October 20, 2024
Dubai is the hub of multiculturalism, expats from all around the world move to Dubai for better business opportunities and safer living standards. Dubai caters to the needs of all, providing a variety of options in cuisines and residences. Japanese restaurants might be a problem in some other parts of the World but the city of Dubai has provided variety of options to fulfil the taste buds for those carving for original sushi. Imagine discovering bits of Japan around every corner as expats meander through the bright and colourful streets of Dubai. There are many locations where the sake flows like water, the sushi is as fresh as the morning catch, and the ramen is steaming hot. Tucked away in Dubai's bustling corners, these are little bits of Japan, not just restaurants.
This blog sought out the locations that truly capture the essence of Tokyo, from chic, hidden izakayas to opulent, high-end sushi bars. This roundup is the ideal solution for people craving a big bowl of udon or the ideal plate of melt-in-your-mouth sashimi. Thus, take a close look at the top 10 Japanese restaurants Dubai has to offer in 2024.
Nobu Dubai
Nobu Dubai, tucked away inside the recognisable Palm Jumeirah, serves inventive Japanese food with a Peruvian flair. The restaurant is well-known for its breathtaking views of the Palm and Dubai Marina skyline, as well as for its chef Damien Duviau's creations of sushi, black cod miso, and premium wagyu beef tacos with a Japanese twist. Apart from its standard menu, Nobu Dubai is a well-liked location for weekend brunch, serving an extensive assortment of sushi along with other specialities like crispy shiitake salad and mini salmon tacos.
Mimi Kakushi
Among its illustrious neighbours are Scalini and COYA, making this sushi restaurant at Dubai's upscale Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach cooler than cool. Mimi Kakushi, which draws inspiration from 1920s Osaka, features stylish and high-quality furnishings. For the second year running, Mimi Kakushi is still the best Japanese restaurant in Dubai thanks to its delicious sushi, robata, claypots, and grills (the black cod is especially good). Those who want to try every signature dish, Mimi Kakushi also serves a fantastic brunch. Visitors also stop by the restaurant bar for a pre- or post-dinner drink with a Japanese flair.
99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant
99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant, which is tucked away in the shadow of the Burj Khalifa, is a great spot to visit if visitors are in Downtown Dubai or are simply hungry after perusing Dubai Mall. Madrid native with two locations in the United Arab Emirates, the Dubai location is well-liked for its fantastically affordable business lunch. This is one of the best Japanese restaurants in Dubai because of the excellent food. The sushi is beautifully presented, incase of sharing platter, the Instagram feed and tummy will be happy.
Akabeko
The term "akabeko" (red cow) in Japanese describes a mythical animal from the Aizu region. The cow now serves as the basis for Akabeko's brand logo, which is displayed throughout the dining area of the recently opened Palm West Beach restaurant. Akabeko is the first Japanese A5 Wagyu-focused “Yakiniku” experience in the city, serving food from nose to tail. This method guarantees that all of the animal's edible parts—including all of the "left behinds" and "secondary’s"—are prepared and eaten. The Supreme Wag-Yukke, a fiery tartare with scallops, uni, and ikura on top, and the Akabeko Donburi, which consists of prime Wagyu steak, uni, and caviar with truffle garnish, are two of Akabeko's signature dishes. Finishing the meal, Akabeko's signature truffle ice cream is most recommended.
Clap
There are many excuses to check out this hip Japanese restaurant in DIFC, whether it's for dinner, a business lunch or brunch at the not-so-secret bar Ongaku. On-trend music and amazing views from the terrace combine with a quirky décor that includes chandeliers made of toys and other objects. Snacking on sushi, gyoza, grills, and other delicacies (don't miss the oven-roasted king crab leg), this restaurant is not only incredibly stylish but also exceptionally well-stocked with vegan options. All listed needs are met at one of Dubai's top Japanese eateries.
Daikan Izakaya
The Japanese Daikan brand has expanded from Abu Dhabi with the opening of Daikan Izakaya in City Walk. Daikan Izakaya’s menu aims to offer an authentic Japanese experience. The menu offers an array of creative Japanese specialities, ranging from fresh sushi and juicy grills to crispy gyoza, bao buns, salads, and sharing-style plates. Popular dishes include American-style Wagyu Teppanyaki Philly cheese steaks with caramelised onions and shishito, crispy tuna bites and Japanese Wagyu Daikan smash burgers. Daikan Izakaya takes pride in its in-house kansui alkaline noodle production and locally sourced ingredients, ensuring the highest quality and freshness in every bowl.
Gohan
The restaurant, which was designed by the same team that brought us La Cantine du Faubourg, offers a cosy dining experience, which is why the royal family loves it. The name, which translates to "meal of any sort" and denotes any cooked rice dish, signifies humility. The menu features dishes like Crispy Chilean Sea Bass, Wagyu Scotch Egg, and Beef Sando, all of which are authentically Japanese. There are also desserts, like Matcha Sponge Cake and Marinated Citrus.
Kinoya
One of the most charming restaurant stories in Dubai can be found at Kinoya. Neha Mishra launched the idea as an A Story of Food supper club, which she operated for almost three years out of her house. More than 7,000 satisfied customers were served by Neha, who rose to fame with her special ramen. In 2021, Kinoya opened its first restaurant in Dubai's Onyx Tower. Due to its popularity, reservations were difficult to come by. A treat for fortunate diners who have been able to enjoy the ramen, only they will understand the excitement among foodies. Since then, the idea has spread to London's Harrods.
Kohantei
Kohantei elevates the experience to a traditional level and is influenced by Omotenashi hospitality. The restaurant is located in the centre of Dubai known as Downtown. Tatami flooring, sliding shoji doors, and Japanese artwork abound in the décor. There are three private dining rooms adding in style. Choose from multiple-course set menus; Sakura, for example, offers six courses (soup, sashimi, and steak) for AED 430. In addition, dessert, Wagyu, and seafood are served on the main menu.
Okku
A 20-meter sushi bar and robata grill that serves as the centrepiece of the new Okku at Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah showcases the brand's culinary expertise. A more laid-back vibe can be found at the Okku Lounge, which has opulent seating and a glamorous bar. Anticipate both traditional Japanese fare and innovative, daring dishes. Indulge in a variety of traditional "O" style dishes that have become a mainstay of the restaurant's menu, and broaden their palates by trying new flavours. Every dish is prepared with care and precision, from the crispy, spicy tuna on crispy rice to the succulent Wagyu Beef and Foie-Gras Kushiyaki.
The list doesn’t end here, every neighbourhood and mall has something defined for Japanese food lovers. There are many other famous names that are well liked such as Reif Japanese Kushiyaki, TakaHisa Japanese Restaurant, Moonrise, Daikan and many others. However, the most popular are mentioned in the list to satisfy instant Japanese food craving.
