One thing is for sure: Dubai has no shortage of Japanese restaurants. But how many are actually authentic? We’re talking handmade noodles soaking in broths rich with flavour and heritage; fresh ingredients flown from Japan; and expert hands carefully constructing perfectly balanced bites. If you prefer to stay away from sashimi platters served with dry ice and viral plates that only look good on Instagram, peruse MOJEH‘s edit of Japanese restaurants in Dubai that you should have on your radar.
Kima Izakaya
This award-winning gem puts food first. An intimate restaurant that doesn’t rely on the distractions of glamorous decor and gold leaf-topped everything, Kima has cemented itself as a favourite for Japanese-food loving residents in the neighbourhood and beyond. Genuine, welcoming staff present equally authentic dishes in an izakaya-style setting that invites you to linger long after your plates have been emptied; the concise menu features sharing classics from gyoza and beef tataki to donburis and sushi, and is complemented by a rotating selection of specials. Cluster R, Jumeirah Lakes Towers. Book now
Netsu by Ross Shonhan
Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai’s sprawling Japanese steakhouse celebrates premium cuts and fire-powered cooking techniques, sending out a stream of grilled meats from a central ‘theatre of fire.’ The extensive menu also includes salads, sushi, seafood and a selection of small and large plates – spring for the seven-course omakase experience for an evening curated by the head chef. In addition to the popular Netsu Brunch, the restaurant has unveiled a three-course Netsu Burger Experience that’ll run all summer long. Don’t forget to stop in at the Netsu Bar next door for a nightcap. Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai. Book now
Ramen Hisa
The ultimate comfort food, ramen has garnered a reputation as something you devour when you have the flu rather than a carefully curated bowl steeped in tradition. Ramen Hisa, from the team behind TakaHisa, serves intricate bowls brimming with hearty broths, high-quality ingredients and house-made noodles. Despite its swanky Dubai Opera address, the 28-seat restaurant mirrors a traditional Japanese home and strips away the downtown hustle and bustle to allow diners to immerse themselves in an authentic experience. Dubai Opera District, Downtown Dubai. Book now
Hōseki
Hōseki is a Michelin-starred omakase restaurant that is as elegant as its address. Located at the Bvlgari Resort Dubai, this 17-seater dining experience is led by a sixth-generation sushi master who transforms Japan’s finest ingredients mere inches from your plate. Due to the seasonality of the ingredients no two visits are the same, giving you an extra reason to return time and time again. Bvlgari Resort Dubai. Book now
Kokoro
One of Dubai’s coolest Japanese restaurants, Kokoro is the city’s first homegrown hand roll concept and has now welcomed a third branch in Dubai Mall due to overwhelming popularity. Each hand roll is prepared to order and handed over (literally) by the chef – think hamachi, sake, spicy tuna and hokkaido uni wrapped in toasted seaweed. While hand rolls are a great option for a quick lunch, the menu also includes a selection of crudo, nigiri, sashimi and salads if you’re looking to linger. Multiple outlets. Book now
Mimi Kakushi
The award-winning Japanese restaurant at Four Seasons Dubai Jumeira Beach is infused with the vibrancy of 1920s Osaka; the moody, jazz club-like interiors provide an energy that wouldn’t feel out of place in modern-day Manhattan. The extensive menu features familiar favourites – sushi, donburis, gyoza and a selection of shareable mains – and is best complemented by the bar’s award-winning concoctions. Four Seasons Resort Dubai. Book now
Daikan
Daikan is one of the city’s most beloved ramen restaurants. With no frills, no fuss and plenty of flavour, the aromatic ramen bowls are bursting with umami richness and comes adorned with traditional toppings (including the non-negotiable ajitama egg). The original Jumeirah Lakes Towers branch is an intimate space that fills up quickly, so you’ll want to head down early to beat the after-work crowd; Daikan Izakaya, its sister restaurant, recently opened in City Walk’s C2 district and is a fully-licensed venue with an expanded menu. Multiple outlets. Book now
Tansō
Tansō opened its doors in Jumeirah 1 earlier this year, presenting top-notch Japanese cuisine in a laid-back environment awash with neutral hues and natural light. Dubbed a “neo-Tokyo dining gallery” the expansive menu demonstrates quality ingredients, attention to detail and a mastery of modern techniques that touch on the traditional. Tansō is a chef-led concept that presents Japanese cuisine without gimmicks or clichés, where the dishes – generously seasoned with whimsy – bring the true character of Tokyo to life. Alongside the core menu is Tansō’s first seasonal curation, Daichi Volume 01, which pays homage to the GCC with culture-clashing dishes created with local ingredients. Jumeirah 1. Book now
Roka
This robatayaki restaurant is nestled at the heart of Business Bay, making it the perfect destination for business lunches (the generous offering is one of the best in the city) and date-night dinners alike. Yuzu-marinated black cod, yellowtail sashimi, king crab gyoza and lamb cutlets are some of the menu highlights, alongside sushi and sashimi. Keep your eyes peeled for the opening of Roka’s second branch at the highly anticipated Six Senses, The Palm in September. The Opus by Omniyat, Business Bay, Dubai. Book now
Reif Kushiyaki
The brainchild of chef-restaurateur Reif Othman, Reif Kushiyaki presents playful Japanese fare in a relaxed setting. First arriving in Dar Wasl, the restaurant quickly opened three new branches across Dubai (and three more in Egypt). The Dubai Hills branch is fully licensed and boasts the biggest menu; prawn toast, kimchi melon, 18-hour ramen, mushroom claypot rice and angus beef skewers drizzled with truffle mayo should top the must-try list for every newcomer. Multiple outlets. Book now
Kinoya
Supper-club-turned-restaurant Kinoya replicates the izakaya experience with chef-counter seating and straightforward dishes done well. If you can manage to secure a spot at this award-winning restaurant, be sure to order one of the eight speciality ramens on offer – slow-cooked broth and house-made noodles come together in an authentic bowl that’ll transport you straight to Japan. The Onyx Tower 2, The Greens. Book now
