The best Japanese restaurants in Dubai 2023

From matcha to MICHELIN: Take your pick from the 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 ROKA to Zuma, and homegrown hits like Reif Japanese Kushiyaki. So, if you’re looking for a meal to remember – and one that got the FACT team excited, no less – 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. 

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.

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. 

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.

Katsuya Dubai – Hyde Hotel Dubai

If it’s good enough for His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, it’s good enough for us. Sheikh Hamdan visited the restaurant in February 2022, and gave it the royal seal of approval. Located in Hyde Hotel Dubai, the restaurant serves sushi and sashimi platters, which you can enjoy with a side of Burj Khalifa views. The only downside: you won’t know whether to pick up your fork or your phone first, as you have a front-row seat to the world’s tallest building.  

GO: Visit https://book.ennismore.com for 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. 

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 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.

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. 

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 – Caesars Palace Dubai

Located on the lobby level of Caesars Palace 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.

Wakame – Sofitel Dubai Downtown

The popular Japanese restaurant Wakame serves modern Asian cuisine in a contemporary setting, and prides itself on offering passion and precision. The menu includes baos, dim sum, salads, sandos and tacos. The small plates range from Korean Fried Chicken to Wagyu Sliders, and the large plates range from Lobster Spaghetti to Yuzo Miso Black Cod. Plus, there is a dedicated vegan menu. 

GO: Visit https://wakame.ae for reservations and 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.