Dubai is a foodie heaven. There are outlets for every palate, budget and cuisine in this city and everyone knows that Dubai has become one of the best destinations for international cuisine not only in the Middle East but in the world. A total of 90 restaurants are included in the 2023 edition of the Michelin Guide Dubai, which includes the 14 Michelin Star restaurants. Here are a selection of some of our favourite Japanese restaurants around town, have a read and let us know if our reviews match your experience!
Okku
Okku Dubai bagged one of the most desirable awards at the 2017 Caterer Middle East Awards – the Restaurant Team of the Year. This place is one of our personal favourites. Their original branch was in H Hotel on Sheikh Zayed Road and the great thing was that for the most part, it was a hidden gem. Only the true Japanese food aficionados knew about it even thought it was in a great location. For whatever reason they closed their doors in 2018 – and we were sad, until we saw they opened an opulent new branch on the Marriot Resort Palm Jumeirah. Their chefs have a contemporary spin on traditional Japanese cusine with items such as their famous black cod that melts in your mouth to their tuna tataki, Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice, Seabass Ceviche, Wagyu Tartare Taco (excellent choice), divine wagyu steak and their huge selection of sushi and sashimi. All these are regular selections but we must say, this place has got the goods, it does push complex food to the next level. For example, when we ordered the mushroom rice, they sent it and quickly took it back. The chef wasn’t happy with it and told the wait staff to return it to the kitchen to prepare it again. Get ready for some amazing decor, the entrance is an instagrammers dream as are the Samurai armours dotted throughout the restaurant.
Price for 2: AED 1,000 / Call 04 666 1566 for reservations.
Jun’s
A brand new Japanese fusion restaurant in the middle of Downtown Dubai, this place reflects foods from India to Japan to the US. Chef Kelvin Cheung culinary style draws inspiration from his Chinese heritage, his Chicago upbringing and French training, coupled with the freshest local ingredients. With items such as lobster pani puri, tempura za’atar chaat, wagyu beef potsticker (eat the dumpling and then the soup in one go), wagyu steak tataki and the chili butter garlic jumbo prawns, each item has a story to tell (you can tell by the title of each dish). This restaurant has a great ambiance, is on the michelin guide and has a creative selection of cocktails that are as interesting as their food menu. Parking can be a bit of a hassle downtown but fear not, Jun’s has valet right outside, just make sure to validate your parking after your meal. It is a busy restaurant and during weekdays you can probably get in without reservations but if you plan to visit during the weekend, make sure to call ahead and make reservations.
Price for 2: 1,000 / Call 04 457 6035
3 Fils
A local winner, 3 fils started their journey in 2016, guided by a team with a difference and a shared vision to redefine dining in Dubai. Their mission: to serve premium Asian dishes with a Japanese twist, in a comfortable, community-style setting. It is impossible to get a table here so make sure to book in advance but once again, this Japanese restaurant does not disappoint. Notable items and must trys; The Wagyu Maki (make sure to ask for availability as they sell out of this), Wagyu Sando (the best steak sandwich in Dubai) and their tuna carpaccio (unreal). The food here is excellent and therefore is not cheap, expect to pay around AED 1,000 to 1,400 for 2 but rest assured, you will impress whoever you take here.
PS: Please make sure to make reservations before going.
Price for 2: 1,400 / Call +971 4333 4003
Sushi Samba
Another fusion restaurant (given Dubai is a melting pot of cultures and cuisines), explore a world of culinary creativity at Sushi Samba, where Japanese tempura, Brazilian churrasco, and Peruvian anticuchos converge. From brilliantly roasted meats on the fiery robata grill to vibrant sushi and small plate sharing, there’s something to delight every palate in this modern dining experience. If the Japanese Gyozas or Samba Seviche don’t tickle your fancy, the views out of this place are unreal, looking out on to the gorgeous Palm Jumeirah and the Arabian Gulf.
Price for 2: AED 1,400 / Call +971 4 278 4888
Nobu
If you are dining at Nobu for the first time, the chef recommends trying 3 or more of the menu’s “Eight Highlights.” The best way to enjoy this experience is to start with 2 or 3 cold dishes; then move on to 2 or 3 hot ones. Finally, end with some sushi and dessert. All these items are shared family style. Once again, their black cod miso is famous as is their Spicy Tuna crispy rice. Located on the Atlantis Palm and co-owned by the Chef Nobu Matsuhisa and the infamous Robert ‘you talkin’ to me’ De Niro.
Price for 2: AED 1,500 / Call 04 426 0760
Zuma
Last but not least, the mighty Zuma. The cornerstone of Dubai Japanese cuisine, a place where bond traders, investment bankers and hedge fund managers rub shoulders, Zuma is the place to be.
Located in DIFC, the centre of the Middle Easts financial world and steps away from the DIFC gate, this restaurant is famous for its food and its eclectic clientele. They have a sushi counter if you’d like to have a quiet meal of exquisitely prepared sashimi and sushi or if you’d prefer, you can grab a table and be part of the crowd. Be prepared for a lot of action as this place is normally buzzing after 9pm. As with most of the restaurants in this post, there is no set protocol on ordering from the menu; izakaya style means that dishes are designed to be shared at the table. Make sure to try their seared beef with soy, ginger, lime and coriander, miso marinated black cod wrapped in hoba leaf (could be the best black cod in town), japanese mushroom rice hotpot and of course the thinly sliced seabass with yuzu, truffle oil and salmon roe. This dish does rival Okku’s seabass ceviche but we leave it for you to be the judge.
Price for 2: 1,200 / Call 04 426 0760
Conclusion
Dubai is a great place for Japanese food. All the restaurants above do not cover some of the amazing ramen restaurants in Dubai which we’ll cover in a later post. Make sure to keep checking Viewit for the latest and greatest eatiers, activities and business news this great city has to offer!