Japanese cuisine offers an array of delectable dishes; however, one dish that always tops the list and is a treat for our taste buds is sushi. Made with vinegared rice and ingredients such as seafood, vegetables, and occasionally tropical fruits, this dish originated in Asia. In fact, in the 8th century Japan, sushi served as a unique form of currency for the people. Offering burst of subtle flavours, Connector recommends these 10-places in Dubai to relish these shrimply adorable rolls.
CLAP Dubai
CLAP Dubai, a sophisticated Japanese restaurant on Level 9, Gate Village 11, DIFC, offers a refined dining experience. With captivating city views from the open-air terrace and a skilled chef display in the open kitchen, you can indulge in a gastronomic journey with burst of Japanese flavours. The menu boasts exquisite sushi rolls like corn shrimp tempura, spicy tuna maki, lobster tempura, smoked salmon belly, among other options.. Expect an average price of approximately Dhs 600 for two.
04-5693820
Karma Kafé
Nestled at the base of the iconic Burj Khalifa and adjacent to the Dubai Fountains, Karma Kafé offers a culinary experience featuring delightful Pan-Asian flavours and top-notch mixology. Kickstart your meal at Karma Kafé with edamame, followed by a sushi feast with options like salmon-sake nigiri, spicy tuna maki, truffle bluefin tuna maki, sea bass sashimi, and more. For a lavish treat, indulge in the Karma Kafé mixed platter priced at Dhs 545, offering around 38 mixed pieces of sashimi, nigiri, and maki. The average cost for two is Dhs 480.
www.karma-kafe.com
3 Fils
Situated at the waterfront of Jumeirah Fishing Harbour in Jumeirah 2, 3Fils, the top spot on MENA's 50 Best Restaurants list, presents a modern Asian cuisine experience with a sumptuous selection of sushi. Infused with inspiration from Tokyo and the Far East, each dish offers a unique touch of the culinary team. Relish some offerings like salmon handroll, crispy eel, shroom tempura, otoro nigiri, and asparagus tempura, promising a delightful burst of flavours. The approximate cost for two is Dhs 200.
www.3fils.com
Zuma
In the realm of Japanese cuisine in Dubai, Zuma consistently claims the top spot. Enticing taste buds for over a decade, Zuma promises high-quality fare served in a vibrant setting. Opt for a seat near the sushi counter for a view of the skilled chefs at work. Located in Gate Village 06, DIFC, Zuma's menu is both comprehensive and alluring. Sushi lovers should try offerings like Zuma nigiri, chu toro sashimi, unagi nigiri, hirame sashimi, mixed sashimi chef’s selection, among others. The average cost is around Dhs 550 for two.
www.zumarestaurant.com
SushiSamba
Perched on the 51st floor of the St Regis hotel, SushiSamba presents breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views encompassing the iconic Palm Jumeirah, the Arabian Gulf, Ain Dubai, and the Dubai skyline. Combining Japanese tempura, sushi, Brazilian churrasco, moqueca, and Peruvian anticuchos, the menu caters to diverse palates. Sushi enthusiasts can relish options like akami sashimi, kanpachi nigiri, double toro sushi, and A5 Japanese wagyu beef sushi. The average cost for two is approximately Dhs 430.
www.sushisamba.com
Yugo Sushi
Originating as a local hotspot in The Greens, Yugo Sushi has expanded to various locations, including Jumeirah Lakes Towers and Jebel Ali Village. Catering to sushi lovers, the menu features a diverse array of cooked and vegetarian sushi options. Recommended selections include the alaska roll, salmon kick roll, spicy salmon uramaki, and rainbow roll. The average cost for two hovers around Dhs 190.
04-2360223
Social House
Situated in Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai, Social House offers a diverse menu featuring oysters, pizzas, and more. Notably, their sushi offerings are both budget-friendly and delectable. Indulge in the salmon nigiri and a selection of 12 mixed sushi rolls encompassing favourites like the California roll, Philadelphia roll, and spicy tuna roll. The array of flavours and sushi choices ensures a delightful dining experience. The approximate cost for two is Dhs 275.
04-3398640
Asia Asia
Asia Asia, located across Dubai in Business Bay, Dubai Marina, and Palm Jumeirah, offers a vibrant selection of sushi and Pan-Asian delights. Drawing inspiration from the ancient Spice Route, Asia Asia's sushi options include yellow tail nigiri, a mixed platter with 38 sushi pieces, duck and dragon maki roll, and vegetable maki roll, among other delectable options. The average cost for two is Dhs 450.
www.asia-asia.com
Reif Japanese Kushiyaki
Explore uniquely unconventional Japanese cuisine, Reif Japanese Kushiyaki, a MICHELIN Bib Gourmand restaurant. With locations in Dar Wasl, Dubai Hills, and Time Out Market, Reif Japanese Kushiyaki offers a fresh and affordable twist on kushiyaki, the traditional Japanese skewered meats. Not just a restaurant, it's an experience. Indulge in soft shell crab maki rolls, hamachi sashimi, spicy salmon maki roll, and akami nigiri. The average cost for two is Dhs 220.
www.reifkushiyaki.com
Kanpai
Nestled in Souk Al Bahar, Kanpai is a Japanese restaurant in Souk Al Bahar, just steps away from Dubai Mall, Dubai Fountain, and Burj Khalifa. Kanpai promises a culinary adventure of traditional Japanese dishes in a contemporary yet inviting atmosphere. The menu features various sushi options, including must-tries like prawn tempura maki, lava maki, and spicy maguro sake maki. Sushi enthusiasts can indulge in unlimited sushi every Sunday and Monday, enjoying a 2-hour feast from 1pm to 11pm for Dhs 299 per person.
www.kanpaime.com