PM & 6PM - 8PM & 8.30PM - 11PM | Closed Monday & Tuesday

Bookings: +971 4 777 5433

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OKKU 

MARRIOTT RESORT | PALM JUMEIRAH

This sophisticated dining spot is perfect if you’re looking for a Japanese restaurant on the Palm. Featuring a 20-metre long sushi station, the skilled chefs put on a spectacular show as they demonstrate their talents. The menu is varied and features dishes from other cuisines, perfect if you’re a large group or catering for different tastes. We love their take on the famous black cod (AED199) and their chicken karaage (AED79) is delicious. Their ladies night on a Wednesday is popular, with a choice of 3 starters and unlimited drinks for only AED175 and if you fancy a Japanese brunch, their disco brunch on Saturdays is always busy, with packages starting at AED295. 

Open: Saturday 1PM - 6PM 7 8PM - 3AM | Sunday - Friday 7PM - 1AM

Bookings: 04 666 1566

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CLAP
DIFC GATE VILLAGE | TRADE CENTRE

Looking for something special? Just 10 minutes walk or a 4 minute hop in a taxi from the Museum of the Future and with Burj Khalifa views, this sensory Japanese restaurant never fails to impress. The open kitchen lets you see the chefs at their craft and the outdoor terrace offers incredible views of the skyline. Their business lunch is a great deal if you’re visiting on a weekday, with a reasonable price tag (it’ll set you back just AED115 for three courses). The seabass is fresh and delicious and their wagyu skewers are a must-try. Their cocktails are original and well-balanced, the fruity New Wave our favourite. We recommend booking as it’s always busy, and rightly so! 

Open: 1PM - 3AM Saturday - Sunday | 12PM - 3AM Monday - Friday

Bookings: +971 4569 3820

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ZUMA

GATE VILLAGE | DIFC

Looking for Japanese food around DIFC? Head to Zuma, a trendy and sophisticated Japanese restaurant serving contemporary Japanese cuisine such as miso-marinated black cod, sushi and a large range of signature dishes. With a DJ every night, the evenings bring a buzzing atmosphere, or head for their business lunch 12pm-3pm throughout the week, which is a steal at only AED159pp for 3 courses. 

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Open: Monday - Friday 12PM - 3.30PM & 6.30PM - 12AM | Saturday 1.30PM - 4PM & 6.30PM - 1AM | Sunday 12PM - 4PM & 6.30PM - 1AM

Bookings: 04 425 5660

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