Dubai’s Top Japanese Restaurants

One of the premier Japanese fine dining experiences in Dubai, this restaurant offers impeccable service and top-quality cuisine. It is a branch of a renowned international chain, which began its journey in 2002 with the opening of a restaurant in London’s Knightsbridge. At that time, the izakaya concept, featuring contemporary Japanese food and an informal approach to Asian cuisine, was entirely new for European audiences and it marked the beginning of 20+ years of tremendous success. Many restaurant brands attempt to emulate Zuma’s model, but not all can achieve the same outstanding results. This venue is ideal for any occasion. Be sure to try the Wagyu beef tataki with truffle ponzu and the miso-marinated black cod wrapped in hoba leaves.

This restaurant offers a unique combination of a classic ramen shop with a wide variety of options and an izakaya featuring alcohol and traditional Japanese cuisine, ranging from sushi to yakitori. The ramen shop provides eight different kinds of ramen, including tantamen and a vegetarian option with various Asian mushrooms. It is one of Dubai’s most popular local ventures managed by the Queen of Ramen, Emirati native Neha Mishra, who has won multiple culinary awards and is a local food celebrity. We recommend making an advance table reservation.

A casual dining establishment with traditional cuisine and authentic interiors, featuring light wood, noren curtains, and calligraphy boards. The à la carte menu offers a selection of classic Japanese dishes, including a variety of vegetable, beef, and seafood yakitori cooked on the Robata grill, as well as sushi and yōshoku dishes, which are Japanese versions of European dishes like potato salad or deep-fried items. The dessert menu includes Hokkaido milk ice cream and Purin caramel custard.

An izakaya featuring a music salon and a speakeasy bar, Honeycomb is one of the most unique establishments offering contemporary Japanese cuisine. Visit not only for the excellent food but also for the vibrant and trendy nightclub atmosphere perfect for unwinding at the end of the week. The menu, though small, offers intriguing highlights such as meat and fish dishes prepared on binchotan charcoal, accompanied by a fine selection of wine, sake, signature cocktails, and Japanese beer. Entrance is through the secret door in the vinyl record store on the second floor of the Pullman Hotel.

Food as art: This is the Emirates’ most important omakase bar under the leadership of hereditary sushi chef Masahiro Sugiyama. Sugiyama personally selects the finest fish and seafood, delivered to Hōseki directly from Japan, for each lunch and dinner. He adjusts the content of tasting sets according to the guests’ personal preferences. The menus vary by the number of courses and the presence of premium options, and they include several starters, desserts, and an exclusive set of signature sushi. Table reservations are essential.

A specialty coffee house and restaurant serving Japanese and European cuisine, Otaku one of the nicest casual establishments in the Design District. The menu features the famous Japanese soufflé pancakes and traditional Japanese curry with chicken, tempura prawns, or salmon, which easily coexist with classic Italian pasta and burgers. For breakfast, try the excellent egg sando and the signature scrambled eggs with truffles. This is definitely the best lunch spot if you find yourself in the neighborhood.

A veteran of the Dubai culinary scene, this restaurant offers contemporary Japanese cuisine, a welcoming atmosphere, and a creative menu. It’s located in the fisherman’s harbor and is affiliated with one of the city’s most exciting pastry shops. The kitchen of the nearby Brix café is the birthplace of Dubai’s famous lemon and basil tart, which is also a bestseller on 3 Fils’ dessert menu. Other legendary dishes include the truffle carpaccio from Wagyu A5 beef, braised lamb ribs, and signature hand rolls. If you plan to visit for dinner, it’s best to reserve a table.

This might well be the most stylish restaurant on the list, featuring glistening art deco interiors, a bohemian atmosphere, and elegant plating. Located at the Four Seasons Resort, it is popular among celebrity guests. The extensive menu offers a variety of options, ranging from classic and traditional Japanese dishes to contemporary fusion cuisine. There is a separate omakase bar for six guests that provides exclusive dinners personally hosted by chef Go Nagano and the restaurant’s chief bartender Manja Stankovic. The omakase dinners are held from Monday to Wednesday and advance reservations are required.