Alba Restaurant Dubai

Alba Restaurant Dubai

Downtown Dubai

Alba is a Japanese restaurant in Downtown Dubai, near Dubai Opera, with a broader Asian-fusion menu shaped by Japanese, Korean and Chinese influences. Reviews point to carefully presented sushi and sashimi, creative cocktails, and standout desserts such as the matcha tiramisu with yuzu.

Reputation Score
4.8
★★★★★
445 ratings
5★
91%
4★
3%
3★
2%
2★
1%
1★
2%

Source: Google Maps

The Good Stuff

Showing 2 of 8
01

Fresh fish

Reviewers repeatedly highlight the quality of Alba’s raw fish, including excellent sushi, sashimi and a notably tender salmon filet.

02

Signature desserts

The matcha tiramisu with yuzu is a recurring favourite, while handmade mochi and spicy ice cream add less familiar finishing touches.

Let's go!

What to Eat at Alba Restaurant Dubai

These items at Alba Restaurant Dubai got the most positive mentions in user reviews. Check them out!

Food 2

  1. Mochi Net +2
    “To top it off, their matcha tiramisu and mochi were a delightful surprise—rich, creamy, and perfectly balanced.”
  2. Salmon filet Net +2
    “The most delicious Restaurant in Downtown with the most tender meats 👌 I really enjoyed their fresh Seafood , the Salmon Filet and the raw meats selection here which was extremely tasty and well prepared 😍 the sauces and ingredients complement each other very well, I truly had an amazing dinner experience here! Lovely interior design as well, it is a luxurious location in the heart of Downtown, which was very easily accessible as well thanks to their Valet Area right next to the restaurant, definitely 5⭐️ and top notch service ! Big thanks also for the lovely Cariny for taking care of me during my visit 🥰👌”
Honorable mentions (34)
  1. Bacon okonomiyaki Net +1
    “My favourites were Salmon Tamagoyaki, King Crab Tostada, Bacon Okonomiyaki and the Curry Wagyu Sando.”
  2. Beef curry katsu Net +1
    “The food was good with few dishes standing out like the beef curry Katsu.”
  3. Bibimbap Net +1
    “Their Bibimbap, spicy ramen and matcha tiramisu were our favorites.”
  4. Black cod Net +1
    “Everything I tasted was delicious, our server, Ida, was fantastic and knowledgeable. The lighting and decor is super dark and sultry, great for a date night! I had the black cod and sweet potato starter. Amazing dishes!”
  5. Carpaccio Net +1
    “The food was top-notch! Carpaccio, nigiri, gyoza — everything was outstanding.”
  6. Curry wagyu sando Net +1
    “My favourites were Salmon Tamagoyaki, King Crab Tostada, Bacon Okonomiyaki and the Curry Wagyu Sando.”
  7. Fresh tuna with melon Net +1
    “I especially enjoyed the fresh tuna with melon, and even more so the matcha tiramisu with yuzu. The flavors were amazing, and the cocktails were excellent.”
  8. Grilled black tiger prawns Net +1
    “Hamachi Tartare and Grilled Black Tiger Prawns are worth trying, and Yuzu Matcha Tiramisu was unforgettable.”
  9. Gyoza Net +1
    “The food was top-notch! Carpaccio, nigiri, gyoza — everything was outstanding.”
  10. Hamachi tartare Net +1
    “Hamachi Tartare and Grilled Black Tiger Prawns are worth trying, and Yuzu Matcha Tiramisu was unforgettable.”
  11. Hot bowl of ramen Net +1
    “Whether you're craving sushi, sashimi, or a hot bowl of ramen, Alba's skilled chefs deliver perfection with every bite.”
  12. Jasmine aromatic duck Net +1
    “Absolutely fantastic dining experience at Alba! The jasmine aromatic duck and octopus were standouts. The spicy ice cream was a unique and memorable dessert. Our waiter Twinkle... hilarious to top off the stellar service. Highly recommended!”
  13. Kale salad Net +1
    “The food was amazing , I really enjoyed the kale salad and tuna tartar. The ingredients were so fresh and tasty.”
  14. King crab tostada Net +1
    “My favourites were Salmon Tamagoyaki, King Crab Tostada, Bacon Okonomiyaki and the Curry Wagyu Sando.”
  15. Lazy breakfast Net +1
    “We went for the newly launched Lazy Breakfast and it was a great experience. The food was top notch and Mark cheerfully explained the dishes that were on this set menu.”
  16. Mango crepes Net +1
    “The mango crepes for dessert were the perfect ending to a perfect meal.”
  17. Matcha tiramisu with yuzu Net +1
    “I especially enjoyed the fresh tuna with melon, and even more so the matcha tiramisu with yuzu. The flavors were amazing, and the cocktails were excellent.”
  18. Octopus Net +1
    “Absolutely fantastic dining experience at Alba! The jasmine aromatic duck and octopus were standouts. The spicy ice cream was a unique and memorable dessert. Our waiter Twinkle... hilarious to top off the stellar service. Highly recommended!”
  19. Ramen wagyu noodles Net +1
    “I have tried their signature crab salad, ramen wagyu noodles that taste great.”
  20. Salmon grilled with wasaby sauce Net +1
    “At the top of it, I had an amazing salmon grilled with wasaby sauce, so delicious.”
  21. Salmon starter Net +1
    “You definitely need to try the salmon starter, incredibly tender and melts in your mouth, everything is incredibly delicious, the products are fresh!”
  22. Salmon tamagoyaki Net +1
    “My favourites were Salmon Tamagoyaki, King Crab Tostada, Bacon Okonomiyaki and the Curry Wagyu Sando.”
  23. Set menu Net +1
    “Tried the set menu. Food is good. Excellent quality fish.”
  24. Shrimp kushi Net +1
    “My husband was delighted with his KFC and I really enjoyed the shrimp kushi in particular.”
  25. Signature crab salad Net +1
    “I have tried their signature crab salad, ramen wagyu noodles that taste great.”
  26. Spicy ice cream Net +1
    “Absolutely fantastic dining experience at Alba! The jasmine aromatic duck and octopus were standouts. The spicy ice cream was a unique and memorable dessert. Our waiter Twinkle... hilarious to top off the stellar service. Highly recommended!”
  27. Spicy ramen Net +1
    “Their Bibimbap, spicy ramen and matcha tiramisu were our favorites.”
  28. Sweet potato starter Net +1
    “Everything I tasted was delicious, our server, Ida, was fantastic and knowledgeable. The lighting and decor is super dark and sultry, great for a date night! I had the black cod and sweet potato starter. Amazing dishes!”
  29. Tasting menu Net +1
    “But the true star of the night was the food. Every dish we ordered was a masterpiece - bursting with flavor and beautifully presented. We opted for the tasting menu, and it was a fantastic way to experience the chef's creativity. Each course was a surprise and delight, showcasing the freshest seasonal ingredients.”
  30. Tuna tartar Net +1
    “The food was amazing , I really enjoyed the kale salad and tuna tartar. The ingredients were so fresh and tasty.”
  31. Wagyu burger Net +1
    “The wagyu burger and wagyu meal were nothing short of perfection—succulent, flavorful, and cooked to absolute precision.”
  32. Wagyu meal Net +1
    “The wagyu burger and wagyu meal were nothing short of perfection—succulent, flavorful, and cooked to absolute precision.”
  33. Yuzu matcha tiramisu Net +1
    “Hamachi Tartare and Grilled Black Tiger Prawns are worth trying, and Yuzu Matcha Tiramisu was unforgettable.”
  34. Yuzu toast Net +1
    “Yuzu Toast was the best way to end the delightful meal on a sweet note.”

Drinks 3

  1. Afternoon tea Net +2
    “Had the pleasure of having afternoon tea there (unlimited tea). It was very delicious.”
  2. Buckwheat tea Net +1
    “Their buckwheat tea was highly recommended by their staff, and it was one of the best tea my friend and I have ever tried. Imagine the scent and taste of cookies/biscuits but in TEA! Mindblown.”
  3. Japanese touch afternoon tea Net +1
    “We had the loveliest time at Alba indulging in their Japanese Touch Afternoon Tea. Every bite was a treat, but what truly stole our hearts were their refreshing tea mocktails and the perfectly brewed teas 🍵💛”

Tips for a Better Visit

Showing 2 of 5
1

Try upstairs. For a more private table, ask about upstairs seating; one review found the downstairs open kitchen less private.

2

Book tea. The Japanese-style afternoon tea was reported at AED 260 for two and runs daily from 3–7 PM.

Plan the visit

Practical details

Dubai Opera Plaza - Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd
Burj Khalifa - Downtown Dubai, Dubai
Mon4:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Tue4:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Wed4:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Thu4:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Fri4:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Sat12:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Sun12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Get directions

Common Concerns

Showing 2 of 3

High pricing

One reviewer felt the pricing was at the higher end compared with similar restaurants, even while saying the food was worth it.

Value concerns

Another diner found the dishes decent but underwhelming overall for the price and would not rush back.

DXB
LOCAL

The Bottom Line

Alba is a Japanese restaurant in Downtown Dubai near Dubai Opera, with a menu that reaches into Korean and Chinese flavours. You can order sushi and sashimi, raw-fish dishes, grilled mains, cocktails and sake, or make a meal of smaller plates. Reviews most consistently praise the fresh fish and polished presentation.

The strongest dish-specific mentions include fresh tuna with melon, jasmine aromatic duck, octopus, Hamachi Tartare, Grilled Black Tiger Prawns and salmon filet. Desserts are worth leaving room for: the matcha tiramisu with yuzu appears more than once, while handmade mochi and spicy ice cream offer something less predictable. The Japanese Touch Afternoon Tea brings a large tea selection, including buckwheat tea and matcha-focused sweets and drinks.

The room is a major part of the draw, with dark, stylish decor and a more intimate feel that suits dates or special occasions. Upstairs may feel more private than the downstairs open-kitchen area. Service is usually described as attentive and knowledgeable, and one review mentions careful allergy reconfirmation.

There are a couple of cautions: one diner found the experience underwhelming for the price, and another felt the music did not always suit the restaurant’s theme. Afternoon tea was reported at AED 260 for two, from 3–7 PM daily.

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