Nikkei cooking
The Japanese-Peruvian fusion brings fresh, bold flavours to dishes such as ceviche, sushi and tacos.
Clay Dubai
Bluewaters Island
Clay Dubai is a Japanese-Peruvian restaurant on Bluewaters Island, pairing Japanese techniques with Peruvian flavours. Reviews highlight its sushi and ceviche, while the terrace and waterfront setting make it a natural choice for date nights, celebrations and relaxed upscale meals.
Reputation Score
4.7
★★★★★
816 ratings
Source: Google Maps
The Good Stuff
Waterfront views
The Bluewaters Island setting gives diners waterfront views, including the Ferris wheel and surrounding skyline.
Fresh sushi
Several reviews specifically praise the sushi and rolls for being fresh, flavourful and beautifully presented.
Dietary care
One celiac diner said the team adapted the entire three-course lunch menu to meet strict gluten-free needs.
Date-night mood
The atmosphere is described as chilled, romantic and elegant, with music that suits an evening out.
Lunch value
The three-course lunch menu and business lunch are repeatedly mentioned as worthwhile options for daytime dining.
Creative drinks
Reviews describe the cocktails as creative and well mixed, with Japanese whiskey pairings also available.
Striking design
The interior is a major part of the visit, with artistic decor and an elegant, modern setting.
What to Eat at Clay 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 Clay 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.
These items at Clay Dubai got the most positive mentions in user reviews. Check them out!
Food 10
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12-Course omakase meal Net +1
“My wife and I opted for the 12-course Omakase meal and it was just an amazing culinary journey. The chef talked us through the courses and we had a lovely discussion througout. Each dish was more delicious than the one before, and you know you're getting your money's worth when you see the quality of the ingredients and yhe impressive technique of preparation!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“My wife and I opted for the 12-course Omakase meal and it was just an amazing culinary journey. The chef talked us through the courses and we had a lovely discussion througout. Each dish was more delicious than the one before, and you know you're getting your money's worth when you see the quality of the ingredients and yhe impressive technique of preparation!”July 2025
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3-Course lunch menu Net +1
“We had lunch at Clay on Bluewaters Island and enjoyed the 3-course lunch menu—an all-around wonderful experience. Since we have to follow a strict gluten-free diet due to celiac disease, this was especially important to us. The entire team took our needs very seriously and adapted all the dishes accordingly. We felt well taken care of and safe the entire time. The food was outstanding—the flavors were top-notch, the presentation was beautiful, and the lunch menu offered excellent value for the price.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We had lunch at Clay on Bluewaters Island and enjoyed the 3-course lunch menu—an all-around wonderful experience. Since we have to follow a strict gluten-free diet due to celiac disease, this was especially important to us. The entire team took our needs very seriously and adapted all the dishes accordingly. We felt well taken care of and safe the entire time. The food was outstanding—the flavors were top-notch, the presentation was beautiful, and the lunch menu offered excellent value for the price.”July 2026
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Broccolini Net +1
“On the side, we enjoyed the broccolini, served al dente with a tangy balsamic ponzu dressing.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“On the side, we enjoyed the broccolini, served al dente with a tangy balsamic ponzu dressing.”October 2025
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Business lunch Net +1
“We had the business lunch and had an absolutely Amazing experience! Highly recommend.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We had the business lunch and had an absolutely Amazing experience! Highly recommend.”December 2025
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Chefs 12 courses menu Net +1
“We had the chefs 12 courses menu, and it was absolutely stunning. The food and drinks were perfect, and the service was just as good.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We had the chefs 12 courses menu, and it was absolutely stunning. The food and drinks were perfect, and the service was just as good.”August 2025
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Chilean sea bass Net +1
“The Chilean sea bass, served over Nikkei rice with yellow chili and dashi, accompanied by a criolla salad, was delicate and flavorful.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The Chilean sea bass, served over Nikkei rice with yellow chili and dashi, accompanied by a criolla salad, was delicate and flavorful.”October 2025
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Churros Net +1
“For dessert, we tried the churros served with a citrus fudge sauce—crispy and indulgent.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“For dessert, we tried the churros served with a citrus fudge sauce—crispy and indulgent.”October 2025
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Corn-fed chicken Net +1
“The corn-fed chicken was tender and mildly spiced with chili and Shoyu, paired with purple potatoes topped with cheese.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The corn-fed chicken was tender and mildly spiced with chili and Shoyu, paired with purple potatoes topped with cheese.”October 2025
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Edamame Net +1
“The edamame was the best I’ve ever tried, the guacamole was a piece of art, and the meat was cooked perfectly.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The edamame was the best I’ve ever tried, the guacamole was a piece of art, and the meat was cooked perfectly.”April 2026
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Grilled seabass Net +1
“The mains from the Business lunch - the Steak and the Grilled seabass were on point yet the sushi presentation stole the show for us. A special mention to Collet who explain every dish and was very friendly and helpful.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The mains from the Business lunch - the Steak and the Grilled seabass were on point yet the sushi presentation stole the show for us. A special mention to Collet who explain every dish and was very friendly and helpful.”November 2025
Honorable mentions (16)
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Guacamole with chips Net +1
“I especially loved the guacamole with chips, the refreshing papaya salad, and the light, crispy prawn tempura.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I especially loved the guacamole with chips, the refreshing papaya salad, and the light, crispy prawn tempura.”August 2025
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Omakase experience Net +1
“The food was exceptional. We ordered the omakase experience, which was prepared right in front of us by a young Peruvian chef who was warm, knowledgeable, and explained each dish in detail. Besides the taste, even the presentation of each dish was impeccable.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The food was exceptional. We ordered the omakase experience, which was prepared right in front of us by a young Peruvian chef who was warm, knowledgeable, and explained each dish in detail. Besides the taste, even the presentation of each dish was impeccable.”November 2025
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Philadelphia roll Net +1
“Cuisine is fresh and delicious - especially the sushi, and the Philadelphia roll was a standout.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Cuisine is fresh and delicious - especially the sushi, and the Philadelphia roll was a standout.”April 2026
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Prawn tempura Net +1
“I especially loved the guacamole with chips, the refreshing papaya salad, and the light, crispy prawn tempura.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I especially loved the guacamole with chips, the refreshing papaya salad, and the light, crispy prawn tempura.”August 2025
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Salmon with passionfruit Net +1
“I highly recommend the salmon with passionfruit and the seared foie gras scallops.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I highly recommend the salmon with passionfruit and the seared foie gras scallops.”September 2025
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Seared foie gras scallops Net +1
“I highly recommend the salmon with passionfruit and the seared foie gras scallops.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I highly recommend the salmon with passionfruit and the seared foie gras scallops.”September 2025
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Short rib niku bao Net +1
“We loved everything, from the refreshing papaya salad to the Short rib Niku Bao, the grass‑fed chicken, the baby broccoli, and the ceviche, each plate was perfectly balanced, full of flavor, and beautifully presented.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We loved everything, from the refreshing papaya salad to the Short rib Niku Bao, the grass‑fed chicken, the baby broccoli, and the ceviche, each plate was perfectly balanced, full of flavor, and beautifully presented.”February 2026
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Sushi set Net +1
“The sushi set was one of the best I’ve ever had, absolutely delicious and beautifully presented.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The sushi set was one of the best I’ve ever had, absolutely delicious and beautifully presented.”March 2026
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Sushi wheel Net +1
“Our mains included a beautifully presented sushi wheel—a nod to Dubai’s Al Ain Ferris wheel—featuring a variety of sushi rolls and nigiri served with dramatic dry ice.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Our mains included a beautifully presented sushi wheel—a nod to Dubai’s Al Ain Ferris wheel—featuring a variety of sushi rolls and nigiri served with dramatic dry ice.”October 2025
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Thai salmon ceviche Net +1
“The Thai salmon ceviche was fresh and zesty, made with lemongrass, chili, and mango, and served with crisp coconut crackers.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The Thai salmon ceviche was fresh and zesty, made with lemongrass, chili, and mango, and served with crisp coconut crackers.”October 2025
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Tuna nigiri Net +1
“The uramaki and tuna nigiri were standout bites and a highlight for any sushi lover.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The uramaki and tuna nigiri were standout bites and a highlight for any sushi lover.”October 2025
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Tuna tacos Net +1
“Every single thing that we ordered was amazing, especially the tuna tacos, the lamb and the molten dessert.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Every single thing that we ordered was amazing, especially the tuna tacos, the lamb and the molten dessert.”February 2026
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Uramaki Net +1
“The uramaki and tuna nigiri were standout bites and a highlight for any sushi lover.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The uramaki and tuna nigiri were standout bites and a highlight for any sushi lover.”October 2025
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Wheel of sushi Net +1
“But the true highlight? The wheel of sushi – absolutely indulgent and so good it gave me a food coma (in the best way possible)!”
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Review excerpts
“But the true highlight? The wheel of sushi – absolutely indulgent and so good it gave me a food coma (in the best way possible)!”August 2025
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Yasai tempura Net +1
“The Yasai Tempura was light and crunchy, with a mix of asparagus, onion, shiso, mushroom, corn, and tofu, served with traditional Tentsuyu sauce.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The Yasai Tempura was light and crunchy, with a mix of asparagus, onion, shiso, mushroom, corn, and tofu, served with traditional Tentsuyu sauce.”October 2025
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Yuzu cheesecake Net +1
“The Yuzu cheesecake was a sophisticated blend of yuzu mousse, mango ginger foam, lime confit, and matcha crumble.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The Yuzu cheesecake was a sophisticated blend of yuzu mousse, mango ginger foam, lime confit, and matcha crumble.”October 2025
Tips for a Better Visit
Ask for tablet. Ask for the tablet menu if you want photos of the dishes; one solo diner said it was available but had to be requested.
Save dessert room. Leave space for dessert: multiple reviews call it a highlight, and one specifically recommends saving room.
Flag gluten-free. Tell the team about celiac disease or gluten intolerance before ordering; a lunch menu was adapted accordingly.
Try terrace. For the setting, request or choose the open-air terrace, which reviewers associate with Ferris wheel and JBR views.
Consider lunch. If you want better value than an evening tasting menu, look at the three-course or business lunch options.
Parking access. Driving is relatively straightforward according to one review, which notes that parking is convenient at the Bluewaters Island location.
Plan the visit
Practical details
Clay Dubai
Marsa Dubai - Bluewaters Island, Dubai
| Mon | 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM |
| Tue | 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM |
| Wed | 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM |
| Thu | 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM |
| Fri | 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM |
| Sat | 1:00 PM – 1:00 AM |
| Sun | 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM |
Common Concerns
Sugar charge
One returning guest was surprised by an additional 100 AED charge for taking a few table sugar vials as souvenirs.
Whiskey gap
A brunch reviewer liked the cocktails but felt the menu should include a whiskey cocktail.
Customer-reported prices
These are customer-reported mentions, not a current price list. Prices may have changed.
100 AED
additional charge for sugar vials
“When we took a few with us, we were unexpectedly asked to pay an additional 100 AED for them”Google review · March 2026
2,276 AED
total bill for three people
“This evening our total bill for three people was 2,276 AED, which reflects the level of restaurant we expect and appreciate”Google review · March 2026
DXB
LOCAL
LOCAL
The Bottom Line
Clay Dubai is a Japanese-Peruvian restaurant on Bluewaters Island, built around Nikkei-style cooking and a polished waterfront setting. You can order sushi, ceviche, tacos and other dishes that combine Japanese technique with Peruvian ingredients; reviews repeatedly mention fresh seafood, bold flavours and careful presentation. The signature ceviche, truffle-bluefin tacos, Lucuma Lava and sushi sets are among the dishes customers specifically call out.
The 12-course Omakase meal is a more involved choice, with the chef explaining each course, while the three-course lunch and business lunch are described as better-value ways to try the kitchen. Cocktails also receive strong marks, and one guest enjoyed a Japanese whiskey pairing built around the food. The mood leans elegant but relaxed rather than stiff.
Reviews describe romantic evenings, stylish interiors, good music and an open-air terrace overlooking the Ferris wheel and JBR. Parking is reported as convenient, and the location provides waterfront views around Ain Dubai. For dietary needs, mention celiac disease or gluten intolerance before ordering; one lunch party said the team adapted every dish safely.
One returning guest was unhappy about being charged 100 AED for taking a few sugar vials, so clarify any unusual takeaway request first.