Whether it's sushi, ramen, or katsu curry, Japanese food has a unique ability to comfort like a warm hug and satisfy the soul. From bold flavours to diverse sides and toppings, Japanese cuisine offers something for every palate. If you're a fan of Japanese food, Connector suggests trying these Japanese restaurants in Dubai. With their inviting atmosphere and mouthwatering dishes, these spots promise to whisk you away to the streets of Tokyo.
IchiRyu Ramen House
Situated in Jumeirah 1, IchiRyu Ramen House serves authentic Japanese cuisine, with ramen as its hero dish. The restaurant offers a blend of Japanese arts and architecture, catering to anime and pop culture enthusiasts. It is renowned for its four flagship ramen dishes, aka, shiro, kuro, and midori, along with newer additions like yasai, ryu miso, and kare. In addition to ramen, the menu features small bites, rice toppings, maki rolls, salads, desserts, and more.
www.ichiryuramenhouse.com
Mizu Restaurant
Mizu Restaurant, situated on the ground floor of Clarens Tower in Downtown Dubai, serves contemporary Japanese cuisine. From hearty teppanyaki to curries, it offers a diverse menu featuring Japanese staples like miso soup and tender sushi. At Mizu, relish authentic Japanese dishes with appetisers like edamame and gyoza, followed by soups. Indulge in mains like maki rolls, Mizu sushi boat, rice burgers, and Mizu black cod. With an average price of Dhs 185 for two, Mizu caters to vegetarians and non-vegetarians.
www.mizu-uae.com
Sumosan
Nestled in Downtown Dubai, Sumosan at the Dubai Edition offers a meticulously crafted menu and contemporary Japanese-inspired architecture. Signature dishes like surprise lobster salad, 24-hour miso-marinated black cod, and Sumosan Dubai roll are highlights, while innovative desserts like matcha brownie and miso cheesecake add a delightful touch. With an average price for the two at Dhs 580, expect regular gastronomic innovations at this beloved Japanese fine dining spot.
www.sumosan.com
Clap
Opened in 2020, Clap in DIFC Gate Village 11 has been a buzzworthy spot for Japanese cuisine. The restaurant boasts a fun vibe with walls adorned with books and a chandelier crafted from 2,100 toys. The lively atmosphere includes an open kitchen and a terrace offering dazzling DIFC views. Known for its Omakase menu and stone bowls, Clap offers a diverse range of dishes, including vegan options and grilled delights from the Josper charcoal oven. With over 140 sushi options, it's a haven for sushi lovers. From its fine-dining ambience to immersive culinary experiences, Clap caters to all tastes. Expect to spend around Dhs 600 for two at this MICHELIN guide restaurant, which offers a variety of dining options.
www.claprestaurant.com/dubai
Zuma
Located in DIFC's Gate Village 6, Zuma is a favourite among fans of Japanese cuisine. Renowned as one of the World's 50 Best Restaurants, it serves modern Japanese dishes that stay true to tradition while also offering unique twists. At Zuma, signature dishes like miso-marinated black cod and assorted sushi comfort the soul, while dishes such as wild mushroom rice hotpot and smoked chilli soy beef skewers allow you to experiment with flavours. The average cost for two at this restaurant is Dhs 550.
04-4255660
Karma Kafé
Located in Souk Al Bahar, Karma Kafé provides a stunning dining experience with views of the Dubai Fountains and Burj Khalifa. Enjoy a diverse Japanese menu featuring classic sushi options like sashimi, nigiri, and rolls, as well as dishes like edamame and hamachi tiradito. Sushi prices start from Dhs 45 and the average cost for two is Dhs 480 at Karma Kafé.
04-423 8306
Soon Izakaya
Head to Soon Izakaya, nestled in Armada Tower 2 in JLT to enjoy authentic Japanese cuisine with modern elements. Honouring Tokyo's authentic izakaya spirit while infusing modern elements like mixology and music, Soon Izakaya offers a unique dining experience. Inspired by Japanese anime and 1980s culture, it aims to redefine dining for local aficionados. The restaurant features classic Japanese dishes like chirashi rice, and chicken gyoza, along with classics like saikyo miso black cod and shirataki noodles. With an average price of Dhs 200 for two, Soon Izakaya promises an unforgettable culinary journey for all.
www.soondxb.com
Kinoya
Located in Onyx Tower 2 on Sheikh Zayed Road, Kinoya is known for two things: izakaya and ramen experiences. Izakaya is more like an informal Japanese dining experience where people gather after work to enjoy snacks and beverages. Whereas, ramen at Kinoya is carefully crafted with authentic ingredients for a true taste of Japan. In terms of the menu, it features a variety of Japanese favourites like donabe, onsen tamago, and omurice, promising a memorable culinary journey. As a MICHELIN guide restaurant, Kinoya aims to redefine Japanese cuisine in Dubai. Expect to spend around Dhs 300 for two at this culinary hotspot.
www.kinoya.com
Roka
Nestled within The Opus by Omniyat in Business Bay, Roka offers an immersive culinary journey with its inventive Japanese cuisine and striking modern industrial design. With branches in London's Mayfair and Aldwych, Roka Dubai marks its first international venture, featuring grilled delicacies prepared on the robata grill. With an average price of Dhs 350 for two, indulge in signature dishes like black cod marinated in yuzu miso yellowtail sashimi, panko red prawns with wasabi mayonnaise and more.
04-4397171
Reif Japanese Kushiyaki
Reif Japanese Kushiyaki, nestled in Jumeirah's Dar Wasl Mall, boasts a MICHELIN Bib Gourmand, offering a delightful fusion of Japanese flavours with Chef Reif Othman's Singaporean heritage. The menu features an array of well-priced snacks, sushi, and ramen, with highlights like sanchoku wagyu 'sandos' and matcha fondue for dessert. The chef's table, called 'The Experience', offers a curated surprise menu. With wood-accented interiors, a weekend breakfast menu and an average price of Dhs 220 for two, it's a must-visit for Japanese cuisine lovers.
www.reifkushiyaki.com
Mimi Kakushi
Experience a journey back to 1920s Osaka at Mimi Kakushi, nestled in the Restaurant Village at Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach. This unique eatery blends traditional Japanese cuisine with modern flair, offering hot and cold sharing plates of sashimi, sushi, tempura, and gyoza. Indulge in larger dishes like oven-baked black cod and Kagoshima wagyu beef, accompanied by an extensive drinks menu and eclectic desserts. With a cosy ambience featuring wood accents and vintage paintings, Mimi Kakushi promises a dining experience like no other. The average cost for two here is Dhs 400.
www.mimikakushi.ae
Akiba Dori
With locations across Dubai including Dubai Hills Mall, Dubai Design District, and The Walk, JBR, Akiba Dori stands out as an anime-inspired eatery offering Tokyo-style Neapolitan pizza. Beyond this speciality, the menu features traditional delights like yaki udon noodles and chicken katsu curry with innovative dishes like wagyu tacos and sushi rolls. Its trendy setting and street food-style menu evoke the vibrant izakayas of Japan. And the average cost for the two here is Dhs 280.
www.akibadori.com
Nobu
Nobu by Chef Nobu Matsuhisa blends Japanese creativity with Arabian influences. Situated in Atlantis, The Palm, Nobu offers Asian fine dining on level 22. Choose from various seating options, including a sushi bar and private dining rooms. Indulge in classic Japanese dishes like fresh seafood, sushi, and wagyu beef. The MICHELIN Guide 2023 recognised Nobu offers stunning views of the Palm and Dubai Marina skyline with some of its must-try dishes like black cod miso and wagyu beef tacos.
04-4260760
Netsu By Chef Ross Shonhan
Netsu By Chef Ross Shonhan, a MICHELIN restaurant at the Mandarin Oriental Jumeirah, offers a captivating culinary experience with its theatrical open kitchen showcasing the traditional Japanese straw fire cooking technique. From tuna tataki to wagyu steak, the menu boasts diverse delights cooked over the warayaki grill. Whether indoors or on the stunning terrace, guests can enjoy delectable sushi, signature maki rolls, and decadent dishes like wagyu nigiri sushi. The average cost for two is Dhs 540.
04-7772232
SushiSamba
Perched on the 51st floor of the Palm Tower at Palm Jumeirah, SushiSamba introduces the fusion of Japanese cuisine amidst breathtaking city views. Influenced by Japanese travels to Brazil and Peru, signature dishes like crispy Hokkaido scallops and Japanese wagyu beef gyoza steal the show at SushiSamba. The restaurant offers a unique blend of Japanese tradition amid vibrant aesthetics. The average cost for the two is Dhs 430.
04-2784888
Goldfish Sushi & Yakitori
Goldfish Sushi & Yakitori, located at the Galleria Mall on Al Wasl Road, Jumeirah, offers delicious Japanese dishes in a modern setting. From sushi to yakitori and wagyu steak, the menu caters to various tastes. This MICHELIN Bib Gourmand restaurant has a menu that showcases a diverse range of Japanese cuisine. With ingredients sourced from Japan, dishes like yellowtail ceviche and wagyu yakitori skewers boast authentic flavours. The average cost for two is Dhs 240.
www.goldfishsushiyakitori.com