Japanese dishes
Black cod, Wagyu beef tartare and fresh sushi are recurring highlights, with careful presentation and strong flavours.
Clap Dubai
DIFC
Clap Dubai is an upscale Japanese restaurant in DIFC, pairing a lively bar-and-lounge setting with dishes such as black cod and Wagyu beef tartare. The rooftop terrace, city views and music make it feel as suited to a late dinner or drinks as to a special occasion.
Reputation Score
4.4
★★★★☆
2,741 ratings
Source: Google Maps
The Good Stuff
Terrace views
The rooftop terrace and terrace tables offer striking city and Emirates Towers views.
Lively setting
The dark, stylish interior, DJ sets and gradually louder music create a dinner-to-nightlife atmosphere.
Bar programme
Reviews highlight creative cocktails, sake and attentive bar service, making the bar a useful option for drinks and light bites.
Business lunch
The business lunch has been praised for dishes including crispy rice salmon, spicy tuna, lamb rack and risotto.
Valet parking
Free valet service for three hours was reported as a convenient arrival perk.
What to Eat at Clap Dubai How we choose these items We use AI to find praise and criticism of specific foods and drinks in a selection of Google reviews. For Clap Dubai, this list is based on 50 reviews, not every review of the restaurant. The score is positive reviews minus negative reviews. For example, two positive reviews and one negative review give +1. Each review counts once per item; neutral comments do not change the score. A zero score is not a positive recommendation. “Only neutral feedback” means there are no positive or negative votes. “Mixed feedback” means equal numbers of positive and negative votes. The quotes are examples of what people said, not every comment we counted. We use different reviews where we can. We normally show up to 10 foods and 5 drinks with non-negative scores. Items with the same score stay together. If a tied group would go past the limit, that group and the lower non-negative scores go into Honorable mentions. If an overflowing positive top tie would leave the list empty, we show up to 10 items from that tie and keep the rest in Honorable mentions. Foods and drinks with a negative score are under What to Avoid. Use this as a guide to what reviewers liked, not a guarantee that you will like it too.
Foods and drinks mentioned in reviews of Clap Dubai, ranked by positive reviews minus negative reviews. Zero-score items have no net positive feedback; their labels distinguish neutral-only from mixed feedback.
Food 3
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Business lunch Net +2
“We sat for the business lunch and my cousin who was visiting Dubai was also very impressed by the service the food and the atmosphere.”
Positive 2Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We sat for the business lunch and my cousin who was visiting Dubai was also very impressed by the service the food and the atmosphere.”November 2025
“Lovely place, we had business lunch and it was tasty.”July 2025
-
Shrimp tempura roll Net +2
“Shrimp tempura roll and salmon sashimi were beautifully prepared and full of flavor.”
Positive 2Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Shrimp tempura roll and salmon sashimi were beautifully prepared and full of flavor.”February 2026
“The Crispy Rice Salmon was perfectly crunchy and flavorful, the Snow Crab Salad tasted fresh and light, and the Shrimp Tempura Roll was one of our favorite starters.”May 2026
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Wagyu beef tartare Net +2
“I tried the lamb chops, crab salad, and wagyu beef tartare — and each dish was outstanding. The lamb chops were beautifully seasoned and cooked to perfection, tender with just the right amount of char. The crab salad was fresh and vibrant, with a balance of flavors that made it light yet memorable. The wagyu beef tartare was a highlight: silky, rich, and perfectly complemented by its accompaniments.”
Positive 2Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I tried the lamb chops, crab salad, and wagyu beef tartare — and each dish was outstanding. The lamb chops were beautifully seasoned and cooked to perfection, tender with just the right amount of char. The crab salad was fresh and vibrant, with a balance of flavors that made it light yet memorable. The wagyu beef tartare was a highlight: silky, rich, and perfectly complemented by its accompaniments.”September 2025
Honorable mentions (27)
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Crispy rice salmon Net +1
“The Crispy Rice Salmon was perfectly crunchy and flavorful, the Snow Crab Salad tasted fresh and light, and the Shrimp Tempura Roll was one of our favorite starters.”
Positive 2Negative 1
Review excerpts
“The Crispy Rice Salmon was perfectly crunchy and flavorful, the Snow Crab Salad tasted fresh and light, and the Shrimp Tempura Roll was one of our favorite starters.”May 2026
“The crispy rice salmon, the spicy tuna, lamb rack and rissoto was to die for.”February 2026
-
Ceviche Net +1
“The ceviche, the octopus, and the vegetarian options were all of outstanding quality and beautifully prepared.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The ceviche, the octopus, and the vegetarian options were all of outstanding quality and beautifully prepared.”January 2026
-
Chicken tenders Net +1
“The chicken tenders deserve a shoutout of their own. Overall, amazing food, stunning views, and top-notch service. Definitely a place I’d return to and highly recommend.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The chicken tenders deserve a shoutout of their own. Overall, amazing food, stunning views, and top-notch service. Definitely a place I’d return to and highly recommend.”January 2026
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Chilean sea bass Net +1
“The maid was a Chilean sea bass which was absolutely delicious albeit the size of a Tic Tac box.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The maid was a Chilean sea bass which was absolutely delicious albeit the size of a Tic Tac box.”May 2026
-
Cocktails Net +1
“If Patrick is preparing your drinks, you’re in for a treat. His cocktails are exceptional and crafted with great attention to detail.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“If Patrick is preparing your drinks, you’re in for a treat. His cocktails are exceptional and crafted with great attention to detail.”July 2026
-
Crab salad Net +1
“I tried the lamb chops, crab salad, and wagyu beef tartare — and each dish was outstanding. The lamb chops were beautifully seasoned and cooked to perfection, tender with just the right amount of char. The crab salad was fresh and vibrant, with a balance of flavors that made it light yet memorable.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I tried the lamb chops, crab salad, and wagyu beef tartare — and each dish was outstanding. The lamb chops were beautifully seasoned and cooked to perfection, tender with just the right amount of char. The crab salad was fresh and vibrant, with a balance of flavors that made it light yet memorable.”September 2025
-
Gyoza with beef and foie gras Net +1
“The gyoza with beef and foie gras were absolutely mind-blowing, rich and full of flavour.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The gyoza with beef and foie gras were absolutely mind-blowing, rich and full of flavour.”January 2026
-
Lamb rack Net +1
“The crispy rice salmon, the spicy tuna, lamb rack and rissoto was to die for.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The crispy rice salmon, the spicy tuna, lamb rack and rissoto was to die for.”February 2026
-
Lamp chops Net +1
“The lamp chops were Cooked to perfection and well seasoned.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The lamp chops were Cooked to perfection and well seasoned.”July 2025
-
Marinated lamb rack Net +1
“For the main course, the Marinated Lamb Rack was tender, rich, and cooked beautifully.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“For the main course, the Marinated Lamb Rack was tender, rich, and cooked beautifully.”May 2026
-
Matcha cheesecake Net +1
“To finish, we shared the matcha cheesecake, which was a lovely, light dessert and the perfect ending to the meal.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“To finish, we shared the matcha cheesecake, which was a lovely, light dessert and the perfect ending to the meal.”February 2026
-
Miso tirsmisu Net +1
“We had a desert from the a la carte menu - the miso tirsmisu - it was the best dish of the lunch.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We had a desert from the a la carte menu - the miso tirsmisu - it was the best dish of the lunch.”May 2026
-
Octopus Net +1
“The ceviche, the octopus, and the vegetarian options were all of outstanding quality and beautifully prepared.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The ceviche, the octopus, and the vegetarian options were all of outstanding quality and beautifully prepared.”January 2026
-
Risotto Net +1
“A vibrant bar, lounge and restaurant known for its lively atmosphere, creative cocktails, and great music. Perfect for a fun night out with friends, it offers an energetic vibe and stylish setting. Is a popular spot also for fun, their risotto and fish is amazing 🤤”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“A vibrant bar, lounge and restaurant known for its lively atmosphere, creative cocktails, and great music. Perfect for a fun night out with friends, it offers an energetic vibe and stylish setting. Is a popular spot also for fun, their risotto and fish is amazing 🤤”October 2025
-
Rissoto Net +1
“The crispy rice salmon, the spicy tuna, lamb rack and rissoto was to die for.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The crispy rice salmon, the spicy tuna, lamb rack and rissoto was to die for.”February 2026
-
Sake Net +1
“Two standout features of this place are the bar — offering a great variety of cocktails and drinks, including sake — and Ali’s music, which creates a unique and memorable vibe.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Two standout features of this place are the bar — offering a great variety of cocktails and drinks, including sake — and Ali’s music, which creates a unique and memorable vibe.”April 2026
-
Salmon sashimi Net +1
“Shrimp tempura roll and salmon sashimi were beautifully prepared and full of flavor.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Shrimp tempura roll and salmon sashimi were beautifully prepared and full of flavor.”February 2026
-
Salmon volcano Net +1
“We enjoyed all of the food, especially the soft shell crab tempura and the salmon volcano.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We enjoyed all of the food, especially the soft shell crab tempura and the salmon volcano.”November 2025
-
Set menu Net +1
“Both times we ordered the set menu. It was nice overall, but honestly can be improved”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Both times we ordered the set menu. It was nice overall, but honestly can be improved”April 2026
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Snow crab salad Net +1
“The Crispy Rice Salmon was perfectly crunchy and flavorful, the Snow Crab Salad tasted fresh and light, and the Shrimp Tempura Roll was one of our favorite starters.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The Crispy Rice Salmon was perfectly crunchy and flavorful, the Snow Crab Salad tasted fresh and light, and the Shrimp Tempura Roll was one of our favorite starters.”May 2026
-
Soft shell crab tempura Net +1
“We enjoyed all of the food, especially the soft shell crab tempura and the salmon volcano.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We enjoyed all of the food, especially the soft shell crab tempura and the salmon volcano.”November 2025
-
Spicy tuna Net +1
“The crispy rice salmon, the spicy tuna, lamb rack and rissoto was to die for.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The crispy rice salmon, the spicy tuna, lamb rack and rissoto was to die for.”February 2026
-
Sushi platter Net +1
“The sushi platter was incredibly fresh, beautifully presented, and packed with great flavour.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The sushi platter was incredibly fresh, beautifully presented, and packed with great flavour.”June 2026
-
Tomahawk steaks Net +1
“Tomahawk steaks are of a good quality, but prepared bland. No basic seasoning of any sorts, nor are salt or pepper provided.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Tomahawk steaks are of a good quality, but prepared bland. No basic seasoning of any sorts, nor are salt or pepper provided.”November 2024
-
Tuna tartar roll Net +1
“• Tuna Tartar Roll: 7/10 — Decent, but not the best.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“• Tuna Tartar Roll: 7/10 — Decent, but not the best.”October 2025
-
Wagyu beef donburi Net +1
“For mains, we had the black cod and the Wagyu beef donburi, and both were outstanding. Perfectly cooked, well-balanced, and truly satisfying.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“For mains, we had the black cod and the Wagyu beef donburi, and both were outstanding. Perfectly cooked, well-balanced, and truly satisfying.”February 2026
-
Lamb chops Net 0
Mixed feedback
“I tried the lamb chops, crab salad, and wagyu beef tartare — and each dish was outstanding. The lamb chops were beautifully seasoned and cooked to perfection, tender with just the right amount of char.”
Positive 1Negative 1
Review excerpts
“I tried the lamb chops, crab salad, and wagyu beef tartare — and each dish was outstanding. The lamb chops were beautifully seasoned and cooked to perfection, tender with just the right amount of char.”September 2025
What to Avoid (7)
Food 6
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Crispi mushroom salad Net −1
“The second started was anothersignature - crispi mushroom salad - which was heavily ladenwith tahini for the mandatory local touch; i did not like it either.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“The second started was anothersignature - crispi mushroom salad - which was heavily ladenwith tahini for the mandatory local touch; i did not like it either.”May 2026
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King prawns Net −1
“Our only comment would be that some of the king prawns from our main course were overcooked.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“Our only comment would be that some of the king prawns from our main course were overcooked.”November 2025
-
Miso soup Net −1
“The miso soup is one of their signatures; I did not like it.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“The miso soup is one of their signatures; I did not like it.”May 2026
-
Sea bass roll Net −1
“• Sea Bass Roll: 6.5/10 — Not recommended.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“• Sea Bass Roll: 6.5/10 — Not recommended.”October 2025
-
Tiger prawns Net −1
“I have never in all my travels seen tiger prawns this small. They were also prepared quite bland. The shitake mushrooms that accompanied it was good though.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“I have never in all my travels seen tiger prawns this small. They were also prepared quite bland. The shitake mushrooms that accompanied it was good though.”November 2024
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Truffle risotto Net −1
“The truffle risotto was definitely not prepared fresh. The starchy sticky texture tells its own story.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“The truffle risotto was definitely not prepared fresh. The starchy sticky texture tells its own story.”November 2024
Drinks 1
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Pepsi max Net −1
“He said “you’re in the wrong place” and then hands me the Pepsi max and a glass with ice.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“He said “you’re in the wrong place” and then hands me the Pepsi max and a glass with ice.”February 2026
Tips for a Better Visit
Arrive early. For Saturday brunch, arrive by the 12:30 start because the venue can fill quickly.
Check portions. Before choosing a promotional set menu, ask how its portions compare with the regular menu.
Confirm seating. Ask for indoor, terrace or non-smoking seating when booking, particularly during hot weather or with respiratory sensitivities.
Mention allergies. State allergies clearly when ordering and ask management to confirm any requested substitutions.
Use valet. If arriving by car, ask about the reported three-hour complimentary valet service.
Plan the visit
Practical details
Gate Village, Building 3 - 11, level 9 - towards DIFC Parking
Zaa'beel Second - DIFC, Dubai
| Mon | 12:00 PM – 2:00 AM |
| Tue | 12:00 PM – 2:00 AM |
| Wed | 12:00 PM – 2:00 AM |
| Thu | 12:00 PM – 3:00 AM |
| Fri | 12:00 PM – 3:00 AM |
| Sat | 12:30 PM – 3:00 AM |
| Sun | 1:00 PM – 2:00 AM |
Common Concerns
Uneven service
Several reviews describe slow, inattentive or dismissive service, including orders missed by multiple waiters.
Small portions
Some promotional menus and set meals were criticised for portions too small for the price.
Heat issues
Reviews mention hot indoor seating, faulty air-conditioning and uncomfortable summer conditions.
Loud atmosphere
Music and speakers can be uncomfortably loud, especially for guests expecting a calmer meal.
Smoking area
The open smoking area may be uncomfortable for non-smokers and guests with respiratory issues.
Customer-reported prices
These are customer-reported mentions, not a current price list. Prices may have changed.
AED 125
business lunch menu
“The business lunch menu had more choice for 2 courses including 2 starters plus miso soup at AED 125”Google review · May 2026
AED 325
lamb chops
“We ordered lamb chops (listed at AED 325 on the regular menu) and were served just two tiny pieces”Google review · April 2026
DXB
LOCAL
LOCAL
The Bottom Line
Clap Dubai is an upscale Japanese restaurant in DIFC that works particularly well when dinner is meant to include atmosphere as well as food. Reviews repeatedly point to the black cod, Wagyu beef tartare, sushi platter and crispy rice salmon, while the rooftop terrace brings city views to the meal. The setting is dark, stylish and lively, with a bar serving cocktails and sake and music that can build through the evening.
That makes it a natural choice for drinks, a celebratory dinner or Saturday brunch rather than a quiet, conversation-first meal. The terrace and views are consistent highlights, and free valet parking for three hours has been reported. There are important caveats.
Service is not completely consistent: some diners describe warm, attentive care, while others waited for orders, struggled to get staff attention or felt poorly handled at reception. Portions on promotional menus can be surprisingly small, and reviews also flag hot seating, loud music and an open smoking area. For brunch, arrive at the 12:30 start because it fills quickly.
If booking a set-menu offer, confirm the portion size and request suitable seating in advance.