Japanese restaurants in Dubai have established themselves as some of the city’s most recognisable dining experiences, blending culinary precision with design-led spaces. The rise of these establishments reflects Dubai’s appetite for international gastronomy, bringing together concepts from Tokyo, London and New York alongside regional innovation.
Presented here in curated sequence, the following restaurants range from intimate omakase counters to multi-level venues. Each one showcases how Japanese dining has evolved in the city, shaped by both global chefs and local demand for refined, creative cooking.
Zuma
Zuma has become synonymous with contemporary Japanese dining worldwide, and its Dubai outpost in DIFC is no exception. The izakaya-style approach encourages sharing, with a menu that balances sushi and sashimi alongside dishes from the robata grill. The sleek interiors and consistent energy make it a cornerstone of Dubai’s culinary scene, frequented by both residents and international visitors.
The robata grill remains the heart of Zuma’s offering, producing smoky, flavourful meats, seafood, and vegetables. Paired with its extensive sake list and sushi crafted with precision, the restaurant maintains its reputation for both quality and atmosphere. Zuma’s ability to combine casual social dining with refined execution ensures it continues to rank among Dubai’s most enduring Japanese addresses.
Quick Summary:
- 📍 Location: DIFC, Dubai
- 🍣 Cuisine: Contemporary Japanese, izakaya style
- 🔥 Feature: Robata grill at the centre of the menu
zumarestaurant.com, @zumadubai
Nobu
Nobu at Atlantis, The Palm brings the globally recognised Japanese–Peruvian fusion of chef Nobu Matsuhisa to Dubai. The menu features classics like black cod miso and yellowtail jalapeño, which remain staples alongside evolving seasonal specials. Its elegant interiors and attentive service create a dining room that reflects the international pedigree of the brand.
While Nobu is rooted in Japanese culinary traditions, its Peruvian influence sets it apart from other fine-dining options in the city. Signature sushi and ceviche are paired with imaginative cocktails, making it a choice for both intimate dinners and celebratory gatherings. As one of Dubai’s most iconic restaurants, Nobu continues to attract diners seeking a blend of innovation and familiarity.
Quick Summary:
- 📍 Location: Atlantis, The Palm
- 🍣 Cuisine: Japanese–Peruvian fusion
- ✨ Feature: Signature black cod miso and yellowtail jalapeño
Sushisamba
Sushisamba occupies a striking space on the 51st floor of The Palm Tower, offering panoramic views of Palm Jumeirah and the Dubai skyline. Its menu blends Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian influences, producing dishes such as samba rolls, ceviche, and robata-grilled skewers. The setting, with floor-to-ceiling windows, transforms dining into a visually dramatic experience.
The restaurant’s eclectic style extends beyond the food, with vibrant interiors and a lively atmosphere that shifts seamlessly from day to night. Sushisamba’s fusion approach appeals to diners looking for variety, while still maintaining a strong focus on Japanese flavours. Combined with its impressive location, it remains one of the city’s most dynamic dining spots.
Quick Summary:
- 📍 Location: The Palm Tower
- 🍣 Cuisine: Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian
- 🌆 Feature: 51st-floor views of Palm Jumeirah and skyline
Netsu
Netsu at Mandarin Oriental Jumeira is defined by its theatrical warayaki technique, a traditional Japanese method of straw fire grilling. The flames create a smoky, intense flavour that pairs especially well with wagyu beef, one of the highlights of the menu. Sushi and small plates complement the grill, ensuring variety for both casual and special occasions.
The restaurant’s design mirrors its culinary drama, with an open kitchen where diners can see the straw fire in action. Netsu’s approach bridges traditional Japanese methods with Dubai’s appetite for spectacle, creating a space that is as visually striking as it is gastronomically compelling. Its reputation for precision and bold flavour combinations ensures it stands out in a crowded dining scene.
Quick Summary:
- 📍 Location: Mandarin Oriental Jumeira
- 🥩 Cuisine: Japanese with warayaki straw fire grilling
- 🔥 Feature: Signature wagyu beef cooked over open flames
mandarinoriental.com @netsudubai
Roka
Roka, the sibling of Zuma, offers a slightly more relaxed but no less refined take on Japanese dining. The robata grill anchors the menu, with seafood, meat, and vegetable dishes cooked over open flame to produce bold flavours. Its Business Bay setting combines urban design with a lively energy, appealing to both business lunches and evening gatherings.
What distinguishes Roka is its ability to balance approachability with detail. The sushi counter serves carefully prepared rolls and sashimi, while inventive small plates introduce contemporary interpretations of Japanese favourites. The restaurant’s design and upbeat soundtrack contribute to an atmosphere that feels vibrant yet considered, making it a strong choice for those seeking high-quality Japanese food without the formality of fine dining.
Quick Summary:
- 📍 Location: Business Bay
- 🍣 Cuisine: Contemporary Japanese with robata focus
- 🔥 Feature: Signature grill dishes and social energy
rokarestaurant.com, @rokadubaiofficial
Clap
Clap began in Beirut and quickly found its place in Dubai’s DIFC district, where it has become one of the most popular evening venues. The menu covers a wide scope of Japanese dishes, from delicate sashimi platters to charcoal-grilled meats. Its expansive rooftop terrace offers a unique vantage point over the city, making it as much a destination for atmosphere as for food.
Inside, Clap’s interiors balance contemporary design with warmth, creating a setting that works for both casual and celebratory occasions. Signature dishes emphasise flavour and presentation, while the drinks programme complements the dining experience. As one of DIFC’s busiest spots, Clap continues to draw in a mix of professionals, travellers, and locals seeking a lively take on Japanese dining.
Quick Summary:
- 📍 Location: DIFC, Dubai
- 🍣 Cuisine: Modern Japanese
- 🌆 Feature: Rooftop terrace with lively evening atmosphere
Hoseki
Hoseki is among Dubai’s most exclusive dining experiences, seating only nine guests at a time. The omakase format allows the chef to design a menu daily, based on the freshest seasonal ingredients flown in from Japan. This makes each meal unique, as no two evenings offer the same selection.
The intimacy of the space, combined with its location within Bulgari Resort Dubai, creates a rarefied atmosphere. The chef’s counter encourages interaction and offers insight into the preparation of each dish. Hoseki’s focus on precision, tradition, and ingredient quality has established it as a benchmark for omakase dining in the region, sought after by enthusiasts of authentic Japanese cuisine.
Quick Summary:
- 📍 Location: Bulgari Resort Dubai
- 🍣 Cuisine: Omakase-style Japanese
- ✨ Feature: Nine-seat exclusive chef’s counter
bulgarihotels.com, @bulgarihotels
Sexy Fish
Sexy Fish brings a dose of theatre to DIFC with interiors that are bold and playful, complementing a menu that draws on Japanese influences. Sushi, sashimi, and robata-grilled meats form the backbone of the offering, while creative cocktails contribute to its late-night identity. The venue doubles as a dining room and a nightlife hotspot, attracting a stylish crowd.
The aesthetic is as central to Sexy Fish as the food, with statement design features and an energy that grows as the evening progresses. Its London heritage is evident in its combination of culinary ambition and social appeal. For diners looking for a place where food and atmosphere carry equal weight, Sexy Fish occupies a distinctive niche in Dubai.
Quick Summary:
- 📍 Location: DIFC, Dubai
- 🍣 Cuisine: Japanese-inspired seafood and grills
- 🌆 Feature: Late-night atmosphere and statement interiors
sexyfishdubai.com, @sexyfishdubai
Takahisa
Takahisa has built its reputation around excellence in wagyu beef and sushi, flown in from Japan to ensure authenticity. The omakase menus are led by chefs trained in Japan, who craft seasonal selections that highlight the quality of the ingredients. Rare cuts of beef and premium seafood distinguish Takahisa from other Japanese restaurants in Dubai.
The setting is elegant yet understated, allowing the focus to remain on the food. Guests experience traditional omakase service, where the interaction with the chef is part of the meal. For those seeking an uncompromisingly authentic experience with some of the best wagyu beef available in the city, Takahisa offers a benchmark for Japanese fine dining.
Quick Summary:
- 📍 Location: Bayan Tree Dubai, Bluewaters
- 🥩 Cuisine: Sushi and premium wagyu beef
- ✨ Feature: Authentic omakase menus led by Japanese-trained chefs
Mimi Kakushi
Mimi Kakushi brings the glamour of 1920s Osaka into the present with interiors that blend art deco influences and Japanese tradition. The menu offers a wide spectrum of dishes, from sushi and sashimi to robata-grilled selections, presented with flair. The restaurant captures a balance between nostalgia and modern interpretation.
It has become a popular destination for both residents and visitors, offering a dining experience that is as much about ambience as it is about flavour. The playful design elements and inventive cocktails add to its appeal, ensuring Mimi Kakushi holds a distinctive place in Dubai’s Japanese dining scene. Its mix of creativity, precision, and atmosphere makes it one of the most stylish options in the city.
Quick Summary:
- 📍 Location: Four Seasons Resort, Jumeirah
- 🍣 Cuisine: Japanese classics with global influence
- 🌆 Feature: 1920s Osaka-inspired design and atmosphere
Gohan
Gohan takes a minimalist approach, focusing on a concise menu of sushi, grilled items, and small plates. Its intimate size and understated design make it feel more like a hidden lounge than a traditional restaurant, offering a quieter alternative within DIFC’s busy dining scene.
The simplicity of the menu is intentional, keeping attention on the quality of the ingredients and the balance of flavours. The ambience reflects this ethos, with a relaxed energy that appeals to those looking for an unpretentious yet refined Japanese experience. Gohan’s integration within La Cantine du Faubourg ensures it remains discreet but highly regarded.
Quick Summary:
- 📍 Location: La Cantine du Faubourg, DIFC
- 🍣 Cuisine: Japanese small plates and sushi
- ✨ Feature: Intimate, understated setting with lounge energy
Hashi
Hashi, within Armani Hotel Dubai, offers a dining room and terrace with unmatched views of the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain. Its menu blends traditional Japanese preparations with modern interpretations, creating a mix of familiar and inventive dishes. Sushi, sashimi, and seafood remain central, paired with carefully designed cocktails.
The design reflects Armani’s aesthetic: minimal, elegant, and sophisticated. Dining on the terrace during the fountain show adds to the appeal, making Hashi a choice for special occasions as well as casual evenings. The restaurant’s ability to combine location, atmosphere, and culinary craft ensures its place among the leading Japanese restaurants in the city.
Quick Summary:
- 📍 Location: Armani Hotel Dubai
- 🍣 Cuisine: Traditional and modern Japanese
- 🌆 Feature: Terrace views of Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain
armanihotels.com, @armanihashi
Umi Kei
Umi Kei represents one of Dubai’s newer Japanese openings, with a focus on fresh ingredients and a clean, minimalist approach. The menu emphasises sushi and robata dishes, prepared with precision and an eye for balance. Its understated interiors allow the quality of the food to stand in the spotlight.
Despite being a newcomer, Umi Kei has attracted attention for its commitment to authenticity and detail. The straightforward design and ingredient-driven menu set it apart from more theatrical dining experiences, offering an alternative that feels refined in its simplicity. As part of Jumeirah’s dining landscape, it adds a fresh option for lovers of Japanese cuisine.
Quick Summary:
- 📍 Location: Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab
- 🍣 Cuisine: Modern sushi and robata
- ✨ Feature: Minimalist interiors with ingredient-driven menu
