Fresh Sashimi
The sashimi plate is praised for its intricate flower presentation on ice, with one reviewer calling it exceptionally fresh.
Hidemasa
DIFC
Hidemasa is a Japanese restaurant in DIFC, with reviews highlighting beautifully presented sushi and sashimi alongside a lively Saturday brunch. The outdoor Japanese garden seating, attentive service and occasional live music make it suitable for both relaxed dinners and longer weekend meals.
Reputation Score
4.7
★★★★★
312 ratings
Source: Google Maps
The Good Stuff
Brunch Setting
Saturday brunch can include an intimate outdoor garden setting under palm trees with live DJ music.
Attentive Service
Reviews repeatedly describe welcoming, knowledgeable service, including thoughtful menu guidance and careful table attention.
Creative Cocktails
The cocktail list includes inventive combinations; reviewers specifically enjoyed the Negroni, yuzu gin cocktail and Peach Melba.
Outdoor Seating
The Japanese outdoor seating next to the BBQ gives brunch visitors an alternative to the indoor dining areas.
Generous Portions
One lunch review found the servings generous and the food satisfying, which may matter when comparing DIFC dining prices.
Live Entertainment
Some brunches feature a DJ, singer and dancers, creating a more energetic multi-venue experience.
What to Eat at Hidemasa 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 Hidemasa, 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 Hidemasa, ranked by positive reviews minus negative reviews. Zero-score items have no net positive feedback; their labels distinguish neutral-only from mixed feedback.
Food 1
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Saturday brunch Net +4
“This hidden gem by Michelin star chef Yamamoto offers a fantastic Saturday brunch option with beautifully arranged high-quality food.”
Positive 4Negative 0
Review excerpts
“This hidden gem by Michelin star chef Yamamoto offers a fantastic Saturday brunch option with beautifully arranged high-quality food.”January 2024
“Saturday Brunch.. service was top notch.. food and wine was worth the price paid of 450 for two.. the DJ could have played better music though…”December 2023
Honorable mentions (11)
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Assorted sashimi Net +1
“Each dish is a masterpiece, especially the assorted sashimi. The staff's knowledge and passion for gastronomy enhance the overall enjoyment, big thanks to Omar (Moroccan buddy) and a Tunisian guy, making it a memorable journey for discerning food enthusiasts.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Each dish is a masterpiece, especially the assorted sashimi. The staff's knowledge and passion for gastronomy enhance the overall enjoyment, big thanks to Omar (Moroccan buddy) and a Tunisian guy, making it a memorable journey for discerning food enthusiasts.”December 2023
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Babes in toyland brunch Net +1
“So overall, I recommend their Babes in Toyland brunch, you get so much for your money, and enjoy multiple restaurants each with their own different music and show (Hidemasa, the Japanese restaurant, Mammounia, Arabic cuisine, Dolce, the night club area and so on)”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“So overall, I recommend their Babes in Toyland brunch, you get so much for your money, and enjoy multiple restaurants each with their own different music and show (Hidemasa, the Japanese restaurant, Mammounia, Arabic cuisine, Dolce, the night club area and so on)”March 2023
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Charcoal wagyu steak Net +1
“If you like meat, get the charcoal wagyu steak.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“If you like meat, get the charcoal wagyu steak.”December 2022
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Chicken snack Net +1
“The food was scrumptious! We tried many appetizers and mains and my favorite was- chicken snack, yellow fin tuna, cod fish and dumplings.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The food was scrumptious! We tried many appetizers and mains and my favorite was- chicken snack, yellow fin tuna, cod fish and dumplings.”December 2022
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Ebi tempura maki Net +1
“The dessert was truly the highlight of the night and the ebi tempura maki which is one of the best I’ve tried in Dubai.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The dessert was truly the highlight of the night and the ebi tempura maki which is one of the best I’ve tried in Dubai.”March 2023
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Nigiri platter Net +1
“We had a beautiful dinner at Hidemasa. Everything we ordered was sooo fresh and very delicious. The nigiri platter and the desserts were my absolute favorites 🥰Staff was attentive, kind and helpful.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We had a beautiful dinner at Hidemasa. Everything we ordered was sooo fresh and very delicious. The nigiri platter and the desserts were my absolute favorites 🥰Staff was attentive, kind and helpful.”November 2022
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Passionfruit desert Net +1
“My partner had beef as a main and I had fish. Both were cooked to perfection. The passionfruit desert is a MUST TRY, it's really good and it's not too sweet (I don't like deserts that are too sugary).”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“My partner had beef as a main and I had fish. Both were cooked to perfection. The passionfruit desert is a MUST TRY, it's really good and it's not too sweet (I don't like deserts that are too sugary).”November 2022
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Salmon ceviche Net +1
“We enjoyed mouthwatering cold and hot appetizers (salmon ceviche was the best I’ve ever tried), main courses (cod fish was amazing) and desserts ❤️”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We enjoyed mouthwatering cold and hot appetizers (salmon ceviche was the best I’ve ever tried), main courses (cod fish was amazing) and desserts ❤️”March 2023
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Sashimi plate Net +1
“One must also appreciate the presentation of the sashimi plate which was intricately laced with flowers and on a bed of ice; the freshest ones you can get in Dubai!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“One must also appreciate the presentation of the sashimi plate which was intricately laced with flowers and on a bed of ice; the freshest ones you can get in Dubai!”February 2024
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Saturday and sunday brunch Net +1
“Great experience with Hidemasa and their Saturday and Sunday brunch ! We enjoyed delicious meal ! Entertainment was good , great performances of singer and dancers .”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Great experience with Hidemasa and their Saturday and Sunday brunch ! We enjoyed delicious meal ! Entertainment was good , great performances of singer and dancers .”April 2023
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Coconut sago compote with fruit Net 0
Only neutral feedback
“I'd say the dessert has a lot more left to be desired... Firstly, it wasn't in theme to the Japanese brunch. Some cakes, gelato, and coconut sago compote with fruit. It was OK. I wasn't a fan of the cakes left a strange aftertaste.”
Positive 0Negative 0Neutral 1
Drinks 2
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Negroni Net +1
“Very cool place with a Michelin star menu. Inventive asian dishes with surprising tastes and quality cocktails (the negroni and the yuzu gin ones are so good). The service is five stars and the decor is super fancy. Definitely a new hidden gem in DIFC, give it a try!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Very cool place with a Michelin star menu. Inventive asian dishes with surprising tastes and quality cocktails (the negroni and the yuzu gin ones are so good). The service is five stars and the decor is super fancy. Definitely a new hidden gem in DIFC, give it a try!”November 2022
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Yuzu gin ones Net +1
“Very cool place with a Michelin star menu. Inventive asian dishes with surprising tastes and quality cocktails (the negroni and the yuzu gin ones are so good). The service is five stars and the decor is super fancy. Definitely a new hidden gem in DIFC, give it a try!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Very cool place with a Michelin star menu. Inventive asian dishes with surprising tastes and quality cocktails (the negroni and the yuzu gin ones are so good). The service is five stars and the decor is super fancy. Definitely a new hidden gem in DIFC, give it a try!”November 2022
Tips for a Better Visit
Book Ahead. Reserve brunch online in advance; one review says online booking was cheaper than paying at the venue.
Arrive Early. For brunch, arrive near the 1pm start if you want the full session, which runs until 5pm.
Check Packages. Ask about current brunch package promotions before booking; a reviewer reported an Entertainer buy-one-get-one offer.
Ask About Parking. If driving, check the valet arrangement when reserving; a brunch review mentions valet parking in DIFC.
Choose Your Mood. Ask which entertainment is scheduled: reviews range from quiet brunches to DJ, singer and dancer performances.
Plan the visit
Practical details
Al Fattan Currency House
Zaa'beel Second - DIFC, Dubai
Common Concerns
Dessert Mismatch
One brunch reviewer found the cakes and gelato less fitting than Japanese sweets and disliked the cakes' aftertaste.
Inconsistent Entertainment
Entertainment appears to vary: one Saturday brunch had no entertainment, while another reviewer found the DJ music disappointing.
Shisha Smell
A reviewer said the route to the restaurant and bathroom passes through a shisha lounge, bringing a noticeable smell.
Decor Details
One brunch review felt the red chairs and plastic flowers undermined the restaurant's upscale feel.
Juice Quality
Non-drinkers may find the juice selection limiting; one reviewer said the juices tasted like concentrate rather than fresh juice.
DXB
LOCAL
LOCAL
The Bottom Line
Hidemasa is a Japanese restaurant in DIFC where you can order sushi, sashimi, fish and beef dishes, or book the Saturday brunch. Reviews particularly highlight the nigiri platter, assorted sashimi, cod fish and ebi tempura maki. The restaurant also serves creative cocktails, including a Negroni and yuzu gin cocktail, while the brunch can extend beyond the Japanese dining room into a livelier multi-venue experience.
The atmosphere depends on the occasion. Dinner reviews describe an elegant, serene setting, while brunch may include a palm-shaded garden terrace, DJ music, a singer and dancers. The Japanese outdoor seating beside the BBQ is a useful detail for anyone who would rather sit outside.
Service is one of the strongest recurring themes, with reviewers mentioning knowledgeable menu guidance, attentive drink refills and generous servings. Brunch pricing and entertainment are not entirely consistent across reviews. One guest found the food and wine worth AED 450 for two, while another reported an Entertainer BOGO sparkling package at AED 599.
Book online and arrive near the 1pm start, as one reviewer said online reservations were cheaper and the brunch runs until 5pm. A few cautions: desserts may feel less Japanese than expected, juices may be concentrate-based, and one visit involved a noticeable shisha smell near the entrance.