From matcha to MICHELIN: Take your pick from 40 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, such as Nobu and Zuma, as well as homegrown hits like Reif Japanese Kushiyaki. So, if you’re looking for a meal to remember, here are the best Japanese restaurants in Dubai.
99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant
If you’ve got 99 problems, sushi won’t be one when you visit this restaurant. A new chapter is beginning for 99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant. The brand’s original Downtown Dubai venue has closed, with the restaurant relocating to Dubai Creek Harbour for a September 2026 reopening. Luxury remains central to the concept, which is known for premium Japanese ingredients and a fondness for gold-accented presentation. Signature dishes have included the 99 Black Cod, Kobe and Wagyu Katsu Sando, tuna preparations and indulgent Wagyu creations, while sushi and sashimi form the backbone of the menu. The Creek Harbour move should give the brand another suitably glamorous waterfront setting, although diners will need to wait until September to see how the next generation of 99 Sushi translates to its new home.
Where: 99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant, Dubai Creek Harbour, Dubai
When: Daily from 12pm to midnight
Contact: www.99sushibar.com
Armani/Hashi
Few Japanese restaurants in Dubai can compete with the setting at Armani/Hashi. Located inside Armani Hotel Dubai at Burj Khalifa, the restaurant pairs contemporary Japanese cooking with front-row views of Dubai Fountain. Seafood features prominently, with ingredients flown in from international markets and worked into sushi, sashimi and carefully composed plates. The robatayaki and teppanyaki sections add greater depth, while premium tasting menus move through sashimi, sushi, sukiyaki and Wagyu. It remains a strong choice for visitors seeking Japanese fine dining in Downtown Dubai, particularly when the terrace is open and the fountain performances provide an unmistakably Dubai backdrop.
Where: Armani/Hashi, Armani Hotel Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai
When: Daily from 6:30pm to 11:30pm
Contact: www.armanihotels.com
CLAP
Put your hands together for CLAP. High above DIFC, this Beirut-born restaurant combines Japanese cooking with one of Dubai’s livelier dining rooms. CLAP’s terraces, dramatic lighting and quirky decorative pieces give the venue a strong personality. The food spans sushi, sashimi, robata and contemporary Japanese plates designed for sharing. Popular signatures include the Rock Shrimp Tempura, Black Cod Miso and an extensive selection of maki, while Matcha Cheesecake provides a suitably Japanese finish. As the evening progresses, the atmosphere becomes increasingly energetic, making CLAP particularly appealing for groups seeking dinner that can stretch well into the night.
Where: CLAP, Level 9, Gate Village Building 3, DIFC, Dubai
When: Daily from 12pm to 2am
Contact: www.claprestaurant.com
Cutfish
Sitting beneath Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, Cutfish combines marina views with an accessible interpretation of Japanese-inspired dining. The concept has already appeared in London and Moscow, but its Dubai location makes full use of the waterfront setting, particularly from the terrace. Inside, an open kitchen places the chefs at the centre of the action. The menu moves between sushi, raw plates and dishes from the Josper grill, with beef, chicken, duck and seafood all represented. It is the balance between precise sushi and more robust grilled dishes that gives Cutfish broad appeal, while the setting makes it equally suited to an afternoon meal or a dinner overlooking the neighbouring
Where: Cutfish, Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, Umm Suqeim, Dubai
When: Daily from 4pm to midnight
Contact: www.cutfishdubai.ae
Daikan Izakaya
Homegrown brand Daikan has built its reputation on ramen, but the licensed Daikan Izakaya at City Walk takes the idea considerably further. Located inside C2 Licensed District, the restaurant combines Japanese bar culture with hip-hop, cocktails and a menu designed for casual sharing. Handmade noodles remain important, but diners can also work through sushi, gyoza, bao buns and grills. Standouts include the Crispy Tuna Bites, Wagyu Teppanyaki Philly Cheesesteak and Daikan Smash Burger, alongside the ramen that first established the brand in the UAE. The mood is relaxed and energetic rather than reverential, making this one of the more approachable Japanese restaurants on the list.
Where: Daikan Izakaya, C2 Licensed District, City Walk, Al Satwa, Dubai
When: Daily from 11:30am to 11pm
Contact: www.daikan.ae
Dragonfly
Japanese flavours meet Pan-Asian influences at Dragonfly, the striking restaurant on The Lana Promenade. Created by restaurateur Alexander Orlov with Chef Reif Othman, the venue makes an immediate impression with soaring ceilings, panoramic windows and a suspended dragonfly sculpture. Yet the food gives the restaurant more substance than its dramatic interiors might suggest. Signature plates include Bluefin Tuna Carpaccio with clementine ponzu, Salmon Tataki with Asian pesto and Wagyu Tartare with truffle mayonnaise. Hokkaido scallops, dim sum, sashimi and nigiri add further range. Music becomes increasingly important later in the evening, with resident and guest DJs turning Dragonfly into a genuine day-to-night destination.
Where: Dragonfly, The Lana Promenade, Marasi Drive, Business Bay, Dubai
When: Daily from 6pm to 2am
Contact: @dragonfly.dxb
Fuloong
With just eight seats, Fuloong brings an intimate omakase experience to Jumeirah Beach Road. Chef Lemon leads diners through a seasonal progression shaped by premium seafood, Japanese Wagyu and ingredients sourced from Japan. The experience unfolds course by course, with highlights including smoky barbecued eel, savoury egg custard and A5 Wagyu, while richer combinations bring together otoro, caviar and other prized cuts. Two set menus allow diners to surrender control to the chef, with each dish prepared and explained across the counter. Traditional calligraphy, colourful chopsticks and an open kitchen reinforce the sense of ceremony without making the experience feel overly formal. With only three seatings each evening, Fuloong turns omakase into something personal, focused and quietly memorable.
Where: Fuloong, 786 Jumeira Street, Umm Suqeim, Dubai
When: Tuesday to Sunday from 3pm to 11pm
Contact: @fuloong_omakase
Gohan
Hidden within La Cantine Beach at Delano Dubai, Gohan takes its cues from the intimacy of a Japanese speakeasy. The compact dining room is reached through its larger French sibling and favours warm woods, subdued lighting and a mood that becomes livelier as the evening progresses. Its name is commonly used in Japanese to refer to a meal or cooked rice, while the menu interprets Japanese street food through a more luxurious lens. Beef Sando, Crispy Chilean Sea Bass and Wagyu Scotch Egg are among the signatures, alongside skewers, sushi and gyoza. Desserts such as Matcha Sponge Cake provide a suitably restrained ending to one of Dubai’s more discreet Japanese dining experiences.
Where: Gohan, Delano Dubai, Bluewaters Island, Dubai
When: Daily from 12pm to midnight
Contact: https://gohan.ae
Goldfish Sushi & Yakitori
Get your chopsticks ready because Chef Akmal Anuar’s Goldfish Sushi & Yakitori offers a modern twist on traditional Japanese cuisine. The Al Wasl restaurant has become a reliable neighbourhood favourite, combining quality ingredients with a convivial setting built around an open kitchen. Diners can watch the team prepare new-style sashimi, nigiri and maki alongside yakitori skewers and claypot dishes. The Wagyu Sliders remain one of Goldfish’s most recognisable orders, while Grilled Octopus and Australian Tenderloin provide more substantial alternatives. There is enough variety for repeat visits without the menu losing focus, and its relaxed energy has helped Goldfish build a loyal following among Dubai diners who value strong cooking without ceremony.
Where: Goldfish Sushi & Yakitori, Galleria Mall, AI Wasl Road, Al Wasl, Dubai
When: Daily from 12pm to midnight
Contact: https://goldfishsushiyakitori.com
Hōseki
For a more intimate expression of Japanese cuisine, Höseki remains one of Dubai’s most distinctive reservations. Located on the fourth floor of Bvlgari Resort Dubai, the MICHELIN-starred restaurant is led by sixth-generation sushi master Masahiro Sugiyama and revolves around the Japanese tradition of omakase. Ingredients are sourced according to season and availability, with many arriving directly from Japan before being shaped into precise sashimi and Edomae-style sushi. The small counters create an unusually personal dining experience, allowing guests to follow the chef’s movements throughout the meal. This is Japanese dining stripped of distraction, with ingredient quality, knife work and restraint doing most of the talking.
Where: Höseki, Bvlgari Resort Dubai, Jumeirah Bay Island, Dubai
When: Daily from 6pm and 8:30pm
Contact: www.bulgarihotels.com
Itadaku
Authenticity sits at the heart of Itadaku, a family-run Japanese restaurant tucked inside Wasl Vita Mall in Jumeirah 1. Led by Chef Masaru Sakagami, the concept focuses on traditional techniques, carefully sourced ingredients and halal-friendly Japanese cooking without unnecessary embellishment. Sushi is a particular strength, with the Omakase Nigiri offering a chef-selected progression that can include bluefin tuna, scallop, sea eel and red seabream. Other highlights include the Torotaku Maki with Japanese tuna belly and pickled radish, Kuroge Wagyu Aburi Nigiri and rich Hommaguro Otoro Nigiri. Itadaku’s quiet, ingredient-led approach makes it a refreshing alternative to Dubai’s more theatrical Japanese restaurants, placing craft and tradition firmly at the centre of the experience.
Where: Itadaku, Wasl Vita, Al Wasl Road, Jumeirah, Dubai
When: Tuesday to Sunday from 12pm to 3pm and 6pm to 10pm
Contact: https://itadaku.ae
Kasumigaseki
Tucked inside Vida Emirates Hills, Kasumigaseki offers a quieter alternative to Dubai’s more theatrical Japanese restaurants. Its approach centres on what it calls Sumi Fire Neo Japanese Cuisine, combining traditional technique with charcoal cooking and contemporary presentation. Wabi-sabi influences inform the restrained interiors, while ingredients sourced from Japan anchor the menu. Diners can move between sashimi, nigiri and delicately prepared seafood before turning to charcoal-grilled meats and vegetables. The open counter adds a sense of interaction without overwhelming the room, while the residential Emirates Hills location gives Kasumigaseki the feel of a neighbourhood discovery.
Where: Kasumigaseki, Vida Emirates Hills, Emirates Hills, Dubai
When: Daily from 12pm to 3pm and dinner from 6pm to midnight
Contact: https://kasumigasekirestaurant.com
KEN by Kamatsuda
Dubai does expensive dining exceptionally well, but KEN by Kamatsuda takes Japanese luxury to another level. Chef Ken Kamatsuda uses long-standing relationships with specialist producers to obtain ingredients seldom encountered elsewhere in the city. Rare Awa Wagyu is a defining feature and can appear as steak or nigiri, while Saga Red Uni brings another premium ingredient directly from Japan. The Wagyu Cutlet Sandwich and King Crab Shabu Shabu are among the notable plates, while the headline omakase places the entire meal in the chef’s hands. Counter seating provides the best perspective, allowing diners to watch the meticulous preparation while the dining room’s Japanese art and floral arrangements lend a restrained sense of occasion.
Where: KEN by Kamatsuda, The Dubai EDITION, Downtown Dubai
When: Daily from 6pm to 1am
Contact: www.kenbykamatsuda.ae
KIGO
Seasonality shapes every detail at KIGO, the intimate Japanese restaurant inside Four Seasons Hotel DIFC. Led by Head Chef Akinori Tanigawa and Sushi Head Chef Daihachiro Ebata, the concept brings together the precision of kaiseki and the intimacy of omakase. Its six-course Tsumugi menu changes with the seasons, with current highlights including Scallop with Summer Vegetables, Chawanmushi with Green Pea Sauce, Black Cod Shinshu-Mushi with cha soba and uni pâté, and Charcoal-Grilled Tajima Wagyu Sirloin. A progression of chef-selected nigiri completes the savoury courses. The 44-seat restaurant centres around an impressive Aji stone sushi counter, reinforcing KIGO’s focus on craftsmanship, ingredient quality and the Japanese philosophy of celebrating each fleeting season.
Where: KIGO, Four Seasons Hotel DIFC, Zaa’beel Second, DIFC, Dubai
When: Open Wednesday to Sunday from 6pm to midnight
Contact: www.kigodubai.com
KIMA
The origin stories of restaurants often sound the same. That’s not the case with the new Japanese concept, Kima. It wasn’t born in a boardroom but from a big argument. The restaurant brings all the vibes of a low-key neighbourhood izakaya to the heart of JLT. KIMA was conceived as an antidote to over-designed restaurants, favouring approachable prices, personable service and a compact dining room with counter seating. The menu follows the same relaxed philosophy, moving through maki, donburi, noodles and small plates designed for sharing. KIMA Kara-age is an obvious starting point, while the Ebi Maki, Spicy Tuna, Salmon Avocado and Spicy Tenderloin keep the sushi selection familiar but satisfying. Yakisoba adds comfort-food credentials, and the Salmon Carpaccio is another worthwhile order. It feels independent, unpretentious and rooted in its JLT neighbourhood rather than designed as another citywide dining spectacle.
Where: KIMA Izakaya, Cluster R, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai
When: Tuesday to Sunday from 12pm to 11pm
Contact: @kima_izakaya
Kinoya
Kinoya boasts one of Dubai’s most charming restaurant stories. Neha Mishra originally started the concept as a supper club entitled A Story of Food, which she ran from her home for nearly three years. Neha served more than 7,000 happy diners and became well-known for her signature ramen. Kinoya opened its first restaurant in Dubai’s Onyx Tower in 2021, and it was so popular that it was tough to get a reservation. Ramen remains the reason to visit, with Shio, Shoyu, Miso and Wontonmen among the core bowls, but the menu extends into tempura, sushi, kobachi and other izakaya dishes. The relaxed dining room mirrors the food, making Kinoya feel more like a neighbourhood restaurant than a destination driven by ceremony. Its subsequent expansion to Harrods in London confirms how far a Dubai-born supper club has travelled.
Where: Kinoya, The Onyx Tower 2, The Greens, Dubai
When: Tuesday to Sunday from 12pm to 11:30pm
Contact: https://kinoya.com
Kiyoshi
Mount Fuji provides the visual inspiration at Kiyoshi, a contemporary Japanese restaurant overlooking Dubai Creek Harbour. Cherry blossoms painted onto terracotta tiles, bespoke glass installations and Japanese artwork give the dining room its identity, while the terrace capitalises on waterfront views. The menu is broad enough for repeat visits, moving through raw dishes, handrolls, kushiyaki and hot specialities. Among the signatures, the Butternut Squash Misoyaki combines black sesame purée with pomegranate mint pesto, while the Tenderloin Avocado Tower brings together sushi rice, snap peas and sweet soy.
Where: Kiyoshi, Dubai Creek Harbour, Dubai
When: Daily from 2pm to 11pm
Contact: https://kiyoshirestaurants.com
Kokoro
Dubai’s handroll boom can largely be traced back to Kokoro. The concept started in Alserkal Avenue and has subsequently expanded to Dubai Mall and Nas Al Sheba, building a cult following around counter seating and rolls assembled directly in front of diners. There is little distraction from the food, with chefs preparing each order before passing it across the counter to be eaten immediately. Bluefin Tuna with pickled cucumber, Salmon with white ponzu, Scallop with orange, Madai, Shima Aji and Uni showcase the emphasis on quality seafood. Negi Toro, Spicy Tuna and other handrolls broaden the selection. Kokoro’s casual format, no-nonsense approach and made-to-order rhythm have helped turn the restaurant into one of Dubai’s most influential recent Japanese openings.
Where: Kokoro, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz, Dubai
When: Daily from 12pm to midnight
Contact: @kokoro.dxb
Kumo
Housed inside a converted villa on Al Wasl Road, Kumo brings the sensibility of a Japanese residence to one of Dubai’s busiest streets. Created by Independent Food Company, the group behind SALT and Parkers, the restaurant combines warm woodwork and a dedicated matcha bar with sushi counter seating and a leafy residential feel. Food ranges from sushi and robata to comfort-driven sandos. Popular orders include the Kumo Roll with shrimp tempura and gochujang, an A5 Japanese Burger, Wagyu Sando and crispy prawn gyoza. From the grill, Chilean Sea Bass with grapefruit miso and Wagyu Tenderloin with goma truffle add greater substance. Finish with a Cloud Matcha or the extravagant Kumo Cloud dessert.
Where: KUMO, Al Wasl Road, Dubai
When: Daily from 8am to 11pm
Contact: @kumo.uae
Mimi Kakushi
Few Dubai restaurants commit to a theme as convincingly as Mimi Kakushi. Inspired by 1920s Osaka, the Restaurant Village favourite combines jazz-age glamour with a menu that draws together Japanese tradition and Western influence. The design feels cinematic without overwhelming the dining experience, while live music and a strong bar programme have helped the venue remain popular well beyond its opening year. Sushi, sashimi, tempura and gyoza provide the foundations, before larger signatures such as Black Cod and Kagoshima Wagyu Beef take over. Mimi Kakushi also operates one of Dubai’s stronger Japanese brunches, but dinner remains the best showcase for its atmospheric dining room and carefully choreographed progression from cocktails and raw dishes to richer grilled plates.
Where: Mimi Kakushi, Restaurant Village, Four Seasons Resort, Dubai
When: Daily from 12pm to 2am
Contact: www.mimikakushi.ae
Netsu by Ross Shonhan
Fire is the defining feature at Netsu by Ross Shonhan. Located inside Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, the Japanese steakhouse specialises in warayaki, a traditional technique where ingredients are seared over burning rice straw at exceptionally high temperatures. The open kitchen turns the cooking process into part of the evening, with flames rising dramatically around the counter. That spectacle would mean little without strong food, and Netsu backs it up with sushi, sashimi and smoky grilled meats. Warayaki Tuna Tataki is a natural introduction to the technique, while Australian Wagyu Ribeye and Wagyu Truffle Sukiyaki offer richer options. The restaurant’s combination of serious cooking, terrace dining and genuine theatre continues to make it one of Dubai’s more distinctive Japanese steakhouses.
Where: Netsu by Ross Shonhan, Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai
When: Tuesday to Sunday from 6:30pm to 11:30pm
Contact: www.mandarinoriental.com
Nobu by the Beach
Japanese-Peruvian cooking moves poolside at the world’s first Nobu-branded beach club. Located at Atlantis The Royal, Nobu by the Beach combines private cabanas, a swimming pool and access to the sand with the culinary signatures associated with Chef Nobu Matsuhisa. The menu has been adapted to its leisurely setting, moving through sushi, sashimi, sharing plates and beach-friendly interpretations of Nobu favourites. Black Cod Miso remains synonymous with the brand, while seafood, tacos and lighter Japanese-Peruvian dishes suit long lunches that gradually turn into sundowners. Music, cocktails and late-night swimming add another layer to the proposition. It is less formal than Nobu Dubai, but the food gives the concept enough substance to work as more than a luxury beach club.
Where: Nobu by the Beach, Atlantis The Royal, Crescent Road, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
When: Daily from 12pm to 9:30pm
Contact: @nobubythebeach
Nobu Dubai
Few Japanese restaurant brands have influenced global dining quite like Nobu. Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s partnership with Robert De Niro began in New York before expanding worldwide, while the Dubai restaurant has been operating since 2008. Its current home high inside Atlantis, The Palm brings sweeping views of Palm Jumeirah to a menu that blends Japanese technique with Peruvian influence. The Black Cod Miso remains the inevitable signature, joined by Yellowtail Jalapeño, sushi, sashimi and Wagyu preparations. A dedicated sushi counter provides a closer look at the craft, while omakase menus offer a more structured journey through the kitchen. Despite the international scale of the brand, Nobu continues to feel relevant in Dubai’s increasingly competitive Japanese dining scene.
Where: Nobu Dubai, Atlantis The Palm, Crescent Road, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
When: Wesnesday to Sunday from 6pm to midnight
Contact: www.noburestaurants.com
Nobu One Za’abeel
Nobu has entered a new Dubai chapter at One Za’abeel, where the celebrated Japanese-Peruvian restaurant occupies Level 24 of The Link inside the world’s longest cantilever. The setting is immediately impressive, pairing floor-to-ceiling views with a restaurant, sushi counter, bar, lounge and private dining spaces. Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s signatures remain at the heart of the experience, including Black Cod Miso and Yellowtail Jalapeño, alongside sushi, sashimi and dishes shaped by the brand’s distinctive Japanese and Peruvian influences. An omakase menu offers another route through the kitchen, while resident DJs give the restaurant a livelier personality after dark. As Nobu’s third Dubai address, the One Za’abeel outpost feels more urban and nightlife-driven, bringing the global brand into one of the city’s most striking architectural landmarks.
Where: Nobu One Za’abeel, The Link, One Za’abeel, Dubai
When: Open Tuesday to Sunday from 5pm to midnight
Contact: www.nobuonezaabeel.com
Ram & Roll
Ramen, sushi and handrolls take centre stage at Ram & Roll, a contemporary Japanese restaurant inside Kempinski The Boulevard in Downtown Dubai. The menu balances comforting classics with premium ingredients, making it as suitable for a casual bowl of noodles as a more indulgent dinner. Ramen is a speciality, alongside sushi-grade tuna, Hokkaido scallops and A5 Wagyu. Signatures include Robata-Grilled Wagyu served with wasabi salt and shoyu glaze, a chef-selected Sashimi and Nigiri Platter featuring otoro and hamachi, and Tempura Prawn Udon in delicate dashi broth. Handrolls, nigiri and small plates add further variety. With warm interiors and a central Downtown location, Ram & Roll offers an accessible route into contemporary Japanese dining.
Where: Ram & Roll, Kempinski The Boulevard, Downtown Dubai
When: Daily from 12pm to 1am
Contact: https://ramnroll.co
Ramen Hisa
From the team behind TakaHisa comes Ramen Hisa, an intimate 28-seat restaurant dedicated to one of Japan’s most comforting dishes. Located at Dubai Opera, the concept treats ramen with the same ingredient-led precision that made its sibling restaurant a Dubai favourite. House-made and egg noodles are matched to individual broths, while premium ingredients are sourced from Japan. Signatures include Miso Ramen, Ozaki Beef Ramen, Tuna Ramen and Fugu Ramen, alongside Tsukemen, Mazesoba, Gyoza and Menchikatsu. The setting is equally distinctive, taking inspiration from a traditional Japanese home with tatami flooring and floor seating.
Where: Ramen Hisa, Dubai Opera, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai
When: Open daily from 12pm to 11pm
Contact: @ramenhisa
REIF Japanese Kushiyaki
Chef Reif Othman has spent years challenging conventional ideas about Japanese food in Dubai. His homegrown REIF Japanese Kushiyaki now operates across several locations, but the personality remains rooted in playful technique, strong flavours and dishes that borrow from Japanese sensibilities without being restricted by them. Kushiyaki skewers sit alongside ramen, sushi and one of Dubai’s most recognisable sandos. The Wagyu Sando is the obvious signature, while the REIF Marble Bun combines Wagyu, raw otoro, beef bacon jam and truffle mayonnaise. Daily specials keep the offering in motion, reflecting Othman’s constant appetite for experimentation. It is this restless approach that has helped REIF develop this FACT award-winning concept into one of Dubai’s most recognisable homegrown Japanese restaurants.
Where: REIF Japanese Kushiyaki, Dubai Hills Business Park, Dubii Hills
When: Daily from 12pm to 11pm
Contact: https://reifkushiyaki.com
ROKA
Robatayaki sits at the heart of ROKA, which occupies a striking space inside Zaha Hadid’s The Opus in Business Bay. The open robata grill anchors the dining room and provides much of the menu’s smoky character, while floor-to-ceiling windows and a terrace connect the restaurant to the surrounding skyline. Signatures include Black Cod marinated in yuzu miso, Lamb Cutlets with Korean spices and sesame cucumber, and Yellowtail Sashimi dressed with yuzu and truffle. King Crab, Black Cod and Prawn Dumplings add another indulgent option. Despite being part of an international group, ROKA has settled comfortably into Dubai and remains particularly strong for diners who want contemporary Japanese cooking without the heavier nightlife focus found at many of the city’s competitors.
Where: ROKA Dubai, The Opus by Omniyat, Business Bay, Dubai
When: Daily from 12pm to 11:30pm
Contact: www.rokarestaurant.com
Ronin
Japanese dining becomes unabashedly theatrical at Ronin inside FIVE LUXE JBR. The restaurant draws inspiration from samurai culture, with warrior artwork, dramatic lighting and pagoda-style tables overlooking a lively collection of cooking stations. Teppanyaki, robatayaki, sushi and an open kitchen ensure there is constant movement around the dining room, while the beachfront location provides views towards the Arabian Gulf and Ain Dubai. The menu is equally extravagant. Wagyu Truffle Gyoza comes with truffle ponzu butter, while Caviar O-Toro Tartare is paired with miso brioche. Chilli Butter Lobster arrives with garlic lobster bisque curry, and Gillardeau oysters are topped with caviar and gold leaf.
Where: Ronin, FIVE LUXE JBR, The Walk, Jumeirah Beach Residence, Dubai
When: Daily from 6pm to 2am
Contact: https://luxejbr.fivehotelsandresorts.com
Salvaje
Those who like their Japanese food served with a side of nightlife should find plenty to enjoy at Salvaje. Located at Address Residences Dubai Opera, the international concept combines Burj Khalifa views with bold interiors and an evening programme of DJs, saxophonists and performers. Chef Fermín Azkue’s menu takes Japanese ingredients and techniques in a more global direction, with Spanish influences appearing alongside sushi and robata cooking. Oscietra Supreme Caviar sets an indulgent tone, while Duck Fried Rice is built for sharing and steaks arrive sizzling from the robata grill. The experience becomes increasingly energetic as the evening progresses, making Salvaje more suitable for a celebratory night out than a restrained sushi dinner.
Where: Salvaje, Address Residences, Opera District, Downtown Dubai
When: Tuesday to Saturday from 6pm to 2am
Contact: @salvaje.dubai
Sexy Fish Dubai
Sexy Fish has moved from London import to established DIFC player. Located on the 11th floor of Innovation One, the restaurant surrounds diners with Damien Hirst artworks, Murano glass and elaborate aquatic references while Dubai’s skyline unfolds beyond the windows. Beneath the maximalist design is a broad Japanese-inspired menu of sushi, sashimi, tartare and robata. Crispy Duck and Watermelon Salad remains one of the brand’s strongest dishes, while Tuna Belly, Crispy Eryngii Mushroom and Caramelised Black Cod with spicy miso show greater finesse. Dubai-specific dishes have included Scallop Ceviche and Beef Carpaccio with uni and bone marrow. Sexy Fish is glamorous and deliberately theatrical, but the best dishes ensure the food does not disappear beneath the décor.
Where: Sexy Fish Dubai, DIFC, Dubai
When: Saturdays from 12pm to 2am
Contact: https://sexyfishdubai.me
Shinobi Handroll Bar
Tokyo precision meets New York attitude at Shinobi Handroll Bar, the energetic Japanese concept on Al Wasl Road. Created by Monarch Hospitality Group, the team behind Kraken and Mamati, Shinobi centres on made-to-order handrolls prepared with warm rice, crisp nori and premium seafood, served immediately across the counter. The wider menu stretches to sashimi, nigiri and hot plates, with highlights including Salmon Tataki with mustard miso, grilled baby corn glazed with honey truffle and the textural Shinobi Salad with crispy shiitake, avocado and goma dressing. Neon signs, industrial finishes and subway-inspired details channel downtown New York, while hip-hop, DJ sessions and street culture give Shinobi a lively identity beyond its excellent handrolls.
Where: Shinobi Handroll Bar, Villa 8, Al Wasl Road, Jumeirah, Dubai
When: Daily from 12pm to 11pm
Contact: @shinobidubai
SOON Nobby x True Izakaya
Entering SOON Nobby x True Izakaya feels a little like stepping inside a Japanese arcade from the 1980s. Located in JLT, the restaurant draws heavily on gaming, anime and retro electronics, filling the dining room with old televisions, cassette players and a giant robot. Yet SOON is more considered than the concept might initially suggest. Chef-driven izakaya plates range from Aged Shima Aji and Saikyo Miso Black Cod to Wagyu Beef Mazesoba. House Tofu and Tomato Salad provides a lighter counterpoint, while maki, sandos, kushiyaki and noodles make the menu well suited to sharing. The cocktail programme and upbeat soundtrack add to the late-night appeal, but the food gives this playful concept genuine staying power.
Where: SOON Nobby x True Izakaya, Armada Tower 2, Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai
When: Daily from 12pm to 1am
Contact: @soondxb
SUSHISAMBA Dubai
The journey to SUSHISAMBA begins with an elevator ride to the 51st floor of The Palm Tower. From there, 360-degree views sweep across Palm Jumeirah, Ain Dubai and the Arabian Gulf, while a dramatic woven ceiling and open kitchen frame the dining room. The menu brings together Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian flavours through sushi, ceviche, anticuchos and robata. Crispy Yellowtail Taquitos and Wagyu Gyoza make appealing starters, while Robata-grilled Chilean Sea Bass brings smoke and richness. The Samba Dubai roll remains a location-specific favourite, and Japanese Doughnuts provide a playful ending. The restaurant undeniably delivers spectacle, but its enduring appeal comes from a menu that has enough variety and energy to match the remarkable setting.
Where: SUSHISAMBA Dubai, The Palm Tower, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
When: Daily from 12:30pm to 3pm and 6pm to 1am
Contact: www.sushisamba.com
TakaHisa
Serious sushi and exceptional Wagyu are the two pillars of TakaHisa Dubai. The restaurant works with premium seafood sourced from Japan’s Toyosu Market and rare beef, including A5 Ozaki and Kobe Wagyu, creating an experience aimed squarely at diners who prioritise ingredients. Counter seating provides the best view of the chefs at work, particularly for the omakase menus that combine sushi with Wagyu preparations. Kobe Beef Tataki and Wagyu Sashimi showcase the meat programme, while seasonal seafood allows the sushi counter to change according to what arrives from Japan. Despite the luxury surroundings and considerable price point, TakaHisa’s appeal is rooted less in gimmicks than in sourcing, knife work and a disciplined approach to traditional Japanese technique.
Where: TakaHisa, Banyan Tree Dubai, Bluewaters Island, Dubai
When: Daily from 12pm to 2am
Contact: https://takahisa.ae
TANSŌ
Japanese cuisine gets an artistic rethink at TANSŌ, a homegrown “Neo-Tokyo dining gallery” housed inside a villa in Jumeirah 1. Opened in May 2026, the restaurant combines warm stone, deep red seating and intimate dining spaces with a menu that takes Japanese techniques in unexpected directions. The Marrow & Grain is a standout, pairing miso bone marrow with pickled onion, potato bun and nori dust, while Carbon-Udon combines hand-cut noodles with kimchi, smoked beef bacon and parmesan. Other highlights include the truffled Stone Pot rice, Wagyu Ribeye with wasabi pepper jus and seasonal dishes such as chargrilled aubergine glazed with smoked miso and truffle soy.
Where: TANSŌ, 168 Jumeira Street, Jumeirah, Dubai
When: Tuesday to Sunday from 12pm to 11pm
Contact: @tansodubai
Tezukuri
Handrolls become a moment of theatre at Tezukuri, the Japanese concept from Chef Neha Mishra and Atelier House Hospitality. The name means “handmade” in Japanese, setting the tone for a restaurant centred on craftsmanship, timing and interaction. Temaki is prepared to order and passed directly across the counter, allowing diners to experience crisp nori, warm rice and carefully balanced fillings at their best. The restaurant marks a departure from Mishra’s acclaimed Kinoya, with a sharper focus on precision and counter dining rather than ramen. Adding another dimension is Kissa, a speakeasy-style listening bar where vinyl provides the soundtrack and cocktails are approached with the same attention to detail as the food.
Where: Tezukuri, Opera District, Downtown Dubai
When: Tuesday to Sunday from 4pm to 11:30pm
Contact: https://tezukurirestaurant.com
Uchi
Dark woods, marble, teal seating and an extensive whisky bar create a suitably grown-up atmosphere at Uchi in DIFC. The Japanese-inspired restaurant has a strong focus on contemporary presentation, with sushi counter seating bringing diners closer to the kitchen. Its menu stretches beyond straightforward maki, moving into Wagyu, seafood and plates that blend Japanese flavours with European techniques. Truffle Lobster and Uni Soba with konbu dashi are among the more luxurious combinations, joined by Wagyu Sushi and Wagyu Short Rib. Earlier signatures such as Freemantle Octopus Millefeuille and King Crab further illustrate the restaurant’s appetite for intricate construction. Uchi works particularly well for after-work dining, combining a central DIFC location with a substantial drinks programme.
Where: Uchi, Al Mustaqbal Street, DIFC, Dubai
When: Daily from 12pm to 1am
Contact: @uchi.uae
Umi Kei
Hidden inside Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, Umi Kei channels the conviviality of a traditional izakaya through a dark, intimate dining room. Chef Yukou Nishimura oversees a menu informed by Japanese heritage recipes, with robata, sashimi, sushi and late-night comfort dishes forming the core of the experience. Edamame Aglio Olio offers a playful opening, while Chutoro Carpaccio adds sesame richness and caviar salinity. The Wagyu Beef Cutlet Sando is a particularly indulgent signature, balancing tender beef with a crisp coating and house sauce. Black Cod and the restaurant’s omakase provide more substantial ways into the menu. Umi Kei feels deliberately tucked away, giving Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab a Japanese restaurant suited to leisurely dinners and evenings that extend beyond the first round of dishes.
Where: Umi Kei, Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, Umm Suqeim, Dubai
When: Daily from 6:30pm to 11:30pm
Contact: www.jumeirah.com
YUBI
Chef Reif Othman puts handrolls front and centre at YUBI, the homegrown Japanese concept inside 25 Jump Street at One Central. Created with 7 Management, the restaurant combines counter dining, nostalgic R&B and hip-hop, and Japanese street-inspired energy with rolls assembled directly in front of diners. The Spicy Tuna Handroll brings heat from red yuzu kosho, while the signature YUBI Maki layers seared Wagyu over otoro and rice with a sweet chilli glaze. Kagoshima Wagyu Gyoza with ponzu butter is another standout, alongside richer additions such as the Otoro and Caviar Bowl, Wagyu Mazemen and Tori Ramen. Fun, focused and refreshingly informal, YUBI shows why handroll dining continues to thrive in Dubai.
Where: Yubi Handroll Bar, 25 Jump Street, One Central, Dubai
When: Daily from 12pm to midnight
Contact: https://yubihandrollbar.com
Zuma
More than a decade after arriving in Dubai, Zuma remains the benchmark against which many of the city’s contemporary Japanese restaurants are measured. The DIFC institution follows the izakaya philosophy of dishes arriving continuously for the table, with sushi, robata and larger plates designed for sharing. Loved by FACT’s Editor-in-Chief, this is an institution. Follow his lead and order the Chutoro Tarutaru Kyabia Zoe remains a FACT favourite, combining fatty tuna belly and Oscietra caviar with a buttery miso bun. Other signatures include Miso-marinated Black Cod, Spicy Beef Tenderloin and a strong selection of sashimi and maki. Cocktails at the bar are almost as integral to the experience as the food, while the weekend brunch continues to draw a crowd.
Where: Zuma Dubai, Gate Village, DIFC
When: Daily from 12pm to 2am
Contact: zumarestaurant.com