The Ultimate List of Must-Try Japanese Restaurants in Dubai

Dubai is home to expatriates from all across the world, who bring their customs, cultures, and traditions. It offers gastronomic extravaganza and boasts culinary heritages. Japanese food is amongst one of the most celebrated cuisines in Dubai, standing out for its taste, texture, and artistic presentation. The prime focus on fresh ingredients is what makes these dishes top the chart. Dubai offers a smorgasbord of options when it comes to Japanese cuisine; from SushiSushi to sashimi and ramen, it has everything to offer. Both the traditional and contemporary dishes are highlights. The fine dining experience in the bustling ambiance of Japanese restaurants in Dubai International Financial Center is an experience to cherish.

Best Japanese Restaurants in Dubai

This article takes you on a detailed tour of the best Japanese restaurants in Dubai and introduces you to their cuisines and culinary artistry.

1. Zuma

Zuma is a global success. It is amongst one of the pioneer restaurants in Dubai International Financial Center, introducing Japanese cuisine. Zuma attracts a huge crowd throughout the week, whether it is brunch, lunch, dinner, or official meetings. The signature dish offered here is the buttery, soft, and sweet black cod, which is impossible to resist! Their prompt service, peaceful environment, and buzzing vibe are what give you an exciting experience. The other delicacies offered include classic Japanese dishes, Sushi, barbecued Robata, and pan-fried gyoza.

Location: Gate Village, DIFC
Must-try dishes: Sweet Black Cod, Sushi, barbecued Robata, and pan-fried gyoza
Average Cost: Starting from AED 159 Per Person

2. Nobu

Nobu is a luxury restaurant in Atlantis The Palm that serves opulent Japanese cuisine with an added element of Peruvian finesse. Chef Nobu Matsuhisa's high-end menu is a culinary masterpiece. The chef recommends the black cod yuzu miso, rock shrimp tempura, and yellowtail jalapeño. The sophisticated ambiance, supplemented by the scenic view of Atlantis Lagoon, makes it an exceptional gastronomic pleasure. The absolutely fine choice of ingredients and top-notch service make Nobu stand out.

Location: Atlantis, The Palm
Must-try dishes: Black Cod Yuzu Miso, Rock Shrimp Tempura, and Yellowtail Jalapeño
Average Cost: Starting from AED 350 Per Person

3. Tomo

The Raffles Hotel, Dubai, houses one of the famous Japanese restaurants in Dubai, Tomo, meaning a friend. The cuisines and delicacies they offer are an absolute delight. This is because many of the ingredients are brought right from Japan. So, they definitely deserve the extra points for effort. A wide array of traditional dishes are present on the menu, including sashimi, Sushi, teppanyaki, and tempura. The signature dishes include a freshly prepared sashimi platter and wagyu beef, and to top the meal off with a creamy delight, mochi ice cream is a customer favorite. Imagine sitting in Tomo, enjoying the aesthetic outlook of the Dubai skyline and freshly prepared Japanese cuisines served to you. An experience for a lifetime.

Location: Umm Hurair 2, Dubai
Must-try dishes: Sashimi, Sushi, Teppanyaki, and Tempura
Average Cost: Starting from AED 269

4. Okku

Okku is a well-known eatery that serves Japanese food. It was located in The H Dubai previously and has now made a comeback with a new opening in Marriott Resort, Palm Jumeirah. The loyal fans of the restaurant are happy to see the comeback after five years. They serve the famous Japanese dishes with an innovative touch. Sashimi and fried wild mushrooms are a must-try!

Location: Marriott Resort Palm, Jumeirah
Must-try dishes: Sashimi and Fried Wild Mushrooms
Average Cost: Starting from AED 350

5. Nazcaa

Another gastronomic extravaganza for the foodies is Nazcaa. It serves Japanese food with a Peruvian flair. People in Peru with Japanese ancestral heritage are named Nikkei. This makes Nikkei cuisine a top pick by such diners. The spices, flavors, tastes, and textures of Peruvian finesse perfectly complement the Japanese culinary arts. The ambiance is top-notch, and there are both indoor and outdoor dining arrangements. The patio dining comes with a beautiful view of the mighty Burj Khalifa.

Location: Address Dubai Mall Hotel, Downtown Dubai
Must-try Dishes: Ceviche, Taco, and Tacos
Average Cost: Starting from AED 250 per person

6. Mimi Kakushi

This stunning restaurant skillfully blends modern-day Japanese culinary innovation with the nostalgia of the nineties Osaka Jazz scene. The ambiance of this restaurant captivates guests as their food makes it an immersive dining experience. The stylish and sophisticated interior of this place reflects a different era with a cuisine of traditional, contemporary flavors of Japanese food.

Location: Four Seasons Resort, Jumeirah 2
Must-try Dishes: Yellowtail Carpaccio and the black Cod Gyoza
Average Cost: Starting from AED 450 per person

7. Fujiya

Next comes a calm and composed environment of Fujiya, offering traditional Japanese flavors. They are widely known for their authenticity of taste. It is located in Dubai’s Garhoud, and most of the time, it is houseful. They provide spot-on services, which makes it stand out. The place teleports you to Japan, with local waiters serving the traditional food in a calm and composed environment. It offers a true Japanese culinary experience, contrary to what most of the high-end restaurants in Dubai offer. Fujiya gives an experience of both food and ambiance.

Location: Millennium Airport Hotel, Al Garhoud
Must-try dishes: Wagyu Beef and Takoyaki
Average Cost: Starting from AED 250 per person

8. Ichiryu Ramen House

The infamous Japanese concept of Ikigai, a reason for being, is the core concept of the Ichiryu Ramen House. They lay the emphasis on the joys and pleasures of eating good food. The ramen house is a joint venture by three Filipino brothers. This is the epitome of their love for food and each other. Want to have a solo date? No worries. Ichiryu Ramen House will help with this. They offer solo dining spaces with a scrumptious menu. The ramen served here includes Midori, Shiro, Kuro, and Aka. The menu is upgraded from time to time so that the best Japanese cuisines are served to the customers. Thus, the restaurant is a blend of traditional flavors and contemporary fusion.

Location: Wasl Port Views Building 7, Dubai
Must-try dishes: Midori, Shiro, Kuro, and Aka
Average Cost: Starting from AED 150 Per Person

9. Reif Kushiyaki

If you crave Japanese food but want a low-key setting with a calm environment, Reif Kushiyaki is there for you! The restaurant is a venture by Chef Reif Othman. His classic menu and succulent savories are Dubai’s hot favorite. He has a spot in Time Out Market Dubai as well. The silky smooth ramen and kusiyaki are its famous dishes. They offer a wide variety of quick bute options. Thus, if you are craving some street food, Reif Kushiyaki has to be your top pick. It offers casual yet equally scrumptious food.

Location: Dar Wasl Mall, Al Wasl Rd
Must-try dishes: Crispy Baby Squid Kushi Katsu, Yuzu Soy, and Wagyu Sando
Average Cost: Starting from AED 250 Per Person

10. Sushisamba

It is among the sky-high restaurants on the Palm with a specialty of view - a 360-degree vista to see all key landmarks. Inside the restaurant, guests will experience a live DJ with a cool vibe of greenery. Moreover, their cuisine is a favorite among Japanese food lover as their must-try dishes include their signature Dubai Samba roll, which is a sushi piece with truffle and mango, alongside the Chilean sea bass anticucho and Peruvian-Japanese combination of plates are also famous.

Location: Regis, The Palm Jumeirah
Must-try dishes: Shrimp tempura, Brim with Tuna, and Jumbo Crab
Average Cost: Starting from AED 250 Per Person

11. ROKA

Roka is another eatery by Chef Rainer Becker. Its signature dish is robata, and other famous options include Sushi. The restaurant offers a stunning view of Burj Khalifa. If you are not in the mood for a full meal, stop at Roka for a quick bite and enjoy the Japanese-inspired beverages.

Location: The Opus by Omniyat, Business Bay
Must-try dishes: Robata, Roka Sashimi Platter, and Roka Robata Grill
Average Cost: Starting from AED 115 Per Person

12. Akiba Dori

Akiba Dori has three branches in prime times of Dubai: one in Dubai Hills Mall, another at D3, and the third one at Pavilion at the Beach, JBR. It has the vibe and ambiance of what it feels like to be in Tokyo. The neon lights and artistic designs make the experience even better. The street food-style savories, including Akiba rock shrimp, wasabi prawns, and Tokyo-style Neapolitan pizza, are a must-try.

Location: Dubai Hills Mall
Must-try dishes: Akiba Rock Shrimp, Wasabi Prawns, and Tokyo Style Neapolitan Pizza
Average Cost: Starting from AED 150 Per Person

13. Attiko

Attiko is a new opening by the team behind the legendary hot spots Aura Sky Pool, SushiSamba, and Drift. It occupies the 31st floor of W Dubai. The expansive floor-to-ceiling windows offering scenic views of Palm Jumeirah and the Arabian Gulf are a delightful joy. You definitely need to give a try to their Sky Brunch every Saturday, offering a mouth-watering spread in a serene atmosphere.

Location: King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud W, Dubai Marina
Must-try dishes: Wagyu Beef Gyoza, Grilled Lamb Chop, and Wagyu Beef Ribeye
Average Cost: AED 150 Per Person

14. 3Fils

3Fils made its entry into the Dubai Culinary Heaven back in 2016 and was fortunate enough to build a loyal fan following. In the 2023 list of MENA 50 Best Restaurants across the world, 3Fils stood in 5th number. Huge! It is an independently owned, low-key space serving delicious food in a cozy and calm environment. It offers indoor and outdoor dining spaces and does not need any prior reservations.

Location: Jumeirah Fishing Harbour, Jumeirah 2
Must-try dishes: Wagyu Truffle Burger
Average Cost: Starting from AED 150 Per Person

15. Robata

Another new entry to the food industry is Robata. It is a venture by the team behind TakaHisa, Caesars Palace. It is located adjacent to Julius Tower. It offers a luxury dining experience with cuisines made of the finest ingredients, designer dining accessories, and an exhaustive beverage menu. The Japanese cuisine at Robata offers robatayaki as its signature dish. It transcends the fireside cooking techniques and experience. The fusion of hot coal and flat, open hearth grill offers stand-out BBQ-style cooking. Robata serves Omakase's fine dining experience with ingredients specially brought from Toyosu Market.

Location: Caesars Palace Bluewaters Dubai
Must-try dishes: Shabu-shabu, Japanese Barbecue, and Sushi
Average Cost: Starting from AED 150 Per Person

Closing In!

The culinary heritage of Dubai is a testament to its cultural fusion and diverse and inclusive atmosphere. It has a wide array of cuisines to offer, catering to the preferences of its diverse essence. The Japanese restaurants in Dubai are widely known for their authenticity of taste, innovation, and quality. From high-end luxury dining experiences to street-style-inspired food, it has everything to offer. Some restaurants even put in the effort to import ingredients from the Japanese market, which further adds to the taste, textures, and flavors. The Dubai market offers traditional food options from SushiSushi, sashimi, and ramen to fusion dishes and live teppanyaki shows. Thus depicting the true cultural diversity Dubai has to offer in Japanese cuisines. Now, if you are a Japanese expatriate missing food back home or a food enthusiast who wants to try out Japanese dishes, this article is a complete guide. It gives a detailed detour of the famous Japanese restaurants in Dubai, each offering gastronomic extravaganzas and culinary masterpieces. Their signature dishes, locations, price ranges, and ambiance are discussed. So, next time you crave Japanese food, open this guide and choose the restaurant that best suits your tastes and preferences. You are going to love the experience!