Best Japanese Restaurant in Dubai

Dubai’s Japanese dining scene is vibrant and varied, from high-end omakase counters to lively sushi bars. The city offers authentic sushi, sashimi, robatayaki grills, and fusion menus prepared with top-quality ingredients. Tourists and foodies alike are “spoilt for choice” with options ranging from traditional omakase experiences to innovative modern concepts. Below are top-rated Japanese restaurants in Dubai, each with its specialty, standout dishes, and practical information.

1. Zuma – DIFC (Gate Village)

Zuma Dubai is an award-winning contemporary Japanese restaurant in DIFC. It’s famous for its high-quality sushi, sashimi, and charcoal-grilled dishes. The restaurant has a sophisticated, modern ambiance with a vibrant upstairs lounge for cocktails and live music. Popular dishes include fresh nigiri, maki rolls, and specialty items (e.g., toro tartare or spicy lamb), and it’s often cited as one of Dubai’s best Japanese spots.

• Cuisine: Contemporary Japanese (sushi, robata grill)

• Location: Podium Level, Gate Village, Building 3 – 06 Al Mustaqbal St – Trade Centre – DIFC – Dubai – United Arab Emirates

• Signature Dishes: Sushi/sashimi selection, robata-grilled meats (e.g. Wagyu beef, toro)

• Cost (2 people): ~AED 550 with drinks

• Ambiance: Upscale, modern; vibrant lounge upstairs (live music/cocktails)

• Hours: Lunch (Mon–Fri 12:00–15:30), Dinner (Wed–Wed 18:00–24:00; Thu–Sat 18:00–01:00)

• Unique: Frequently ranked among Dubai’s top fine-dining Japanese, bustling bar scene.

• Website: zumarestaurant.com/dubai • Instagram: @zumadubai

2. Nobu – Atlantis, The Palm

Located on the 22nd floor of Atlantis The Palm, Nobu Dubai offers world-famous Japanese-Peruvian cuisine. Its menu blends authentic Japanese dishes with South American influences. Michelin Guide reviewers praise Nobu’s signature Black Cod Miso and recommend its omakase menus. Expect a lively, upscale atmosphere with large sushi bar and elegant dining rooms.

• Cuisine: Japanese-Peruvian fusion; sushi, tempura, wagyu, plus inventive “Classic” and “Now” dishes

• Signature Dishes: Black Cod Miso, Yellowtail Jalapeño, Wagyu Tartare, unique omakase menus

• Cost (2 people): ~AED 460 without alcohol (higher for special tasting menus)

• Ambiance: Upscale, fine-dining with bar; vibrant nightlife feel, panoramic views from terrace.

• Hours: Dinner 18:00–23:00 (Sun–Wed), 18:00–23:30 (Thu–Sat); Weekend lunch 12:30–15:00

• Unique: Part of celebrity-chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s global brand; one Michelin star; adjacent to Nobu’s beachside lounge.

• Website: noburestaurants.com • Instagram: @noburestaurants

3. Sexy Fish – DIFC (Innovation One)

Sexy Fish Dubai is a Japanese-inspired pan-Asian concept in Innovation One, DIFC. It’s known for its creative sushi, sashimi and robatayaki grill, and award-winning cocktails. The decor is flamboyant (with bespoke artwork), and the venue doubles as a late-night bar with entertainment.

• Location: Level 11 – Innovation One – DIFC – Dubai – United Arab Emirates

• Cuisine: Japanese-inspired (sushi, sashimi, seafood, robata) with global flair

• Signature Dishes: Sushi rolls, fresh sashimi platters, grilled seafood/meats from the robata fire

• Ambiance: Trendy, energetic nightclub vibe; open late (7pm–2am nightly) with a DJ, artful décor and cocktail bar.

• Hours: Mon–Fri 12:00–15:30, 19:00–02:00; Sat 19:00–02:00; Sun 18:00–02:00

• Unique: Part of an international Sexy Fish group; noted for creative bar program; Michelin Guide 2025 selected entry.

• Website: sexyfishdubai.me • Instagram: @sexyfishdxb

4. Tomo – Raffles Dubai

Tomo is a traditional Japanese restaurant on the 17th floor of Raffles Dubai. It’s helmed by Chef Chitoshi Takahashi and prides itself on authenticity: ingredients are flown in twice a week from Japan. The menu includes sushi, sashimi, tempura, grilled fish and wagyu. Reviewers note the “wonderful selection of authentic Japanese dishes”and a scenic skyline view from the terrace.

• Cuisine: Authentic Japanese (sushi, sashimi, tempura, soups, teishoku set menus)

• Signature Dishes: Omakase sushi sets, fresh sashimi platters, Wagyu beef dishes (Gyu-katsu, Tataki)

• Cost (2 people): ~AED 1,000 (without alcohol)

• Ambiance: Elegant, minimalist Japanese decor; late-night rooftop lounge (Rooftop by Tomo) with “wonderful city view”.

• Hours: Lunch daily 12:30–15:00, Dinner daily 18:30–24:00 (Last order 23:00)

• Unique: One Michelin star (Dubai 2019); one of the city’s landmark Japanese dining rooms; intimate tatami seating available.

• Website: tomo.ae • Instagram: @tomodubai 

5. TakaHisa – Banyan Tree (Bluewaters Island)

TakaHisa is an exclusive sushi-and-wagyu restaurant at Banyan Tree Dubai. It has won multiple awards (Michelin Guide 2023 “Best Japanese Restaurant in Dubai”). The menu focuses on premium ingredients – particularly Japanese A5 Wagyu beef and fresh sushi. The setting is luxurious with a piano lounge and an outdoor terrace overlooking the sea.

• Cuisine: Classic and innovative Japanese – sushi, sashimi, and premium Wagyu beef (served cooked or raw)

• Signature Dishes: Omakase sushi counters; A5 Kobe/Sanuki wagyu (tataki, carpaccio, shabu-shabu)

• Cost (2 people): ~AED 1,200 (with alcohol)

• Ambiance: Upscale, intimate; chic bar area with live piano; indoor–outdoor layout with seafront view.

• Hours: Daily 12:00PM–02:00AM (continual lunch & dinner service)

• Unique: Michelin-recommended and Gault&Millau-awarded; one of few Dubai spots with top-grade Wagyu; “premium, authentic sushi” experience.

• Website: banyantree.com • Instagram: takahisa_dubai

6. ROKA – Business Bay (The Opus by Omniyat)

ROKA Dubai, by celebrity chef Rainer Becker, serves modern robatayaki Japanese cuisine in a striking Zaha Hadid–designed space overlooking the skyline. The menu features a wide range of skewered meats, grilled seafood, sushi and small plates – all with contemporary flair. Its open kitchen and heated terrace let diners enjoy panoramic views of Burj Khalifa and Downtown.

• Location: The Opus by Omniyat Level 1 – Business Bay – Dubai – United Arab Emirates

• Cuisine: Contemporary Japanese robata (charcoal grill) – sushi, sashimi, grilled dishes

• Signature Dishes: Charcoal-grilled robata skewers (beef, chicken, prawns), sashimi platters, specialty maki rolls

• Cost (2 people): ~AED 450 (without alcohol)

• Ambiance: Sleek, industrial-chic interior; large heated terrace with Downtown skyline views.

• Hours: Lunch Mon–Fri 12:00–15:30; Dinner Mon–Thu 18:00–23:30 (Fri–Sat 18:00–00:30, Sun 18:00–23:30)

• Unique: Famous international brand (sister to London ROKA); located in The Opus, an architectural icon; frequent DJ sets and bar scene.

• Website: rokarestaurant.com • Instagram: @rokadubaiofficial

7. 99 Sushi Bar – The Address Downtown

99 Sushi Bar is a high-end Spanish-Japanese sushi restaurant in The Address Downtown Dubai. Hailing from Madrid, it’s known for precise sushi and fusion small plates with an artistic touch. The sleek lounge offers views of the Burj Khalifa, making it a popular spot for celebrations. Standout menu items include the “99 Black Cod”, golden Wagyu beef sandwich and inventive nigiri.

• Cuisine: Modern Japanese (sushi, sashimi, tempura) with Spanish flair

• Signature Dishes: “99 Black Cod” miso-glazed cod, Katsu Sando (braised pork), Wagyu beef sandwich with gold leaf

• Cost (2 people): AED 1,299 per couple for their standard tasting menu (various menus up to AED 5,599 with champagne)

• Ambiance: Upscale lounge; dim-lit interior with plush seating; scenic Burj Khalifa views.

• Hours: Daily 12:00–24:00 (lounge until 02:00)

• Unique: Multiple international awards; omakase counter available; extensive wine and sake list.

• Website: 99sushibar.com • Instagram: 99sushibaruae

Each of these Japanese restaurants offers a unique dining experience – from upscale omakase counters to relaxed harborside izakayas – making them top picks for sushi lovers and foodies in Dubai