Daikan Izakaya - City Walk

Daikan Izakaya - City Walk

Al Wasl

Japanese restaurant Open now 0 527 038 369

Daikan Izakaya is a Japanese ramen and izakaya-style restaurant in Al Wasl, with indoor and terrace seating and a drinks menu that includes sake and draft beer. Reviews point especially to the rich OG Ramen, shareable small plates and a relaxed, stylish City Walk atmosphere.

Reputation Score
4.7
★★★★★
1,109 ratings
5★
85%
4★
9%
3★
3%
2★
1%
1★
3%

Source: Google Maps

The Good Stuff

Showing 2 of 7
01

Rich ramen

The OG Ramen and Chef’s Special are praised for deep, umami-rich broth, well-textured noodles and generous toppings.

02

Great karaage

Chicken karaage is repeatedly described as tender and flavourful, making it one of the safer small-plate choices.

Let's go!

What to Eat at Daikan Izakaya - City Walk

Foods and drinks mentioned in reviews of Daikan Izakaya - City Walk, ranked by positive reviews minus negative reviews. Zero-score items have no net positive feedback; their labels distinguish neutral-only from mixed feedback.

Food 7

  1. Chicken karaage Net +6
    “For me, the highlights are the Spicy Miso Ramen and Karaage. The special Carbonara is great too! No complaints at all.”
  2. Takoyaki Net +5
    “Totally loved their Ramen. Tried their takoyaki its tatse good. Will definitely come back. Serving is fast.”
  3. Chef’s special ramen Net +4
    “The Chef’s Special Ramen is an absolute must-try and is generous enough to be shared between two people.”
  4. Gyoza Net +4
    “Tried the gyoza , it was also spot on.”
  5. Crab salad Net +2
    “• Starters: You can’t go wrong with their Crab Salad (always fresh) and the Wagyu Gyoza, which is incredibly juicy and high quality.”
  6. Tokyo banana roll Net +2
    “The tokyo banana roll was very reminiscent to the popular tokyo banana sweet from japan, which resembles a fresh banana flavored twinkie? But this dessert was just that, 10 times better LOL. It was a soft sponge cake that had a burnt sugary crust like a crème brûlée and a banana custard inside, with a side of vanilla icecream and caramel to pour on top. It was insane and so light and perfect aauaghggggfgwgehg.”
  7. Wagyu gyoza Net +2
    “And the wagyu gyoza? Beyond great.”
Honorable mentions (31)
  1. Beef skewers Net +1
    “The chicken dumplings are my all time favorite and the beef skewers were really nice too.”
  2. Bluefin roll Net +1
    “We ordered the Bluefin Roll (so good and make sure to ask for ponzu sauce on the side it makes it even better).”
  3. California roll Net +1
    “I haven’t tried every dish here yet but i’m almost certain everything is perfect and really yum. I’ve tried the chicken karaage, california roll, salmon roll, crispy tuna bites and crab salad alongside the ramen everything has been awesome.”
  4. Chicken crispy burger Net +1
    “Then we went for the Daikan Smash Burger (I can honestly say it is one of the best burgers I have had), Chicken Crispy Burger (It was a bit heavy but the filled with flavors) and one Daikan OG Ramen...”
  5. Chicken skin satay Net +1
    “Our regular favorite menu are of course Daikan OG the best on town surely, chicken karage, takoyaki omg we love it so much remind us for our home town, chicken skin satay, gyozaa, argghh we never get bored even once in a week ..”
  6. Chicken wings Net +1
    “We went for the Grilled Edamame (A nice starter), Chicken Wings (So good that the meat was falling off the bone), Chicken Karaage (Tender and juicy).”
  7. Classic ramen Net +1
    “Today i had the classic ramen and the tokyo banana roll, the classic was as usual perfect, not too heavy but amazingly flavorful in every single aspect, that broth is liquid gold ON GODDDDD.”
  8. Corn ribs Net +1
    “The Carbonara Ramen was exquisite, the Karage perfectly tender and light, the Corn Ribs were a pleasant surprise, the Takoyaki faithful to the original, the Tokyo Banana Roll and Yuzu Cheesecake were the perfect finishers.”
  9. Crispy tuna bites Net +1
    “I haven’t tried every dish here yet but i’m almost certain everything is perfect and really yum. I’ve tried the chicken karaage, california roll, salmon roll, crispy tuna bites and crab salad alongside the ramen everything has been awesome.”
  10. Crushed cucumber Net +1
    “I always order the Crushed Cucumber because it’s so refreshing, and the takoyaki is a must try.”
  11. Daikan og ramen Net +1
    “We also tried the Daikan OG ramen (both spicy and regular), which was rich and flavorful, though slightly salty as well.”
  12. Dragon roll Net +1
    “• Sushi & Sides: The Dragon Roll is a must try for sushi lovers, and their Kimchi adds the perfect kick to the meal. Everything on the menu is prepared with care.”
  13. Ginger ale Net +1
    “We also had the Ginger Ale, and honestly, it was one of the best I’ve had so far.”
  14. Grilled edamame Net +1
    “We went for the Grilled Edamame (A nice starter), Chicken Wings (So good that the meat was falling off the bone), Chicken Karaage (Tender and juicy).”
  15. Kimchi Net +1
    “• Sushi & Sides: The Dragon Roll is a must try for sushi lovers, and their Kimchi adds the perfect kick to the meal. Everything on the menu is prepared with care.”
  16. Lobster popcorn Net +1
    “The Lobster Popcorn was amazing, and the Shrimp Gyoza was incredibly flavorful.”
  17. Matcha ice cream Net +1
    “He gave us Matcha ice cream!!! Sooo good!”
  18. Mistubachi sour Net +1
    “I had the Mistubachi Sour, Chicken Skin Skewer, Lobster Popcorn, Wagyu Skewer & the OG Ramen Bowl. Props to the bartender for a great cocktail.”
  19. Og ramen(extra spicy) Net +1
    “• OG Ramen(EXTRA SPICY): This is an absolute masterpiece. The broth is rich and full of flavor; it’s a soul-warming bowl of ramen that never fails.”
  20. Salmon roll Net +1
    “I haven’t tried every dish here yet but i’m almost certain everything is perfect and really yum. I’ve tried the chicken karaage, california roll, salmon roll, crispy tuna bites and crab salad alongside the ramen everything has been awesome.”
  21. Salted edamame Net +1
    “The Salted Edamame is hands down some of the best edamame you’ll ever taste 🫛 — perfectly seasoned and addictively good.”
  22. Shrimp gyoza Net +1
    “The Lobster Popcorn was amazing, and the Shrimp Gyoza was incredibly flavorful.”
  23. Skewers Net +1
    “Among the starters, the chicken karaage and skewers are worth ordering — decent portions, well-prepared, and great for sharing.”
  24. Smoked shio dashi Net +1
    “The Smoked Shio Dashi had the most amazing broth, with a perfect balance of smokiness and richness. The clams, chicken, and gooey egg complemented each other wonderfully, creating an unforgettable flavor profile. The noodles were cooked just right too.”
  25. Spicy-sweet chicken wings Net +1
    “The spicy-sweet chicken wings were definitely the highlight, with a nice balance of sweetness and spice.”
  26. Steak sandwich Net +1
    “Daikan at City Walk is easily my favorite ramen spot in Dubai. The ramen is the best I’ve had here, and the steak sandwich is absolutely delicious.”
  27. Veggie gyoza Net +1
    “The Chicken Karaage was delicious and full of flavor, while the Veggie Gyoza was good but a bit salty for our taste.”
  28. Wagyu skewers Net +1
    “Wagyu skewers were tender and delish.”
  29. Yakitori Net +1
    “The atmosphere is stylish yet relaxed, and the food is outstanding - from perfectly grilled yakitori to rich, flavorful ramen and beautifully done desserts.”
  30. Yuzu cheesecake Net +1
    “The Carbonara Ramen was exquisite, the Karage perfectly tender and light, the Corn Ribs were a pleasant surprise, the Takoyaki faithful to the original, the Tokyo Banana Roll and Yuzu Cheesecake were the perfect finishers.”
  31. Ramen i got (the lamb) Net 0

    Only neutral feedback

    “The gyoza was exceptional, dessert was light and great, the ramen I got (the lamb) was alright, not as good as the rest of the dishes around the table.”

Drinks 3

  1. Anzu spritz Net +1
    “Also tried the Anzu Spritz which was delicious!”
  2. Strawberry virgin mojito Net +1
    “The highlight for me was the Strawberry Virgin Mojito, refreshing and absolutely perfect!”
  3. Virgin mojito Net +1
    “we ordered chef's special ramen, takoyaki, gyoza and virgin mojito. The ramens texture was a balance of chewiness and tender to the bite, the broth was so rich that every sip of it you can really taste umami.. the mayo in takoyaki also goes well with it.. I love that the virgin mojito was not so sweet,it is just so perfectly blended.. 👌”
What to Avoid (1)

Food 1

  1. Mixed skewers Net −1
    “The mixed skewers were also quite salty overall, although the beef and chicken were tender and well-cooked.”

Tips for a Better Visit

Showing 2 of 6
1

Reserve ahead. Book ahead if possible: one diner said a reservation was necessary, while another walk-in had to sit outside when the restaurant was full.

2

Bring a card. Use a debit or credit card, since reviews say the City Walk branch has moved to cashless payments.

Plan the visit

Practical details

Al Safa St
Al Wasl, Dubai
0 527 038 369
Mon12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Tue12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Wed12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Thu12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Fri12:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Sat12:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Sun12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Get directions

Common Concerns

Showing 2 of 5

Salty dishes

The OG Ramen, mixed skewers and some gyoza were described as noticeably or overly salty.

Limited seating

The branch can feel small, with limited indoor seating and bench seating possible when walk-ins arrive during busy periods.

Customer-reported prices

These are customer-reported mentions, not a current price list. Prices may have changed.

24aed for a 375ml bottle

water bottle

“Unfortunately our experience was tainted as we left feeling ripped off by the price charged for a water bottle -24aed for a 375ml bottle”
Google review · January 2026
DXB
LOCAL

The Bottom Line

Daikan Izakaya is a ramen-led Japanese restaurant in Al Wasl, suited to a casual dinner, date night or shared meal in the City Walk setting. The main draw is the ramen: the OG, Chef’s Special, Spicy Miso and Carbonara versions all receive strong mentions. Chicken karaage, takoyaki, gyoza and Crab Salad give groups plenty to explore beyond the bowls.

The setting is part of the appeal. Reviews describe a stylish but relaxed interior with dim lighting, a designed bar and music, plus terrace seating for outdoor meals. Food is often served quickly, and diners commonly mention warm, attentive service.

The restaurant also serves sake, draft beer, cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks such as the Strawberry Virgin Mojito. There are a few practical cautions. The branch can be small and may fill up, so booking ahead is sensible; walk-ins may end up outside or on a bench.

It is cashless, so bring a card. Salt levels are inconsistent: the OG broth, skewers and some gyoza were too salty for certain diners. Prices can feel premium, and one review specifically flagged AED 24 for a 375ml water bottle.

Check the bill before leaving.

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